Vermont Business Magazine As the pandemic stretches on, state officials asked Vermonters at Friday’s press conference to tune into their mental health and wellness right now, and to look out for one another. This comes after the VDH reported over 200 cases of COVID-19 on Thursday and two more deaths Friday and reported another two on Saturday, for a statewide total of 79. Like most places in the US, Vermont has seen a post-Halloween spike in cases.
Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
December 4, 2020
New or updated 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
State officials ask Vermonters to pay attention to mental health, stigma
As the pandemic stretches on, state officials asked Vermonters at Friday’s press conference to tune into their mental health and wellness right now, and to look out for one another.
This comes after the VDH reported over 200 cases of COVID-19 on Thursday and two more deaths today, for a statewide total of 77. Like most places in the US, Vermont has seen a post-Halloween spike in cases.
Mental Health Commissioner Sarah Squirrell talked about the strain COVID-19 has placed on our daily lives. People are struggling with isolation, unemployment, financial pressure, housing and food challenges.
“My message to Vermonters today, is that you are not alone, it’s OK to not feel OK right now,” Squirrell said. “Do not be afraid to talk about it, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, acknowledged the difficulties ahead, as we are asked to stay home and within our own households during the holidays to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities.
He also called on all of us to fight the urge to judge or blame any person or place affected by COVID-19.
“We cannot let fear, gossip and negative attitudes harm our efforts to stop this virus from spreading,” Dr. Levine said. “Stigma can lead to people hiding their symptoms or illness and keep them from seeking health care immediately. It can also lead to people not being forthcoming or fully honest with family, friends, and of course, our contact tracing work force.”
Dr. Levine said it is still essential for Vermonters to follow our guidance to slow down the current surge.
“But if you do attend a social gathering, or if you travel, we are not here to judge,” he said. “What we care about is making sure we can stop the spread. That means helping us identify close contacts, notify them quickly and make sure they get tested. If we fail to do these things, will only allow the virus to spread more silently throughout our communities.”
Levine said they expect about 5,800 doses of the Pfizer vaccine to reach Vermont around December 15. The first doses are targeted to residents and staff at long term care facilities. The federal government will be distributing vaccine doses on a per capita basis to states as they become available.
Levine expects a full complement of vaccines for Vermonters by next summer under the most optimistic of scenarios.
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.
- Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.
- Visit our Coping With Stress web page.
- Get connected to Alcohol and Drug Support Services at VT Helplink.
- Get self-help tips and connect to mental health services at COVID Support VT.
Need to be connected to food resources?
One in three Vermonters are at risk for food insecurity, struggling to find help feeding their families.
If your financial situation has recently changed, you may now qualify for Vermont nutrition and food programs. They include: WIC program (Women, Infants and Children), 3SquaresVT/SNAP, and more. Newer programs such as Farmers to Families and Everyone Eats are helping to fill the gaps. All these programs can help keep healthy food on the table.
Contact the Health Department, Hunger Free Vermont, or call 2-1-1 for more information.
New at healthvermont.gov
Outbreaks at five social gatherings/events have led to 11 secondary outbreaks. Secondary outbreaks are when multiple cases occur in a new setting as a result of spread from the primary outbreak. Learn more in the latest Weekly Data Summary.
The new map of town-level COVID-19 activity shows data reflecting the past two weeks of activity. Until now, the maps displayed cumulative data going back to March. This change offers a more current view of what’s happening, on a rolling basis. The town map reflects the rate of cases of COVID-19 among Vermont residents per 10,000 people, by town of residence. The map also includes a table that shows cumulative town counts since March. The map and the table are updated weekly.
Saturday Case Information
Friday Case Information
Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont
As of 12 p.m. on December 4, 2020
|
Description |
Number |
||
|
New cases* |
73 (4,763 total) |
||
|
Currently hospitalized |
29 |
||
|
Hospitalized in ICU |
3 |
||
|
Hospitalized under investigation |
4 |
||
|
Percent Positive (7-day average) |
2.8% |
||
|
People tested |
230,109 |
||
|
Total tests |
572,870 |
||
|
Total people recovered |
2,818 |
||
|
Deaths+ |
77 |
||
|
Travelers monitored |
227 |
||
|
Contacts monitored |
169 |
||
|
People completed monitoring |
11,146 |
* 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 data at: healthvermont.gov/currentactivity.
Guidance for Vermonters and Businesses
Health information, guidance and data: healthvermont.gov/covid19
Sector guidance: accd.vermont.gov/covid-19
Modeling: dfr.vermont.gov/about-us/covid-19/modeling
Governor’s actions: governor.vermont.gov/covid19response
Get the information you need at our Frequently Asked Questions.
School & Child Care Guidance
- Strong and Healthy Start: Safety and Health Guidance for Vermont Schools
- Mental Health: A Strong and Healthy Start: Social, Emotional and Mental Health Supports During COVID-19
- Child care: Health Guidance for Child Care and Out of School Care
More resources on the Your Community web page.