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
Governor Announces Strengthened Mask Requirements
As Vermont continues its sustained efforts to encourage mask use as a tool to limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect the most vulnerable, Governor Phil Scott today announced strengthened mask requirements in public places and congregate settings.
Effective Friday, August 1, 2020, everyone will be required to wear masks or cloth facial coverings, any time it is not possible to maintain a physical distance of at least six feet with others from outside their household.
People who are not required to use masks include those exercising outdoors, those under the age of 2, those with a medical or developmental condition that is complicated by a facial covering, and those with difficulty breathing.
Businesses and other entities may require customers to wear masks, and can deny entry or service to those who decline to wear one. They may also post signage explaining their mask requirements.
“Based on national and regional data on how the virus is spreading – and rather than waiting, like other states have – I feel we need to act now to protect our gains,” Gov. Scott said.
He added that these requirements will help Vermont stay open into the fall as people spend more time indoors.
Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, said there is mounting evidence that mask-wearing, in combination with the other simple actions Vermonters are taking, will prevent disease and save lives.
He cautioned, however, that not everyone is able to wear a mask, many for medical reasons.
“You won’t necessarily be able to tell who is able and who is not – so we must all be understanding and avoid the temptation to judge or shame,” Dr. Levine said.
View the full amendment to the Executive Order.
New on healthvermont.gov
Nearly 70% of Vermonters who get COVID-19 have a known source of exposure — how they may have gotten the virus. Get more data about source of exposure and more, as part of the latest Weekly Summary of Vermont COVID-19 Data. You can also find all the past weekly summaries at the same link.
Case Information
Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont
As of 12 p.m. on July 24, 2020
|
Description |
Number |
||
|
Total cases* |
1,385 (8 new) |
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|
Currently hospitalized |
3 |
||
|
Hospitalized under investigation |
9 |
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|
Total people recovered |
1,177 |
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|
Deaths+ |
56 |
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People tested |
87,692 |
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Travelers monitored |
1,087 |
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Contacts monitored |
60 |
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|
People completed monitoring |
4,682 |
* 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/
Getting Tested for COVID-19
Not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19. 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.
Use CDC’s Self-Checker tool to find out if you should be tested. 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.
Visit 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 .