Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
September 11, 2020
New information is in red.
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
Regional Update
The Northeast and the US as a whole are improving as COVID-19 case counts decrease in most areas of the country with the exception of the upper Midwest.
There is also good news with college reopenings as Vermont has used a combination of strict health protocols and impressive compliance by students to keep case counts down despite 40,000 college students back in the state and tens of thousands of tests conducted.
Meanwhile, K-12 schools opened this week and "so far, so good" but it is also too soon to tell how that will go. State officials are hoping that case counts will continue to be low and allow for more in-person teaching. Right now, most Vermont schools are using a hybrid systems in which students are at school only two days a week.
Vermont continues to be "the safest place in America" as the state has the fewest total COVID-19 cases, the fewest cases per capita, and the lowest positivity rate.
But both Governor Scott and Health Commissioner Levine are urging Vermonters to stay vigilant to suppress the virus, which is still among us.
The governor also announced today that he is extending the State of Emergency another month to October 15, with expectations that it will extend for at least a few months beyond that.
Vermont working to deliver safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine
Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, said at a press conference Friday that the Health Department is keeping a close watch on the vaccine development process to be sure we can trust that that science – not politics – governs the process.
“This unprecedented global pandemic has all eyes focused on finding a vaccine as quickly as possible,” said Dr. Levine. “But the tremendous pressure to rapidly develop a vaccine for COVID-19 must not outweigh the importance of its efficacy and safety.
We stand together with other health departments across the country, as well as the national Association of Immunization Managers, in our insistence that any vaccine made available to the public must first meet all U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) safety standards, and be recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), an independent national advisory committee.
In a recent phone call with members of our department, representatives of the FDA, CDC and the Surgeon General’s Office, reaffirmed their commitment to a process that respected scientific integrity and will be trustworthy. In addition, in an opinion column published in USA Today, eight top regulators at the FDA promised to uphold the scientific integrity of their work and defend the agency’s independence.
“It is my position that we “trust but verify.” Dr. Levine emphasized that all newly developed vaccines must be continually monitored for safety and efficacy. “A comprehensive system must be fully utilized to ensure the safety of any COVID-19 vaccine.”
As we wait for a vaccine, we must keep up our prevention practices – especially so as we come into the fall and flu season: keep those masks on, keep a 6-foot distance, avoid crowded spaces, wash your hands a lot, stay home and away from others when you’re sick. These basic infection control practices that help prevent the spread of the coronavirus will also help prevent the spread of flu.
The Health Department strongly recommends that everyone age 6 months and older get their flu shot soon. Flu vaccine is beginning to be available now, in your doctor’s office and at pharmacies around the state. Getting the flu and coronavirus – at the same time – or in succession could be devastating.
Planning for Halloween - already?
Dr. Levine said Friday that as long as existing health precautions are followed, Vermonters can likely still look forward to Halloween. That will mean wearing a face mask (over your mouth and nose!), staying 6 feet apart, and keeping groups small. Like many things happening in the pandemic, it will look different — treats might be left outside on a table, for example, he said. But the holiday can be possible by being safe and thinking creatively. And a safe Halloween doesn’t have to be a scary prospect.
New on healthvermont.gov
Looking for Vermont’s positivity rate? The percent of positive COVID-19 tests may indicate prevalence of the disease in the population. From Sept. 2 to Sept. 9, our percent positive rate was 0.4%. Learn more in the latest Weekly Summary of Vermont COVID-19 Data.
Case Information
Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont
As of 12 p.m. on September 11, 2020
|
Description |
Number |
||
|
Total cases* |
1,668 (8 new) |
||
|
Currently hospitalized |
1 |
||
|
Hospitalized under investigation |
3 |
||
|
Total people recovered |
1,493 |
||
|
Deaths+ |
58 |
||
|
People tested |
148,575 |
||
|
Travelers monitored |
477 |
||
|
Contacts monitored |
38 |
||
|
People completed monitoring |
8,242 |
* 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
Get the information you need at our Frequently Asked Questions.
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.
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.
Return to School Guidance
Schools: 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 (updated 8/31)
Find additional 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.
Business Guidance
Visit the Agency of Commerce and Community Development’s website for “Work Safe” guidance.
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