Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
November 16, 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
Cases in Orange and Washington Counties Spur Local Mobilization Efforts
Over the last two weeks, Orange and Washington Counties have accounted for nearly 40% of the COVID-19 cases in the state. This, as the Health Department today reported a record 122 new cases.
As a result, Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD said that Scott Administration will be holding meetings with town and elected officials in the two counties to organize and mobilize efforts to reduce the number of new cases in their communities, including by promoting greater compliance with state health requirements and the Governor’s Executive Orders. In addition, Dr. Levine is calling on all of us to join these stepped-up efforts by adapting our personal behaviors and actions to better protect ourselves and prevent the spread of the virus.
“We can end this,” said Dr. Levine. “We know the solutions: limiting contacts and gatherings, following the travel and quarantine guidance, and getting tested when you’ve been to a social gathering, had symptoms of Covid-19 or had exposure to a person who is infected. We need everyone’s help to be successful.”
Social gatherings among households now prohibited
Vermont is seeing a surge in new COVID-19 cases. Recent data have shown that social gatherings, both inside and outside, at homes, bars and social clubs, and among sports teams is currently driving outbreaks in Vermont.
Because of this, Governor Phil Scott has temporarily prohibited social gatherings with people from other households. People who live alone may get together with members of their immediate family living in a different household.
We must all do our part to slow the spread, ensure hospitals are not overwhelmed, help schools continue to offer in-person instruction, and keep as many Vermonters working as possible.
Vermont data at this time does not point to dining at restaurants, gyms, or other close contact business as drivers of outbreaks, and current safety protocols at these businesses are working.
We know this is difficult, but hope that as Vermonters follow this guidance, and we can return to the low case numbers we had and ease restrictions once again.
New on healthvermont.gov
Learn more about the percentage of COVID-19 cases who reported travel to or from Vermont up to 14 days before symptoms started (or if they had no symptoms, the date they were tested) in the latest Weekly Data Summary Spotlight.
Get the latest news and updates on Health's COVID-19 response. Sign up for our new Weekly COVID-19 Update Email. It will be sent every Friday starting Nov. 20.
Case Information
Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont
As of 12 p.m. on November 16, 2020
|
Description |
Number |
||
|
New cases* |
122 (3,008 total) |
||
|
Currently hospitalized |
19 |
||
|
Hospitalized in ICU |
1 |
||
|
Hospitalized under investigation |
1 |
||
|
Percent Positive (7-day average) |
1.6% |
||
|
People tested |
201,176 |
||
|
Total tests |
477,590 |
||
|
Total people recovered |
2,050 |
||
|
Deaths+ |
59 |
||
|
Travelers monitored |
200 |
||
|
Contacts monitored |
181 |
||
|
People completed monitoring |
10,723 |
* 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.
Get Your Flu Shot!
Flu season in Vermont will soon start to hit its stride. And it’s especially important for everyone to get their flu shot this year, and soon – when flu viruses and the new coronavirus may be spreading at the same time.
We encourage everyone older than 6 months old (with rare exceptions) — and especially people in a high-risk group or who have underlying health conditions — to get their flu vaccine.
Help keep flu out of the picture! Learn more about the flu and how to get your flu shot.
Guidance for Vermonters and Businesses
Health information, guidance and data: healthvermont.gov/covid19
By sector guidance: accd.vermont.gov/covid-19
Travel map and modeling: dfr.vermont.gov/about-us/covid-19/modeling
Governor’s actions: governor.vermont.gov/covid19response
Find guidance for long-term care facilities and adult day programs, on the Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living’s Restart Vermont web page.
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.
Traveler Information
All non-essential travel to or from Vermont now requires quarantine. Visit our Travel & Quarantine web page for more information and to sign up with Sara Alert for symptom check reminders. The Health Department strongly advises against non-essential travel, even within Vermont.
Getting Tested for COVID-19
Visit our testing web page to learn about who should get tested and where to get tested.
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.
Visit VT Helplink to get connected to Alcohol and Drug Support Services.
Get self-help tips and connect to mental health services at COVID Support VT.
See ways for Coping with Stress.