VDH: COVID cases exceed 2,000 for first time

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today reported 2,188 cases of COVID-19 for Wednesday, which is another record and the first time over 2,000 daily cases. The previous record of 1,727 cases of COVID-19 was set on Monday. On December 30, it reported a then-record 1,471 cases. The record for cases was broken three times last week and twice this week. Hospitalizations increased today to one short of their record daily high.

The VDH also today reported no additional COVID-related fatalities, which remain at 482 statewide. With case counts now elevated, the positivity rate has increased to a near record high 12.4 percent (the record of 12.6 percent was set on January 4, 2022).

Hospitalizations today were 91 (up nine) after breaking its one-day record December 8 with 92 statewide. ICU stays, which also had been elevated, were 17 (up two). The one-day record there was set December 7 (31). Hospitalizations and ICU visits have not surged even as cases have more than doubled the last couple of weeks.

The state expected a surge in cases for the holidays, driven by the new Omicron variant and family gatherings. Cases for both unvaccinated and vaccinated people have spiked.

The VDH is urging eligible Vermonters to get vaccinated and boosted to reduce the chances of a serious health outcomes and to get tested (see further information below).

Cases during this recent surge have been especially high in the northwestern (Chittenden County second highest in the state the last two weeks) and southern Vermont counties (Bennington the highest) and now also in Washington and Lamoille counties.

There were 49 COVID-19 related fatalities in Vermont in September 2021, and 47 deaths in October, which had been the second- and third-worst months on record (December 2020, 71). There were 40 fatalities in November, 60 in December and four so far in January 2022.

The December 2021 fatality rate was below the pace set in December 2020, but surpassed last September for the second worst month for COVID-19 deaths.

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 late Wednesday night.

This age group can receive their Pfizer booster as early as five months after their second Pfizer dose. Children ages 16 and 17 have already been eligible for a Pfizer booster but can now also get their booster shot as soon as five months after the second dose.

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.

Governor Phil Scott issued the following statement Monday on the FDA’s announcement that children 12-15 years old are eligible for a Pfizer booster shot:

“Today’s news that the FDA has approved booster shots for 12–15-year-olds is another important step forward. With cases expected to increase across the country over the coming weeks, the best way to keep Vermonters who are most vulnerable to severe illness out of the hospital is through vaccination and booster shots. Expanding eligibility for boosters will have an important impact and reduce disruptions.

“I have directed the Agency of Human Services to operationalize this change in the State’s vaccine registration system as soon as final approval from CDC is granted, and we will have more details soon.”

• 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.

The Department of Financial Regulation Commissioner Michael Pieciak released his usual COVID-19 Modeling report January 4, despite the governor not having his press conference as he prepares for the State of the State Address on January 5.

Among his findings was that the surge in cases this past holiday season was much greater than it was post-Christmas in 2020.

As for the spike in COVID-19 cases, the VDH said in a statement last Wednesday that, "There are likely multiple factors at play and unfortunately these high case numbers are not unexpected. We are likely seeing the impact of holiday gatherings as we did in the days after Thanksgiving. In addition, Delta, a highly transmissible variant, is still circulating. Add to that the even more contagious Omicron getting a foothold in the state, along with many Vermonters following our recommendations for testing, and the numbers will go up.

"With all that, it’s important to know we are focusing on data of serious outcomes."

Health Commissioner Dr Mark Levine said at the press briefing on December28:

“I suggest we not focus too much on those figures.

“Case number data are important. But what I, and every person on this stage, will be watching closely are the data and metrics of serious outcomes among people – specifically, hospitalizations and deaths.

“Here’s why. Even if you get sick from COVID, If you are fully protected – meaning you have your full primary vaccination and have your booster shot – you will generally have mild cold-like symptoms, or at worst, flu symptoms, and the illness is short-lived. Like having the flu, it’s not fun – being sick never is, but full protection means you should escape the worst of it. And reports from around the country and in Vermont are bearing this out.

“The data on serious outcomes, however, are key indicators of the worst impacts of the coronavirus. These are the figures that inform us of where we are in the pandemic; and as they have for almost 2 years now, drive our actions for protecting Vermonters from these terrible outcomes, and preserving the capacity of our health care system so each of us can get any needed care – whether we have COVID or another health need.”

Vermont had been late to see a surge from Omicron that has already hit New England the rest of the US.

Cases over the Christmas break were low and the positivity rate was relatively high as testing was low. Case counts were also relatively low over the holiday.

On December 22, 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 December 17, though they say it probably first showed up in Vermont in early December.

DATE	NEW CASES
Dec. 30	1,471
Dec. 31	577
Jan. 1	473
Jan. 2	245

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.

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.

Addison County New Cases: 34 Recent Cases - Past 14 Days: 376 Cases Per 100,000 - Past 14 Days: 1,017 Bennington County New Cases: 17 Recent Cases - Past 14 Days: 766 Cases Per 100,000 - Past 14 Days: 2,149.8 Caledonia County New Cases: 14 Recent Cases - Past 14 Days: 260 Cases Per 100,000 - Past 14 Days: 858 Chittenden County New Cases: 292 Recent Cases - Past 14 Days: 2,977 Cases Per 100,000 - Past 14 Days: 1,808.9 Essex County New Cases: 3 Recent Cases - Past 14 Days: 31 Cases Per 100,000 - Past 14 Days: 496 Franklin County New Cases: 108 Recent Cases - Past 14 Days: 807 Cases Per 100,000 - Past 14 Days: 1,632.9 Grand Isle County New Cases: 14 Recent Cases - Past 14 Days: 87 Cases Per 100,000 - Past 14 Days: 1,227.1 Lamoille County New Cases: 35 Recent Cases - Past 14 Days: 348 Cases Per 100,000 - Past 14 Days: 1,375.5 Orange County New Cases: 28 Recent Cases - Past 14 Days: 220 Cases Per 100,000 - Past 14 Days: 758.6 Orleans County New Cases: 29 Recent Cases - Past 14 Days: 196 Cases Per 100,000 - Past 14 Days: 728.4 Pending Validation New Cases: 1,255 Recent Cases - Past 14 Days: 2,539 Cases Per 100,000 - Past 14 Days: 0 Rutland County New Cases: 150 Recent Cases - Past 14 Days: 1,045 Cases Per 100,000 - Past 14 Days: 1,781.1 Washington County New Cases: 126 Recent Cases - Past 14 Days: 946 Cases Per 100,000 - Past 14 Days: 1,627.1 Windham County New Cases: 16 Recent Cases - Past 14 Days: 525 Cases Per 100,000 - Past 14 Days: 1,227.9 Windsor County New Cases: 67 Recent Cases - Past 14 Days: 510 Cases Per 100,000 - Past 14 Days: 922.5

Several municipalities in Vermont separately are requiring masking and many businesses are requiring proof of vaccination or a recent negative test.

“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, appears to be much faster moving but also less of a threat to the lungs and therefore somewhat less dangerous.

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 three deaths in the 40-49 age band and now two in the 30-39 age band. There continues to be only one death for anyone under 30, which came in the 20-29 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).

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.

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