VDH COVID-19 Update: No Manchester outbreak found

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

July 20, 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

Investigation of positive antigen test results in Manchester

Health officials continue to investigate reports of 64 positive COVID-19 results through antigen testing at Manchester Medical Center.

Thirty-five of the people with a positive antigen test for COVID-19 reported to the Health Department by Manchester Medical Center since July 10 have had a PCR test.

Of those 35 people, 33 were negative and 2 were positive by PCR test.

The Vermont Department of Health treats all positive antigen tests as presumed positive cases, and has been reaching out to each person to give public health guidance to isolate, trace their contacts, and recommend a confirmatory PCR test.

Most of those interviewed are not symptomatic and have not been linked to other possible cases.

“Although the Health Department’s investigation is not complete, it appears that a majority of the positive antigen results have not been confirmed by subsequent PCR testing,” said Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD. “We have not yet found connections that would lead us to believe there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in Bennington or Windham counties.”

We ask Vermonters to please continue their prevention measures: wear a mask, keep a 6-foot distance, wash your hands often, and stay home when you’re sick.

New on healthvermont.gov

The Weekly Summary of Vermont COVID-19 Data has been posted, with a spotlight on county profiles. You can also find all the past weekly summaries at the same link.

A new map has been added to the Data Dashboard. “Percent of Population Tested by County,” shows the percent of residents by county that have been tested.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 12 p.m. on July 20, 2020

Description

Number

Total cases*

1,360

(10 new)

Currently hospitalized

3

Hospitalized under investigation

19

Total people recovered

1,139

Deaths+

56

People tested

83,868

Travelers monitored

1,146

Contacts monitored

86

People completed monitoring

4,289

* 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.

Get Tested for COVID-19

People who want to be tested can contact their health care provider for a referral.

For people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19, pop-up sites for testing are currently scheduled through July. The sites operate from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

See how to get tested and to make an appointment.

Protest Safely

We support Vermonters engaging in peaceful protests and other civic activities to make their voices heard. Large gatherings pose a greater risk for virus exposure. So, wear a mask when near others, maintain a 6-foot distance, and if you're sick, find actions to make yourself heard from home. We encourage anyone who is participating in a public action to get tested for COVID-19. Learn more about how to get tested.

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.

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions.

Traveler Information

Get the latest info 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:

For more information: