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VDH COVID-19 Update: Rising cases among young adults cause concern

Submitted by tim on

Vermont Business Magazine Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, said at Friday’s press conference that although he is optimistic for the future, “when it comes to the present, frankly, I am very concerned.” Cases continue to rise among younger Vermont adults, especially in the 18-24 range. The VDH reported today another 201 cases of COVID-19. There was one more death for 228 total statewide. However, Levine noted that those who are most vulnerable have now been vaccinated. Those 40 and older can sign up Monday.

COVID-19 Daily Update

April 2, 2021

New or updated information is in red and bold

This update is available online at healthvermont.gov/covid19

Click the “See the Daily Update” button

Dr. Levine ‘very concerned’ about increased spread of COVID-19

Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, said at Friday’s press conference that although he is optimistic for the future, “when it comes to the present, frankly, I am very concerned.”

“Vermont is no longer the one ‘green’ state in a map of red COVID cases across the U.S.,” he said. “We are just like all the other states in our region — a region that is currently doing even worse than some other parts of the country — with more disease circulating right now.”

Although we are all tired of the pandemic, he said: “It’s not too late. We can still stop this rise in cases if we act now.”

Especially for those who are celebrating Easter and the other holidays being observed, this weekend is the time to start.

“With this much virus around, ANY gathering is risky,” Dr. Levine said. “If you do gather with people you don’t live with, keep it outside if you can, wear masks, double mask if you want to, and keep at least a 6-foot distance. For example, consider an outdoor easter egg hunt instead of all eating together.”

If you do travel and are not vaccinated (including children), make sure to quarantine afterward. And get tested — after travel or any possible exposure, or after a large gathering, or if you have any symptom of COVD-19.

State officials emphasized the need for people to strictly follow the health guidance, especially as the highly contagious variants take hold in the state. “I know this is difficult. But again, we’ve been at it for over a year, we just need to hang tough for a few more weeks,” said Dr. Levine.

Vermonters Age 40 and Older Can Make Vaccine Appointments Starting Monday

Starting Monday, April 5 at 8:15 a.m., Vermonters age 40 and older will be able to make an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Going online to healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine is the fastest way to make an appointment, and there are enough slots at sites throughout Vermont for everyone who is eligible.

Click on the “Make an appointment” button to use the Health Department registration system. If you prefer to make your COVID-19 vaccine appointment through a participating pharmacy, you can find links on the same page to Kinney Drugs, CVS and Walgreens.

Anyone who is unable to make their appointment online, or who needs to speak with someone in a language other than English can call 855-722-7878.

Vaccination sites are available around the state, and people can choose a nearby location when making their appointment.

The next groups’ eligibility dates are:

  • April 12: age 30+
  • April 19: age 16+

Share What Getting Vaccinated Means to You – for a Chance to Win $500!

The COVID-19 vaccine means something different to each and every one of us. But one thing we all have in common is vaccines mean getting back to life and the things we miss.

Help us show why getting vaccinated is important! Submit your original videos, photos or written thoughts on what being vaccinated means to you — whether you’ve already been vaccinated or not.

Select submissions will be featured in our new TV ad campaign and one lucky submitter will be picked at random to receive a $500 cash card.

State of Vermont employees are welcome to submit footage but are not eligible to win the cash card.

For more details, and to submit content, visit healthvermont.gov/VaccineContest.

If you have any symptoms, stay home and get tested for COVID-19

Interviews with people who have COVID-19 indicate that some assumed they had a cold or a sinus infection, instead of first thinking they might have COVID-19. The COVID-19 virus is still circulating in our communities, and the only way to know if you have it is to get tested.

Remember that symptoms can sometimes be mild, such as a headache, cough, fatigue or a runny nose. So, if you have even just one of these symptoms, it’s best to get tested. It’s also important to avoid going to work, school or other places until you receive a negative result. COVID-19 is a highly transmissible virus, and this is how we can each protect our loved ones and our communities.

If you have symptoms, talk to your health care provider. They can refer you for testing. Even if you don’t have symptoms, you can still have COVID-19 and not feel sick.

If you don’t have symptoms and want to get tested, there are many test sites now available around the state. It’s free and easy! Watch a video about what to expect.

COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 12 p.m. on April 2, 2021

Data is updated daily.

Description

Number

New cases

201

(19,755 total)

Currently hospitalized

35

Hospitalized in ICU

2

Hospitalized under investigation

1

Percent Positive (7-day average)

2.1%

People tested

357,531

Total tests

1,353,928

Total people recovered

16,248

Deaths

228

Find more data on COVID-19 Activity at: healthvermont.gov/currentactivity.

COVID-19 Vaccine Data

As of 12 p.m. on April 2, 2021

Data is updated Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Description

Number

Total people who have received least one dose of vaccine

213,656
(38.9% of population)

Total people who have completed vaccination

126,761
(23% of population)

Find more vaccine data on the COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard: healthvermont.gov/covid19-vaccine-data.

Additional Resources About Vaccination and More