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Weinberger's COVID-19 update, Omicron response and booster alert

Submitted by tim on

by Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger As we close 2021, we are entering yet another new stage of the pandemic with the arrival of the highly contagious Omicron variant in Vermont. As the President and Governor have said repeatedly, because of the huge progress we have made over the last year with vaccinations and our understanding of the virus, this should not be cause for panic, but it should be cause for attention and taking action.

While the contagiousness of Omicron means that it is likely that we will see a large surge in cases in the weeks ahead, our very high rates of vaccination and rising booster rates are causes for hopefulness that we will avoid a large increase in hospitalizations and death here in Chittenden County. There are things that we all can still do to ensure this and to limit disruptions to critical institutions and other services.

Here are the steps that the City is taking to prepare for the coming weeks:

  1. The City is issuing a BOOSTER ALERT. The science is now clear that receiving a booster substantially reduces your likelihood of becoming infected by Omicron, versus having only an initial vaccine series. As of today, 55% of people 16 and older in Chittenden County that have completed a previous vaccine series have received a booster. Over the coming weeks, we need to drive this rate up further.
  2. We are in close collaboration with the State and local vaccine partners to identify ways the City may be able to support expanded capacity at local vaccination sites.
  3. On Monday, the City Council voted to extend the City of Burlington Mask Mandate Ordinance through the month of January. As a result of this ordinance, approximately 30 Burlington restaurants and bars now require vaccinations for entry. Find out more information about this ordinance at: https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/covid-19/guidance
  4. We are preparing to update our City employee vaccination policy to require boosters.
  5. We are updating our City employee masking policy to require all employees, regardless of vaccination status, to once again mask when indoors in the same room as other people.

Here are the steps we are urging you to take:

  1. Get a booster as soon as possible. Again, this is the most impactful precaution you can take right now. Boosters are available for anyone 16 and older that had their last dose of either a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least 6 months ago, and people who got the single-dose J+J vaccine at least 2 months ago.

    We know that capacity at many sites is limited right now, so making an appointment is highly recommended. See information about making finding a vaccine clinic or making a vaccine appointment at the bottom of this email.

  2. Employers should strongly consider implementing the same changes that the City is making to its to COVID policies (per above).
  3. Test before and after gathering with vulnerable friends and family members. The State is working to rapidly expand their testing capacity over the coming weeks in response to the large increase in demand. Testing capacity is currently limited before Christmas, but appointments are available between Christmas and New Year’s. Find out more about where to get a test: https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/testing/where-get-tested
  4. Consider using a high-quality mask, like a N95, KN95 or KF94, when you are in indoor public places.
  5. Prepare for potential disruptions in the weeks ahead. A wave of new infections could result in worker shortages, closures, or other forthcoming health measures.

Though this next stage of the pandemic will require renewed care and diligence, our City has faced difficult times before, and we’ve stayed focused and come together to meet the task. I know we can emerge from this challenging time stronger if we take the recommended actions, just as we have in the past 20 months. Together we can meet this moment, help those that are most vulnerable, and save lives.

And this year, taking these precautions will allow you to gather safely with loved ones. Thank you, and I wish you very happy holidays.

Warmly,

Miro Weinberger
Mayor

Vaccine Clinic Information

To find a vaccine clinic, including information on whether walk-ins and pediatric vaccines are available, and to make an appointment: https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/vaccine/getting-covid-19-vaccine.

If you did not use the Vermont Department of Health system for your initial vaccine doses, you can call 855-722-7878 to set up your appointment.

On December 21, the state announced additional pop-up vaccination sites and appointments during the holidays including within our area:

December 23

  • UVMMC Taft Corners, 300 Interstate Corp Center, Williston
  • Community Health Centers Burlington, 294 North Winooski Ave, Burlington
  • Double Tree Hotel, 870 Williston Road, South Burlington

December 30

  • UVMMC Taft Corners, 300 Interstate Corp Center, Williston
  • Double Tree Hotel, 870 Williston Road, South Burlington

Clinic locations and dates can be found on the VDH website above.

Vermont Health Equity Initiative hosts vaccine, booster, and pediatric vaccine clinics for BIPOC Vermonters in Burlington every other weekend through March 2022.

  • On December 26, there will be a clinic for 5-11 year olds from 11am to noon at the Downtown Burlington High School.
  • The next regular clinic is January 8, 2022 at St. Paul’s Cathedral, 2 Cherry Street, Burlington.
  • More information and to register for an appointments at a VHEI clinic, visit: https://www.vermonthealthequity.org/