Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
December 22, 2020
New or updated information is in red.
This update is available online at healthvermont.gov/covid19
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Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s COVID-19 web and data pages
healthvermont.gov/covid19
Officials announce temporary change to gathering restrictions for the holidays
As COVID-19 case growth in Vermont has stabilized, Governor Phil Scott today announced a small, temporary modification to restrictions on multi-household gatherings during the holidays, a phased restart of youth sports and restoration of earlier guidance allowing outdoor activities.
Between December 23 and January 2, households may gather with one other trusted household. State officials stress that, while gathering with one other household is allowed, anyone over the age of 65, those with pre-existing conditions and those who work with vulnerable populations should avoid gatherings.
“While we’re providing a narrow path to very small holiday gatherings, we’d rather you not do it at all,” said Governor Scott. “But we’ve improved our numbers in Vermont, all other prevention measures will remain in place, and we understand that mental health has to be considered alongside physical health.”
- If you do gather, the Health Department strongly encourages getting tested 7 days afterwards.
- If you gather with anyone from out of state, everyone in both households must quarantine for 14 days, or 7 days with a negative test.
- The travel policy has not changed. If you travel outside of Vermont, you must follow quarantine requirements.
At Tuesday’s press conference, Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, said if Vermonters do choose to gather with that single, trusted household, to stay safe by: keeping it small, wearing masks (and avoiding eating and drinking when you can), staying 6-feet apart, and taking it outside when possible.
“And always stay away from others if you’re sick, no matter how minor your symptoms,” Dr. Levine said. “We can do this, and still protect our communities from further spread. We just need to be constantly vigilant and thoughtful, and always adapt our activities in ways that keep us all safe and protect the most susceptible among us.”
COVID-19 Response Holiday Schedule
Many Health Department teams will be working through the upcoming holidays, including the laboratory staff, contact tracing and other critical response teams. We are appreciative for their dedication.
However, there will be some changes to the schedule of updates:
There will be no update to the Vermont Dashboard on Dec. 25 or Jan. 1. Updates will resume the following day.
The map of cases by town will be published on Dec. 24 (instead of Dec. 25) and Dec. 31 (instead of Jan. 1).
On Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, the following reports will not be published:
- Weekly Data Summary
- COVID-19 Cases in Vermont K-12 Learning Communities While Infectious
- Active Outbreaks in Long-term Care Facilities
They will next be published on Jan. 8.
There will be no Daily Update on Dec. 24, 25 or Jan. 1.
Questions about the COVID-19 vaccine?
COVID-19 vaccination has begun in Vermont. If you’re looking for the latest information about who can get the vaccine now, where and when people will be able to get vaccinated, visit healthvermont.gov/covid19-vaccines. Check back often, as we update this web page with new information.
While we wait for vaccine to become more widely available to Vermonters, we must keep up our prevention practices, including physical distancing, mask-wearing and handwashing. This is still the best protection from getting and spreading COVID-19.
COVID-19 Testing
Testing is an important tool to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Learn more about who should get tested and find a site near you at healthvermont.gov/covid-19/testing.
Case Information
Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont
As of 12 p.m. on December 22, 2020
|
Description |
Number |
||
|
New cases* |
63 (6,608 total) |
||
|
Currently hospitalized |
36 |
||
|
Hospitalized in ICU |
9 |
||
|
Hospitalized under investigation |
7 |
||
|
Percent Positive (7-day average) |
2.1% |
||
|
People tested |
255,097 |
||
|
Total tests |
660,302 |
||
|
Total people recovered |
4,310 |
||
|
Deaths+ |
112 |
||
|
Travelers monitored |
179 |
||
|
Contacts monitored |
181 |
||
|
People completed monitoring |
11,580 |
* 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.
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.
Food resources
If your financial situation has recently changed, you may now qualify for Vermont nutrition and food programs, including WIC program (Women, Infants and Children) and 3SquaresVT/SNAP. Contact the Health Department, Hunger Free Vermont, or call 2-1-1 for more information.
Find Opportunities to Support the COVID-19 Response
Vermonters can now step up and help with the COVID-19 response in long-term care facilities and other areas. Visit www.vermont.gov/covid-staffing for more information.
Stay Informed with VT-ALERT
Stay up to date on the latest COVID guidance and information by visiting www.vtalert.gov and registering or updating your account. Select the alerts you would like to receive (COVID information is listed under “Health Alerts”). Notifications are available via email, text, phone and the Everbridge mobile app.