Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
October 9, 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
Vermont schools do well in reopening and responding to COVID-19
Noting Vermont is exactly one month into the school year, state officials at Friday’s press conference thanked the school communities for their hard work in opening schools and expanding in-person learning.
“We’ve had a few cases of COVID linked to schools in the last month — and we’re certainly not out of the woods when it comes to this virus,” Governor Phil Scott said. “But when these situations have occurred, as we knew they would, school leaders have responded quickly and worked closely with the Department of Health and Agency of Education to prevent in-school transmission.”
The Agency of Education has sent a survey to school districts to gather up-to-date information on their reopening plans. Officials expect to be able to release those results next week.
Governor Scott also recognized Vermont’s child care system, which mobilized early on to make sure essential workers had care for their kids, and for quickly stepping up again to fill gaps on remote learning days when schools began to reopen.
Outbreak Update
Health Commissioner Mark Levine said the outbreak of COVID-19 among seasonal workers at Champlain Orchards now stands at 28 positive cases. The outbreak remains contained to the site. Dr. Levine emphasized that there is no risk to the public who were at, or may go to the orchards, and that it is safe to eat and use the apples and products.
The orchard workers will have access to paid sick leave, either through Families First Coronavirus Relief Fund, or paid by the employer for those in quarantine or isolation, Dr. Levine said.
The owners of Champlain Orchards, state agencies and partners have been working to make sure these workers have what they need to quarantine and isolate safely. Members of the community have also been offering supplies and words of support for the workers, several of whom have been returning to Vermont every year since Champlain Orchards opened in the 1990’s.
They are being provided food, contact-less thermometers, face masks, as well as calling cards and cell phones, so that they can use What’s App to communicate with loved ones back home and have telemedicine consults with the Open Door clinic.
We have made connections to ensure hospitals know there is coverage for all Vermonters who are seeking tests and treatment for COVID, regardless of insurance status or immigration status, Dr. Levine said.
“Our health care system has not left these workers out in the cold. They are essential to our economy, and important members of our communities,” he said.
New on healthvermont.gov
The percent positivity rate can tell us about transmission levels of COVID-19. In the newest Weekly Data Summary, you can see how Vermont’s percent positivity has remained low since May. It continues to be one of the lowest in the country, thanks to Vermonters who have worked to slow the spread of the virus!
New contact tracing resources: A new video, How Contact Tracing Slows the Spread of COVID-19, explains what contact tracers do and why it’s important to answer their call!
We’ve also added three different visual timelines to the contact tracing section of our website that show important dates for cases and close contacts:
- Timeline for people who test positive and have symptoms
- Timeline for people who test positive but do not have symptoms
- Timeline for people who are close contacts with someone who has tested positive
Time to Get Your Flu Shot
Flu vaccine continues to arrive in the state, and your local pharmacies and providers don’t yet have a supply, they will soon.
It’s especially important this year for everyone who can get their flu shot, to do it ─ when both flu viruses and the new coronavirus may be spreading at the same time.
Who should get a flu shot?
- Anyone over 6 months old, with rare exceptions
- People in a high-risk group or who has underlying health conditions
Where can I get my flu shot?
- From your health care provider
- At your local pharmacy
- At a flu clinic near you
Go to healthvermont.gov/flu to learn more about the flu, the vaccine and find where to get a flu shot near you.
Case Information
Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont
As of 12 p.m. on October 9, 2020
|
Description |
Number |
||
|
Total cases* |
1,846 (8 new) |
||
|
Currently hospitalized |
0 |
||
|
Hospitalized under investigation |
0 |
||
|
Total people recovered |
1,646 |
||
|
Deaths+ |
58 |
||
|
People tested |
170,439 |
||
|
Travelers monitored |
604 |
||
|
Contacts monitored |
50 |
||
|
People completed monitoring |
9,268 |
* 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.
Guidance for Vermonters and Businesses
If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
If you think you have symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider.
Maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet and wear a mask when near others.
Key Guidance:
- 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
Get the information you need at our Frequently Asked Questions.
Return to School 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
- Sports: Fall Sports Programs for the 2020-2021 School Year
- Child care: Health Guidance for Child Care and Out of School Care
More resources on our Schools, Colleges and Child Care Programs web page.
Traveler Information
Visit our Travel to Vermont web page for continually updated information and guidance, including about quarantine requirements, testing, and to sign up with Sara Alert for symptom check reminders.
The cross-state travel map is now updated each Tuesday.
Getting Tested for COVID-19
Anyone can get tested, but not everyone needs to get tested.
Talk with your health care provider If you think you should be tested for COVID-19.
If you don’t have a provider, dial 2-1-1, or contact the nearest federally qualified health center or one of Vermont's free & referral clinics.
Visit our testing web page for more guidance and where to get tested if you do need it.
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.