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 & DFR.
by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today is reporting 84 cases of COVID-19 for Sunday, down from 120 on Saturday (142 on Friday). There were no additional deaths, which stand at 611 statewide. There have been four fatalities since March 5. Vermont is averaging 119 cases over the last 7 days. Cases are down 94% since the Omicron peak. UVM ended its mask mandate on Saturday.
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, 59 in February and 7 so far in March. This month is shaping up to have the fewest deaths since last July.
While the highest concentration of deaths has been in the last six months, December 2020 was the worst month with 71.
Hospitalizations today were 19. 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 and have now fallen, were 3. The one-day record there was set December 7, 2021, (31).
With case counts falling, the seven-day positivity rate is now 4.2%; the record was 13.8% set January 8. Testing is also down.
Health Commissioner Dr Mark Levine said last Tuesday that the state's testing sites would offer take-home antigen and LAMP tests, as well as the usual PCR tests. The antigen and LAMP (similar to a PCR) offer much faster results. PCR tests will still be available to those who want or need them. For instance, some travel destinations still require a negative PCR test.
Overall testing has fallen precipitously since early fall and is down 20 percent in the last week. PCR tests are also the most expensive option to the state, but all are free to Vermonters.
COVID cases now are highest per capita in the last two weeks in Addison, Essex, Caledonia and Windsor counties. Addison had been a relatively quiet region until recently with an increase in cases at Middlebury College, which appear now to be waning. Meanwhile, in the Northeast Kingdom, which had been a COVID hot spot earlier in the pandemic, cases increased in the last week even as the rest of the state reports a decline. Cases also were relatively higher in Windsor in recent days.
With low levels of severe disease and effective tools to prevent COVID-19, Vermont health officials on March 14 ended COVID-19 public health recommendations, which includes recommending masks in indoor public spaces.
Last Wednesday, the University of Vermont, with a 100 percent vaccine rate for students and staff, announced that it would end its mask mandate on March 19.
Most cities and towns also have let mandates expire.
The CDC and Vermont are emphasizing serious health outcomes, such as hospitalizations and fatalities, and not overall cases, as the best measure of COVID's health impact at this time.
An Omicron sub-variant (BA.2) is showing an increase in cases in Europe. And while it is already in Vermont and the US and appears to be more transmissible, cases have not increased because of it yet, nor does it yet appear to be more dangerous.
Monthly COVID deaths spiked with the Delta variant that began to spread last summer. So far in March there have been only 7 COVID-related fatalities.
It was on March 13, 2020 that Governor Scott declared a State of Emergency, which closed many businesses and all the schools and left most people working from home, if they had any work at all.
The new prevention guidance focuses on recommending Vermonters consider their own circumstances and risk in deciding what precautions to take – including wearing a mask around others – to protect themselves, loved ones and those at higher risk from COVID-19. The guidance had previously recommended wearing a mask in all indoor public spaces.
The state has also simplified its guidance for anyone who tests positive or is in close contact with someone who tests positive. Vermonters are still strongly urged to be up to date on vaccinations against the virus.
“As we continue moving forward and evolving our management of this virus, it’s important to reflect on the progress we’ve made, and how much Vermonters have stepped up over the last two years,” said Governor Phil Scott. “Although Covid isn’t going away, we’re in a much different place than we were not too long ago, and we know how to protect ourselves. Vaccination remains the best tool in our toolbox to protect yourself and others, and we continue to encourage anyone who hasn’t to get vaccinated and boosted.”
The updated guidance calls for people who test positive to isolate for five days — even if you are vaccinated or never have symptoms. Recommendations no longer include a negative test to end isolation or masking for an additional five days after isolation.
For people who are considered close contacts of someone who tested positive, quarantine is no longer recommended.
However, if you are not vaccinated or not up to date on your vaccines, you should get tested around five days after your contact occurred. Any close contact should get tested if they develop symptoms, regardless of vaccination status.
These changes do not apply to health care settings, including long term care facilities, or other congregate settings that follow separate guidance.
With less risk of COVID-19 and the critical tools to protect ourselves — through vaccines, testing and treatment, Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD said we can live more safely, with the virus causing less disruption in our daily lives.
“The COVID-19 virus will be with us for a long time, but the data tells us we have arrived at a point where people can decide for themselves if they want to take precautions based on their own personal level of risk,” Dr. Levine said.
Dr. Levine emphasized, however, that low levels of virus is not the same as no virus, and that we need to remain prepared in case the virus changes again.
“If we have learned anything about COVID-19 over these past two years, it is that the virus is good at evolving,” Dr. Levine said. “With many surges and new variants, nearly all of us have been affected in some way, and too many have suffered serious illness and tragic losses. I am hopeful we are finally coming to the end of the pandemic, but that will only be the case if people are thoughtful about their safety and activities – and stay up to date on vaccinations.”
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.
January 2022 had by far the most cases by month, with 38,500 because of the Omicron variant. December 2021 was second worst with 16,091. December 2021 was third worst with 10,134, February 2022 was fourth with 7,585 and October 2021 was fifth with 6,572, as the worst months for overall cases were all in the last six.
Weekly Data Modeling is presented by DFR Commissioner Michael Pieciak
Department of Financial Regulation Data Modeling was updated March 15, 2022 (click HERE for all 46 slides).
Case and hospitalization metrics across the region and nationally improved this week. National forecasts anticipate these trends will continue in the coming weeks. CDC modeling predicts US COVID-19 fatalities will keep falling as these favorable trajectories persist.
Global cases are up 11% this week, primarily driven by confirmed infections in Europe and Asia. These case increases are possibly due to a combination of factors, including low rates of immunity (Hong Kong, China), the Omicron BA.2 sub-variant, and the lifting of COVID-19 mitigation measures.
Vermont cases are down 94% from the peak of the Omicron wave, leading to the continued decline in new hospital admissions, which are down 80% from the peak.
Today, Vermont is reporting 12 individuals in the hospital for the virus, with four requiring ICU care. Per capita, Vermont is tied with New Hampshire and Massachusetts in reporting the lowest COVID-19 hospitalization rates in the nation.
The trend of declining COVID-19 fatalities seen in the latter part of February has carried into March, with four reported COVID-19 deaths so far in Vermont this month. The state has not reported a COVID-19 death in 10 days.
- Vermont is averaging 119 cases over the last 7 days
- The 7-day average has decreased 16% over the last 7 days & decreased 27% over the last 14 days
- Cases down 94% since the Omicron Peak
- Vermont reported 798 new COVID-19 cases this week, 188 fewer cases compared to last week
- Lowest weekly COVID-19 case total since August 2021
- Week-over-week testing fell, with the 7-day average decreasing 20%
- Test positivity increased 1% over the last 7 days
- The not fully vaccinated case rate has decreased 23% in the last 7 days
- The fully vaccinated rate has decreased 14% during the same period
- Over the last 7 days, cases have:
● Decreased 41% for ages 0 to 24
● Decreased 15% for ages 25 to 49
● Increased 13% for ages 50 to 64
● Decreased 3% for ages 65+ - Vermont COVID-19 cases are expected to continue to decline in the coming weeks, consistent with improving case trends in Vermont, the Northeast, and the U.S.
- Declines in COVID-19 fatalities are expected over the next 4 weeks
- COVID-19 hospitalizations 82% decrease from Omicron peak
- COVID-19 ICU 82% decrease from Omicron peak
- Hospitalizations continue to be more common among older Vermonters
- Those 18+ & not fully vaccinated were nearly 2.5x more likely to be hospitalized from COVID-19 over the last 6 weeks compared to those fully vaccinated & boosted
- 608 COVID-19 deaths since the start of the pandemic
- New England cases decreased 27% over last 7 days & decreased 34% over last 14 days
- New England hospitalizations decreased 17% over last 7 days & decreased 37% over last 14 days
Dr Levine said those who are not fully vaccinated (which includes a booster for those eligible) are still 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 67 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.
VDH NOTE: Deaths reported for March 6 were shown incorrectly earlier on March 7, when we showed "3" deaths reported. There were 0 deaths reported on March 6.
| DATE | CASE COUNT | DEATHS REPORTED |
|---|---|---|
| March 18 | 142 | 0 |
| March 19 | 120 | 0 |
| March 20 | 84 | 0 |
| DATE | CASE COUNT | DEATHS REPORTED |
|---|---|---|
| March 11 | 153 | 0 |
| March 12 | 79 | 0 |
| March 13 | 23 | 0 |
| DATE | CASE COUNT | DEATHS REPORTED |
|---|---|---|
| March 4 | 131 | 0 |
| March 5 | 95 | 0 |
| March 6 | 57 | 0 |
| DATE | CASE COUNT | DEATHS REPORTED |
|---|---|---|
| February 28 | 101 | 4 |
| March 1 | 262 | 0 |
| 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 |
| 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.
Vaccines & Boosters
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
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, Thurs 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Sat 8:00 am - 12:00 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
Mon, Fri 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Wed 1:00 pm - 5:00 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
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 and Fri 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
For appointment for this site call: 802-728-7000
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 and Wed 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
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 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 - 1:00 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
Last day of testing: Thursday, March 31
Windsor
Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center
289 County Road
Mon 1:00 pm - 3:50 pm
Tues - Fri 8:50 am - 12:30 pm
Winooski
32 Mallets Bay Ave.
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.
