VDH COVID-19 Update: Cases surpass 200 again, deaths increase to 155

Submitted by tim on Thu, 01/07/2021 - 10:17

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today is reporting the second highest single-day total of COVID-19 cases with 214. It's also only the second time cases have surpassed 200 since the beginning of the pandemic last March. The highest total was December 2 with 223. VDH also reported three more deaths for 155 total statewide. Chittenden (72) and Addison (41) counties accounted for the majority of the cases.

COVID-19 cases already are ahead of projections posted on Tuesday by the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation, which has undertaken the COVID-19 modeling. Regional cases have been climbing even faster than Vermont's as health officials and government leaders across the nation brace for what could be another post-holiday wave of infections.

Vaccine distribution also has been slower than anticipated as vaccine distribution from the federal government has not met expectations.

See vaccine and VDH dashboards below, along with links to further information.

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

January 7, 2021

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

CDC Report Features Review of Vermont’s Quarantine Policy

Since May, Vermont has allowed people without COVID-19 symptoms to end quarantine on or after day 7 with a negative test result. In an article published Thursday in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality weekly report, testing data showed that the policy has been effective and has not led to significant spread of COVID-19 in Vermont.

Vermont Department of Health analysts found that those quarantine who tested negative at day 7 after exposure, and were retested between day 8 and 14, none were positive. They also found that only 3% of close contacts tested on day 7 of quarantine tested positive, and 4% of close contacts tested on day 8, 9, or 10 tested positive.

While helping Vermonters by reducing their quarantine period, the policy also benefits the overall COVID-19 response by identifying asymptomatic people earlier in their illnesses through the increased availability of testing statewide, the report found.

Even though Vermont has no plans to change its existing quarantine policy at this time, this analysis also supports the principle of a shortened quarantine through testing like CDC’s options, the article notes.

Vaccines in Vermont

Planning is continuing for the next steps in distribution of vaccine to Vermonters. Visit healthvermont.gov/covid19-vaccines for continually updated information about who can get vaccinated now, plans for next groups, and more.

Know the timeline of when COVID-19 can spread

You can spread the COVID-19 virus to others two days before you notice any symptoms, or even if you never develop symptoms. Our timelines can help determine when you might have been infectious, or when someone you were exposed to might have been infectious — the time when the virus can spread to others. Check out our timelines for people with and without symptoms:

Find these timelines and other resources on our website.

If you gathered with others, get tested

If you gathered with anyone you don’t live with or had a potential exposure to someone with COVID-19, we recommend getting tested. This is how you can help keep the virus from spreading.

Vermonters without COVID symptoms can now get tested at more than 15 regular locations throughout the state, and more of them are now open daily. Many sites now allow you to take a sample yourself, using a short swab in your nose. So it’s quick, easy and free.

You can register for a test by visiting healthvermont.gov/covid19testing. You do have to create an account to register, and we appreciate your patience with the process.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, please contact your health care provider so they can refer you for testing. If you don’t have a provider, you can call 2-1-1.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 12 p.m. on January 7, 2021

Description		Number
New cases*		214 (8,403 total)
Currently hospitalized		36
Hospitalized in ICU		8
Hospitalized under investigation		3
Percent Positive (7-day average)		2.7%
People tested		271,568
Total tests		731,627
Total people recovered		5,657
Deaths+		155
Travelers monitored		320
Contacts monitored		191
People completed monitoring		11,926