Starting February 5, the case dashboard will not be updated on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays. A breakdown of the previous days' cases will be reported on Mondays (or the day following a holiday). See below. Graphics courtesy VDH.
by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today is reporting 70 cases of COVID-19 for Sunday. Cases have been running well below the 7-day average of 220, which will be updated tomorrow. Hospitalizations and ICU stays have fallen dramatically the last two weeks. The CDC is easing masking recommendations because of the reduction in pressure on the health care system.
There were three additional COVID-related deaths since last Friday, for 598 statewide; one was in the 70-79 age band and two were 80+.
While cases and hospitalizations have been falling, the fatality rate has remained relatively high. Health Commissioner Dr Mark Levine said last Tuesday that fatalities seem to be finally falling, as they lag behind the other metrics.
There were 49 COVID-19 related fatalities in Vermont in September 2021, and 47 deaths in October, which are the fourth- and fifth-worst months on record. There were 42 fatalities in November, 62 in December, and 65 in January 2022 and 53 so far in February (fatality data is typically updated into the next month).
While the highest concentration of deaths has been in the last six months, December 2020 was the worst month with 71.
Hospitalizations today were 35. The record was 122 on January 19. Health officials have focused on this as a key indicator. They had been running over 100 in early February.
ICU stays, which also had been elevated but less volatile, were 2. The one-day record there was set December 7, 2021, (31).
With case counts falling, the seven-day positivity rate is now 4.8%; the record was 13.8% set January 8. Testing is also down.
Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, has said he expects fatalities to subside in the next couple weeks. He said there are no dangerous looking variants on the horizon, unlike the Delta variant from last summer and Omicron from late fall. A similar variant to Omicron is circulating in Vermont, but does not appear to be causing noticeable effects. But he urges Vermonters to remain vigilant, get vaccinated, wear a mask and stay home if sick and get tested.
Importantly, hospitalizations and ICU stays are much lower than even a couple weeks ago. Meanwhile, the record daily high of COVID-19 cases was set January 7, with 2,975.
There were 87 cases of COVID-19 on Saturday; 185 on Friday; 227 on Thursday; 206 on Wednesday; 265 on Tuesday; 68 cases on Monday; and 101 cases last Sunday.
Cases now are highest per capita in the last two weeks in Orleans, Addison, Rutland and Washington. Bennington had been the highest and recently Addison and Washington county cases have increased relative to the rest of the state.
Dr Levine said those who are not fully vaccinated (which includes a booster for those eligible) are more likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19.
According to the VDH, 81 percent of eligible Vermonters (5+) have been completed their vaccination regimen and a total of 65 percent (12+) have received a booster shot.
Case information reflects counts as of the end of the previous weekday. All data are compiled by the Health Department and are preliminary and subject to change.
| DATE | CASE COUNT | DEATHS REPORTED |
|---|---|---|
| Feb. 25 | 185 | 0 |
| Feb. 26 | 87 | 0 |
| Feb. 27 | 70 | 3 |
| DATE | CASE COUNT | DEATHS REPORTED |
|---|---|---|
| Feb. 18 | 267 | 4 |
| Feb. 19 | 210 | 0 |
| Feb. 20 | 101 | 0 |
| Feb. 21 | 68 | 0 |
As case counts fall and younger children get vaccinated, the Vermont Agency of Education will implement its 80 percent rule beginning February 28. Schools that have at least 80 percent vaccination among students will receive financial bonuses from the state and the state will recommend that they cease their mask requirements.
Most schools in Vermont are not at 80 percent. Even now school districts have the discretion on whether to require masking for students and staff, but nearly all do.
Other states like Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island are dropping their mandates or guidance. Governor Scott said that for now his administration is still recommending masks for indoor gatherings at school and in public.
Scott indicated that he could change that recommendation in March. However, he said that Vermont got the Omicron spike later than nearby states and is also coming out of it later.
There is no state mandate in Vermont, but school districts, municipalities, businesses and nonprofits can all issue one for their own entities.
Department of Financial Regulation Data Modeling was updated February 23, 2022 (click HERE for all 23 slides).
Weekly Data Modeling is presented by DFR Commissioner Michael Pieciak
- Vermont is averaging 220 cases over the last 7 days
- The 7-day average has decreased 28% over the last 7 days & decreased 44% over the last 14 days
- Cases down 88% from Omicron peak
- Cases now lowest since early November
- Vermont reported 1,540 new COVID-19 cases this week, 626 fewer cases compared to last week
- Fewest weekly case since November 1, 2021
- Week-over-week testing fell, with the 7-day average decreasing 5.4%
- Test positivity decreased 24% over the last 7 days
- New hospital admissions stable over the past week
- 20% decrease in the 7-day hospitalization average over the past week
- 33% decrease in the 7-day ICU average over the past week
- Starting February 5, the case dashboard will not be updated on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays. A breakdown of the previous days' cases will be reported on Mondays (or the day following a holiday).
The Case Dashboard is updated Monday - Friday, typically by 1:00 p.m.
| DATE | CASE COUNT | DEATHS REPORTED |
|---|---|---|
| Feb. 11 | 283 | 0 |
| Feb. 12 | 247 | 0 |
| Feb. 13 | 120 | 8 |
| DATE | CASE COUNT | DEATHS REPORTED |
|---|---|---|
| Feb. 4 | 284 | 0 |
| Feb. 5 | 311 | 0 |
| Feb. 6 | 149 | 0 |
Case information reflects counts as of the end of the previous weekday. All data are compiled by the Health Department and are preliminary and subject to change.
Testing
As for testing, the state will be relying more heavily on self reporting as rapid antigen tests become more prominent and more available.
While the first 350,000 tests were distributed in a program that began in January, all Vermont residents who have not successfully ordered one can request a rapid, at home test through the VDH when the state is able to distribute the next allotment of 150,000 tests: SayYesCovidHomeTest.org
Rapid antigen tests are now more widely available at local pharmacies and the cost should be reimbursed by your health insurance provider.
Federal COVID rapid tests are now available at COVIDtests.gov - Free at-home COVID-19 tests
Each order will contain two test kits and each kit contains two tests, for a total of four tests per order.
Test at Home: Vermont School COVID-19 Testing Protocol Winter 2022
Scenario 1: Rapid Testing for Presumptive Contacts
(Revised: January 14, 2022)
This scenario applies to both school-based and community-based contacts. This scenario applies to both staff and students. PreK students attending programs that are attached to K-12 school buildings are eligible to participate in this program.
Process
1. School learns of a positive case in a student or staff member.
2. School notifies students/families that there is a case in their class. Classmates are considered “presumptive contacts.”
3. Students and staff who are presumptive contacts should pick up take home antigen test kits.
• For example, in high school and middle schools, students in impacted classrooms could be sent to the office for test kit pick up.
• In elementary schools, test kits could be delivered to classrooms for backpack drop.
• Schools should not monitor compliance of kit pick up or use of kits.
4. Presumptive contacts receive a different number of kits depending on their vaccination status.
• If individuals are fully vaccinated (and have received a booster for adults), they should receive 2 tests and use them on the fourth and fifth days after learning of their presumptive exposure.
• If individuals are not fully vaccinated, they should receive 5 tests and use them for the next 5 consecutive days after receiving them.
For individuals with continuous household exposure:
• If individuals are fully vaccinated (and have received a booster for adults), it is recommended that they test every 3 to 5 days while their household contact is in isolation and for 5 consecutive days after the household contact ends isolation.
• If individuals are not fully vaccinated, it is recommended that they test daily while their household contact is in isolation, and for 5 consecutive days after the household contact ends isolation.
Individuals with presumptive school contact do not need to otherwise quarantine during their testing periods. Individuals who are close contacts to a case outside of school are recommended to quarantine according to Vermont Department of Health guidance, but may attend school according to the above protocol.
Kit Distribution and FERPA
School district personnel with a need to know may access any FERPA protected information without any need to get consent or provide disclosure. If student vaccination status is used to create resources for the sole purpose of assisting with test kit distribution, those resources become part of the student’s educational record, pursuant to FERPA. For more information, please refer to U.S. HHS and U.S. ED. Joint Guidance on the Application of FERPA and HIPAA to Student Health Records.
Scenario 2: Diagnostic Testing
School nurses will have access to rapid testing (antigen and/or LAMP) for the following purposes:
• School-based testing for students or staff with symptoms at school.
• School-based testing for families who need school assistance in administering tests under Scenario 1, above.
If antigen tests are used, school nurses will conduct one test in school and send a second test home with the family to be completed approximately 24 hours after the first test.
Schools will require consent from families to do in-school testing.
If a student does not attend school due to illness, their parent/guardian may access 2 rapid antigen tests by picking them up at school. These tests should be taken as close to 24 hours apart as possible. Staff may do the same.
Symptomatic students and staff who have two negative tests, have symptom improvement and are fever free for 24 hours may return to school.
School testing guidance and information can be found on the Agency of Education website at education.vermont.gov/covid19/testing.
State officials want to keep kids in schools and schools open. Remote learning does not count as an official school day, unless granted a waiver by the Department of Education.
Because self-reporting of cases will not be as high as cases found via PCR tests, several metrics should be used to judge the impact of COVID-19 on the state.
DFR Commissioner Pieciak said many factors should be looked at to gauge Omicron impact, including statistical estimates of viral load, hospitalizations, ICU stays and deaths.
Also, people should upgrade their masks to N95 or similar because Omicron is better able to get through a regular cloth mask. Dr Levine urged Vermonters to wear a double mask if an N95-type mask was not available.
As for the adult population, the state will begin to roll out free antigen test kits for the general public beginning Wednesday on the healthvermont.gov website starting at 10 am. The state has 250,000 kits (each kit has two tests and an individual should take both at least 24 hours apart).
The federal government will release similar kits in the coming weeks.
The state and federal kits are on a first-come basis.
Pharmacies also may have kits available, though that is more hit or miss. However, most insurance will cover the cost of kits (about $25) either upfront or reimbursed.
The state began distributing 500,000 at-home rapid antigen tests starting on January 12 at 10 am trough the healthvermont.gov website. The first allotment of 350,000 was allocated by the afternoon.
The State opened registration for COVID-19 booster shots for children 12 to 15 years old on Thursday, January 6, following approval by CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky.
The new five month wait time for a booster shot also applies to anyone 18 and older who received the Pfizer vaccine. They can get a Pfizer or Moderna booster.
To make an appointment, parents and caregivers can go online effective immediately at healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine or by calling 855-722-7878.
- In addition to expanding booster eligibility to those under 12, the FDA also shortened the waiting time between the primary series of the Pfizer vaccine and the third shot (booster) from six months to five.
- The FDA also authorized a third primary-series dose for immunocompromised children over 5 years old.
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.
- 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
See Case and Vaccine Dashboards Below
This map includes Health Department, pharmacy and other testing sites.
See this map displayed full-screen.
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
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 Department testing)
Gymnasium at former Southern Vermont College campus
981 Mansion Dr.
Mon - Sat 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Closed on Fri, 2/4 due to weather
No appointment necessary. See details and download a consent form here: https://svhealthcare.org/COVID-19/testing
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
We recommend you schedule an appointment at the 1311 Barre-Montpelier Rd location. If there are no appointments, walk-ins are accepted at the Berlin Mall.
282 Berlin Mall Rd
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sat 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Wed, Fri 9:00 am - 6:30 pm
Sun 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Brattleboro
417 Canal St.
Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
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
Burlington
294 North Winooski Ave., Suite 125
(satellite location of Community Health Center of Burlington)
Mon 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Closed Mon, Feb 7 and Feb 21
Tues 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Wed, Thurs 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Fri 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Enosburg Falls
Cold Hollow Family Practice (this site is not Health Department 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
Fairlee
5445 Lake Morey Rd. E
Mon, Wed, Thurs, Sat, Sun 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Tues, Fri 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Glover
Glover Ambulance
48 County Rd.
Tues & Thurs 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Wed 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
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
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
Johnson
62 Wilson Rd.
Mon - Wed 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sat 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Middlebury
1396 Route 7 South (Middlebury South Plaza)
Mon - Fri 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Sat, Sun 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Montpelier
134 State St. (parking lot)
Thurs 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Morrisville
Copley Hospital (this site is not Health Department 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
Morrisville
Lamoille Health Partners
609 Washington Highway
Mon - Fri 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sat 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Newport
Newport Ambulance Services
830 Union St.
Mon, Tues, Thurs 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sat 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Newport
North Country Hospital
189 Prouty Dr.
Mon, Thurs, Fri 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tues, Wed 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Northfield
31 Dog River Rd.
Mon 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Tues, Fri 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Randolph
Gifford Medical Center (this site is not Health Department testing)
44 S Main St, South parking lot
Mon, Tue and Fri 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
For appointment for this site call: 802-728-7000
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 - 5:10 pm
Sat 10:00 am - 11:50 am
Springfield
Springfield Health Center
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
Stratton
Carlos Otis Stratton Mountain Clinic
78 Founder's Hill Rd.
Mon, Wed, Fri 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 - 1:00 pm
St. Johnsbury
Caledonia Home Health Care & Hospice
161 Sherman Dr. (parking lot)
Mon, Wed, Fri 8:30 am - 1:30 pm
Tues, Thurs 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Sat 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Waitsfield
Waitsfield United Church of Christ
4355 Main St.
Fri, Sat 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
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
Wells River
65 Main St. N.
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Thurs 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Williamstown
249 Meadow St.
Wed 9:00 am - 2:00 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
Windsor
Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center
289 County Road
Mon - Fri 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Winooski
32 Mallets Bay Ave.
Mon 1:00 pm - 3:50 pm
Tues - Fri 8:50 am - 12:30 pm
Effective Mon, 2/7
Mon, Wed, Fri 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Tues, Thurs, Sat, Sun 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Vaccination & COVID-19 Dashboards
February 22: Sections of the dashboard that are updated on a weekly basis will be updated tomorrow, Wednesday. This includes the weekly information on the Case Rates by Population tab, the Hospitalization & Death Rates by Population tab and the Weekly Demographics tab.
| DATE | CASE COUNT | DEATHS REPORTED |
|---|---|---|
| Feb. 25 | 185 | 0 |
| Feb. 26 | 87 | 0 |
| Feb. 27 | 70 | 3 |