by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health on Tuesday reported a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases after a couple of relatively quiet days. The state awaits an expected surge in cases for the holidays, driven by the new Omicron variant. Today the VDH reported 653 cases of COVID-19 (up 413 from Tuesday). There were 242 on Monday, 463 on Sunday and 454 cases on Saturday. On Wednesday, the VDH began presenting the relative death, hospitalization and case counts between fully vaccinated and not fully vaccinated Vermonters, in order to emphasize the benefits of getting vaccinated and boosted (fully vaccinated includes having received a booster shot for those who are eligible.)
The VDH reported Vermont's first case of the Omicron variant last Saturday, though they say it probably first showed up in Vermont in early December. As of Tuesday, there are only three confirmed Omicron cases in Vermont.
The VDH also reported today three additional deaths, for 458 statewide.
There were 49 COVID-19 related fatalities in Vermont in September 2021, and 47 deaths in October, which were the second- and the third-worst months on record (December 2020, 71). There were 40 fatalities in November and 40 so far in December. Vermont is also close to the pace set last December.
Hospitalizations today were 53 (down three) after breaking its one-day record December 8 with 92 statewide. ICU stays, which also had been elevated, were 17 (unchanged). The one-day record there was set December 7 (31).
Hospitalizations have fallen over the last week.
FEMA has sent first responders to assist the UVM Medical Center in Burlington and Southwestern Medical Center in Bennington. They are expected to be here for two weeks, depending on conditions.
VDH reported Saturday that the Omicron coronavirus variant has been found in a person from Lamoille County, following Friday's announcement that a sample of Burlington wastewater also found evidence of Omicron. Health officials said it was only a matter of time before the fast-moving, but perhaps less dangerous mutation arrived in Vermont. Every surrounding state and Quebec previously confirmed Omicron COVID-19 cases.
Governor Scott at his usual Tuesday press briefing urged all businesses to follow the state's own strict COVID guidance, but requiring employees to either be fully vaccinated and boosted or wear a mask at all times and get a weekly test.
He's urging businesses require the same of customers, but once again he stopped short of issuing a mandate.
Several municipalities in Vermont separately are requiring masking and many businesses are requiring proof of vaccination or a recent negative test.
Genetic sequencing identified the new Omicron variant in a specimen collected on December 8, 2021. The individual is a Lamoille County resident in their 30’s. The individual was fully vaccinated and had been experiencing mild symptoms. The Health Department has partnered with the Broad Institute to perform genetic sequencing of samples collected from lab-confirmed COVID-positive cases.
“We knew it was only a matter of time before we saw Omicron in our state, and made sequencing a priority,” said Dr. Levine. “Vermont is a national leader in the proportion of positive tests on which we perform genomic sequencing. This is key to our ability to quickly identify and respond to cases.”
Global research is finding that the Omicron variant spreads faster and more efficiently than Delta, which is responsible for the current surge in cases and hospitalizations in Vermont and elsewhere. The new SARS-CoV-2 variant, formally called B.1.1.529, has already been found in more than 40 U.S. states and territories.
Dr. Levine said that the speed at which Omicron is likely to become the dominant strain means it is even more important for people to act quickly to be vaccinated and get their booster shots. “As the effectiveness of the initial vaccines begin to wane, boosters provide the protection you need against bad outcomes, including serious illness, hospitalizations and death, especially for people whose age or health conditions make them vulnerable.”
Scientists are continuing to study how Omicron compares to the already highly transmissible Delta variant, including what impact the new variant may have on the severity of illness and the effectiveness of current vaccines. The CDC expects that anyone with Omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms.
“I can’t emphasize this enough: All Vermonters need to be as protected as possible, as soon as possible. So get vaccinated, get children age 5 and older vaccinated, and if you are due to get your booster shot, get it as soon as you can,” said Dr. Levine. “Vaccines are our best line of defense against this virus, and our ability to slow Omicron’s spread and to reduce the chances of new variants from emerging depends on our being fully protected.”
In addition to being vaccinated and boosted, Vermonters should continue taking these common-sense precautions to protect against the spread of the virus in our communities, now and during the holidays,
- Stay home if you feel sick.
- Get tested if you have any symptoms – even if mild, or if you may be a close contact, or have taken part in activities that could put you at risk, such as large gatherings or travel.
- Wear a mask at indoor public settings and around anyone at higher risk of COVID-19.
- Gather with others safely, which means small group sizes and testing before holiday celebrations.
For more information:
- Vaccination and booster locations: healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine
- Protecting yourself: healthvermont.gov/preventCOVID19
- Testing for Covid-19: healthvermont.gov/covid-19/testing
Learn more about the Omicron variant from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html
Recent fatalities had all been among Vermonters 50 and older until two weeks ago when there were two deaths in the 40-49 age band and now one in the 30-39 age band. These were the first fatalities for anyone under 50 in more than a month. The oldest age band has had the highest number of deaths since the beginning of the pandemic, despite having by far the fewest number of total cases.
The rate of fatalities by month has slowed even as cases have increased, as nearly all of the most vulnerable Vermonters have been fully vaccinated. (The number of fatalities is sometimes adjusted by the VDH as information is updated).
The most recent data provided by the VDH for time frame 11/28/21 - 12/11/21:
- 7 deaths among fully vaccinated Vermont residents (Rate: 0.16 per 10,000)
- 10 deaths among not fully vaccinated Vermont residents (Rate: 0.54 per 10,000).
Vermont has the lowest COVID fatality rate in the nation (71 per 100,000 residents). Hawaii (75) is second lowest. Mississippi (348) and Alabama (333) have the highest fatality rates. SEE FULL LIST BELOW.
Cases have been especially elevated in southern Vermont, with Bennington County now supplanting Orleans with the most cases per capita, with Essex County third and Rutland County fourth.
See Case and Vaccine Dashboards Below
This map includes Health Department, pharmacy and other testing sites.
See this map displayed full-screen.
HERE TO GET TESTED
Where to Get Tested
ANTIGEN TESTS AVAILABLE SOON
Vermonters will soon be able to pick up a free antigen test at sites around the state. Information will be posted here as soon as it is available. Read more about antigen tests
HOLIDAY TESTING
There are special COVID-19 testing sites on December 23 and 30. See a list of these sites.
Anyone with an appointment can get tested at these sites. The appointment will say "TAKE HOME TESTING ONLY".
A NAAT test called a LAMP test will be used at these sites. The test is highly reliable, like a PCR test. You will pick up the test kit at the site and do the test at home. The test is done with a nasal swab. You can watch a demo of how to use the Lucira test kit you will get at this appointment. The test device will display results in 30 minutes. Then use this short online form to report your results.
INFORMATION ABOUT TESTING
You can be tested at a Health Department testing site, through your health care provider, or ask about testing at your local pharmacy. People with or without symptoms can be tested at most testing locations.
Learn about how to isolate and notify your close contacts if you test positive
FREE HEALTH DEPARTMENT TESTING
Our testing and vaccination clinics are busy right now. It's important to make an appointment ahead of time so you will not be turned away. Make an appointment online, or call 802-863-7240. ASL interpretation is available by video at all Health Department testing sites.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT Use if you have had testing or a vaccine through the Health Department.
CHECK FOR RESULTS Log in after you get an email saying your results are ready.
CREATE AN ACCOUNT Use if you have never had a test or vaccine through the Health Department.
Frequently asked questions about Health Department Testing
Bennington
Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (this site is not Health Dept testing)
Gymnasium at former Southern Vermont College campus
981 Mansion Dr.
Mon - Wed 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Thurs - Fri 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Sat 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
For appointment for this site go to: https://svhealthcare.org/COVID-19/testing
Closed after 12:00 pm Thurs, Dec 23. Closed Fri, Sat, Dec. 24, 25. Also closed Fri, Sat, Dec. 31, Jan 1.
Berlin
1311 Barre-Montpelier Rd.
Mon, Thurs, Sat 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tues 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Wed, Fri 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sun 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Closed Thurs, Fri, Sat, Dec. 23, 24, 25. Also closed Thurs, Fri, Sat, Dec. 30, 31, Jan. 1. There will be special testing in Berlin on a couple days during those weeks. Information about that testing will be posted here the week of Dec. 20.
Brattleboro
417 Canal St.
Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Closed Thurs, Sat, Dec. 23, 25. Also closed Thurs, Sat, Dec. 30, Jan. 1. There will be special testing in Brattleboro on a couple days during those weeks. Information about that testing will be posted here the week of Dec. 20.
Burlington
405 Pine St.
Mon, Tues, Fri 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Wed, Thurs 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sat 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Closed Thurs, Fri, Sat, Dec. 23, 24, 25. Also closed Thurs, Fri, Sat, Dec. 30, 31, Jan. 1. There will be special testing in Burlington on a couple days during those weeks. Information about that testing will be posted here the week of Dec. 20.
Burlington
294 North Winooski Ave., Suite 125
(satellite location of Community Health Center of Burlington)
Mon 12:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Tues 11:00 am - 12:00 pm, 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Wed 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Fri 8:00 am - 12:00 pm, 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Closed Fri, Dec. 24. Also closed Mon, Fri, Dec. 27, 31. Closed Mon, Jan. 3, and Mon. Jan. 10.
Enosburg Falls
Cold Hollow Family Practice (this site is not Health Dept testing)
84 Water Tower Rd. Fork Suite 1
Mon - Fri 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
For appointment for this site call 802-933-6664
Closed after 12:00 pm on Fri, Dec. 24. Also closed after 12:00 pm on Fri, Dec. 31.
Fairlee
5445 Lake Morey Rd. E
Mon, Wed, Thurs, Sat, Sun 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Tues, Fri 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Closed Thurs, Fri, Sat, Dec. 23, 24, 25. Also closed Thurs, Fri, Sat, Dec. 30, 31, Jan. 1.
Glover
Glover Ambulance
48 County Rd.
Tues & Thurs 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Wed 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Closed Thurs, Dec. 23, closed Thurs, Dec. 30. There will be special testing in Glover on a couple days during those weeks. Information about that testing will be posted here the week of Dec. 20.
Hardwick
Hardwick Fire Station
333 Wolcott St.
Mon 7:30 am - 11:30 am
Wed 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Sat 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Closed Sat, Dec. 25. Also closed Sat, Jan. 1.
Island Pond
Brighton Fire Department
102 Railroad St.
Tues 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Thurs 2:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Sat 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Closed Thurs, Sat, Dec. 23, 25. Also closed Thurs, Sat, Dec. 30, Jan. 1.
Johnson
62 Wilson Rd.
Mon - Wed 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Manchester
6041 Main St.
Special testing: Thurs, Dec 24, Mon, Dec. 27 and Tues, Dec. 28. 8:00 am - 12:00 pm. Take-home test, no appointment required.
Middlebury
154 Creek Rd.
Mon - Fri 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sat 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Closed Thurs, Fri, Sat, Dec. 23, 24, 25. Also closed Thurs, Fri, Sat, Dec. 30, 31, Jan. 1. There will be special testing in Middlebury on a couple days during those weeks. Information about that testing will be posted here the week of Dec. 20.
Montpelier
134 State St. (parking lot)
Thurs 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Closed Thurs, Dec. 23. Also closed Thurs, Dec. 30.
Morrisville
Copley Hospital (this site is not Health Dept testing)
528 Washington Hwy
Mon – Fri 10:00 - 11:00 am, 4:00 - 5:00pm
Sat: 10:00 - 11:00 am
For appointment for this site call 802-888-8888
Closed after 12:00 pm on Fri, Dec. 24. Closed Sat, Dec. 25. Closed after 12:00 pm on Fri., Dec. 31. Closed Sat, Jan 1.
Morrisville
Lamoille Health Partners
609 Washington Highway
Wed - Fri 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Sat 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Closed Thurs, Fri, Sat, Dec. 23, 24, 25. Also closed Thurs, Fri, Sat, Dec. 30, 31, Jan. 1. There will be special testing in Morrisville on a couple days during those weeks. Information about that testing will be posted here the week of Dec. 20.
Newport
Newport Ambulance Services
830 Union St.
Mon, Tues, Thurs 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sat 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Closed Thurs, Sat, Dec. 23, 25. Also closed Thurs, Sat, Dec. 30, Jan. 1. There will be special testing in Newport on a couple days during those weeks. Information about that testing will be posted here the week of Dec. 20.
Newport
North Country Hospital
189 Prouty Dr.
Mon, Thurs, Fri 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tues, Wed 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Closed Thurs, Fri, Dec. 23, 24. Also closed Thurs, Fri, Dec. 30, 31.
Northfield
31 Dog River Rd.
Mon 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Fri 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Closed Fri, Dec. 24. Also closed Fri, Dec. 31.
Randolph
Gifford Medical Center (this site is not Health Dept testing)
44 S Main St, South parking lot
Mon, Tue, Thur, and Fri 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
For appointment for this site call 802-728-7000
Closed Fri, Dec. 24. Also closed Fri, Dec. 31.
Richford
53 Main Street
NOTCH Partner Project (not Richford Health Center)
Mon 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Rutland
Rutland Regional Medical Center
160 Allen St.
Mon - Fri 9:00 am - 10:00 am and 4:00 pm - 5:20 pm
Sat 10:00 am - 11:50 am
Closed Thurs, Fri, Sat, Dec. 23, 24, 25. Also closed Thurs, Fri, Sat, Dec. 30, 31, Jan. 1. There will be special testing in Rutland on a couple days during those weeks. Information about that testing will be posted here the week of Dec. 20.
Springfield
51 Pearl St., Level 2
Mon, Tues, Fri 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
Wed 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Sat 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Closed Fri, Sat, Dec. 24, 25. Also closed Fri, Sat, Dec. 31, Jan. 1. There will be special testing in Springfield on a couple days during those weeks. Information about that testing will be posted here the week of Dec. 20.
Stratton
Carlos Otis Stratton Mountain Clinic
78 Founder's Hill Rd.
Mon, Wed, Fri 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Closed Fri, Dec. 24. Also closed Fri, Dec. 31.
Special testing events:
Tues, Dec. 21 & Dec. 28 8:00 am - 11:00 am
St. Albans
Northwestern Medical Center (Valley Crossroads Building)
27 Fisher Pond Road (north side of the building)
Mon, Tues, Fri 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Wed, Thurs 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Sat 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Closed Thurs, Fri, Sat, Dec. 23, 24, 25. Also closed Thurs, Fri, Sat, Dec. 30, 31, Jan. 1. There will be special testing in St. Albans on a couple days during those weeks. Information about that testing will be posted here the week of Dec. 20.
St. Johnsbury
Caledonia Home Health Care & Hospice
161 Sherman Dr. (parking lot)
Tues, Thurs 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Sat 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Closed Thurs, Sat, Dec. 23, 25. Also closed Thurs, Sat, Dec. 30, Jan. 1. There will be special testing in St. Johnsbury on a couple days during those weeks. Information about that testing will be posted here the week of Dec. 20.
Starting January 3
Mon, Wed, Fri 8:30 am - 1:30 pm
Tues, Thurs 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Sat 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
St. Johnsbury
Northeastern Vermont Regional Hosptial
1315 Hospital Dr.
Mon, Wed, Fri 8:30 am - 12:20 pm
St. Johnsbury
Caplan's Building
457 Railroad St.
Special testing: Tuesday, Dec. 28 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Waitsfield
Waitsfield United Church of Christ
4355 Main St.
Fri, Sat 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Closed Fri, Sat, Dec. 24, 25. Also closed Fri, Sat, Dec. 31, Jan. 1. There will be special testing in Newport on a couple days during those weeks. Information about that testing will be posted here the week of Dec. 20.
Waterbury
1727 Guptil Rd.
Mon, Tues, Fri 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wed 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Thurs 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sun 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Closed Thurs, Fri, Sat, Dec. 23, 24, 25. Also closed Thurs, Fri, Sat, Dec. 30, 31, Jan. 1.
Wells River
65 Main St. N.
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Thurs 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Closed Thurs, Fri, Dec. 23, 24. Also closed Thurs, Fri, Dec. 30, 31. There will be special testing in Wells River on a couple days during those weeks. Information about that testing will be posted here the week of Dec. 20.
Williamstown
249 Meadow St.
Wed 9:00 am - 1:30 pm
Williston
UVMMC Clinic - Taft Corners
300 Interstate Corp. Center
(Next to TD Bank and across from Friendly’s)
Mon - Fri 9:00 am - 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Closed Thurs, Fri, Dec. 23, 24. Also closed Thurs, Fri, Dec. 30, 31.
Windsor
Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center
289 County Road
Mon - Fri 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
* Testing for people age 2+ years.
Closed Thurs, Fri, Dec. 23, 24. Also closed Fri, Sat, Dec. 30, 31. There will be special testing in Windsor on a couple days during those weeks. Information about that testing will be posted here the week of Dec. 20.
Winooski
32 Mallets Bay Ave.
Mon, Wed, Fri 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Tues, Thurs, Sat, Sun 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Closed Thurs, Fri, Sat, Dec. 23, 24, 25. Also closed Thurs, Fri, Sat, Dec. 30, 31, Jan. 1. There will be special testing in Winooski on a couple days during those weeks. Information about that testing will be posted here the week of Dec. 20.
LOCATIONS FOR DECEMBER 23 & DECEMBER 30 TESTING
Berlin
1311 Barre-Montpelier Rd.
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Make an appointment now. Appointments for December 23 are full.
Burlington
405 Pine St.
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Make an appointment now. Appointments for December 23 are full.
Brattleboro
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital
417 Canal St.
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Make an appointment now. Appointments for December 23 are full.
Glover
48 County Rd.
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Make an appointment now.
Middlebury
55 Middle Rd.
Dec. 23 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Dec. 30 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Make an appointment now. Appointments for December 23 are full.
Morrisville
609 Washington Highway
1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Make an appointment now. Appointments for December 23 are full.
Newport
Newport Ambulance Services
830 Union St.
8:00 am - 4:00 pm.
Make an appointment now.
Rutland
275 Stratton Rd.
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Make an appointment now. Appointments for December 23 are full.
Rutland
Rutland Regional Medical Center
160 Allen St.
9:00 am - 10:00 am and 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Make an appointment now. Appointments for December 23 are full.
Springfield
51 Pearl St., Level 2
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Make an appointment now.
St. Albans
27 Fisher Pond Rd.
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Make an appointment now. Appointments for December 23 are full.
St. Johnsbury
Caledonia Home Health Care & Hospice (parking lot)
161 Sherman Dr.
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Make an appointment now.
Waitsfield
4355 Main St.
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Make an appointment now. Appointments for December 23 are full.
Wells River
Little River Health Care
65 Main St. North
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Make an appointment now. Appointments for December 23 are full.
Windsor
289 County Rd.
9:00- am - 12:30 pm and 1:10 am - 4:00 pm
Make an appointment now. Appointments for December 23 are full.
Winooski
32 Mallets Bay Ave
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Make an appointment now. Appointments for December 23 are full.
If you and your family have appointments for take-home testing, one family member can go pick up the test kits for other family members. The person who picks them up does not need to have an appointment. For example, if three family members have appointments, one family member can go pick up three test kits for everyone who is registered.
