Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
August 11, 2020
New information is in red and bold.
This update is available online at healthvermont.gov/covid19
Click the “See the Latest Update” button.
Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s COVID-19 web and data pages
healthvermont.gov/covid19
COVID-19 prevention and response efforts will help schools reopen safely
Governor Phil Scott, health and education officials said at a press conference Tuesday that, while anxiety about schools reopening this fall is understandable, Vermonters can have confidence in the robust system in place to prevent spread of the virus and quickly respond to any cases that arise.
“This has been key to our reopening — where we’ve seen cases connected to worksites and even child care centers — but they have not resulted in increased community transmission like we saw this spring or what other states are seeing today,” Gov. Phil Scott said.
State Epidemiologist Patsy Kelso emphasized that even with low levels of the virus in Vermont, schools should plan for cases of COVID-19, but that a case does not automatically mean a school needs to close. If students remain together in a single classroom without mixing with others, for example, that classroom may stop in-person instruction for 24 hours while Health teams begin contact tracing and provide further recommendations, she said.
The data shows our containment strategies are working, Kelso said.
“It’s mission critical to open schools, and we have to try,” she said. “There may be no safer place to do it than Vermont.”
Education officials also announced updates to school reopening guidance, in addition to releasing guidance for sports this fall.
Secretary of Education Daniel French said changes include more flexible distancing requirements for younger students. This is based on data that children less than 10 years old are the least likely to acquire and transmit COVID-19, even in close contact scenarios. Younger students can maintain a range of 3 to 6 feet between students. He also noted the daily health check process can now be done by parents or students themselves.
Case Information
Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont
As of 12 p.m. on August 11, 2020
|
Description |
Number |
||
|
Total cases* |
1,472 (11 new) |
||
|
Currently hospitalized |
1 |
||
|
Hospitalized under investigation |
11 |
||
|
Total people recovered |
1,295 |
||
|
Deaths+ |
58 |
||
|
People tested |
103,957 |
||
|
Travelers monitored |
964 |
||
|
Contacts monitored |
31 |
||
|
People completed monitoring |
6,199 |
* Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.
+ Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.
Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information.
Find more at the data dashboard: healthvermont.gov/currentactivity.
Getting Tested for COVID-19
Not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19. Use CDC’s Self-Checker tool to find out if you should be tested.
If you think you may need to get tested, talk with your health care provider, or call 2-1-1 if you don’t have a provider and need to be connected to care.
If you do need testing, look for a clinic or pharmacy that offers testing near you, or register at a pop-up location.
See how to get tested and to make an appointment.
Guidance for Vermonters
If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
If you are having even mild symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider.
Maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet and wear a mask when near others.
Get the information you need at our Frequently Asked Questions.
Traveler Information
With case numbers up in states across the country, it is important to have the latest information about travel to Vermont, including about quarantine requirements, testing, and to sign up with Sara Alert for symptom check reminders.
Take Care of Your Emotional and Mental Health
If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:
- Call your local mental health crisis line.
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
- Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
- For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.
Get self-help tips and connect to mental health services at COVID Support VT.
See ways for Coping with Stress.
For more information:
- COVID-19 health information, guidance and case data: healthvermont.gov/covid19
- Governor’s actions: governor.vermont.gov/covid19response
- The state’s modeling: dfr.vermont.gov/about-us/covid-19/modeling