VDH COVID-19 Update: 132 new cases, Moderna doses in Springifield saved

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

January 28, 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

Moderna Clears Springfield Hospital Vaccine Doses for Use

Vaccine manufacturer Moderna and federal officials cleared for use 860 doses of vaccine stored at Springfield Hospital following concerns with the temperature equipment.

On Tuesday, Springfield Hospital notified state officials of concerns that its refrigerated vaccine may have reached a temperature slightly above the manufacturer’s recommended maximum. General guidelines from Moderna provided to all states indicated that in such a situation the doses may need to be discarded.

Based on a deeper review and totality of the facts, Moderna determined none of the doses were impacted by temperature inconsistencies and can be used with full public confidence.

If you have an appointment for your COVID-19 vaccination, follow these tips!

We were proud to launch the first COVID-19 vaccination clinics yesterday in Vermont! Nearly 32,600 first dose appointments have already been scheduled.

We continue to learn new things along the way and appreciate Vermonters’ patience. Here are tips to make your experience a good one:

• We appreciate you being on time, but please don't arrive earlier than 15 minutes before your appointment.
• If you need someone to come with you for assistance, please only bring one person so we can limit the number of people inside the clinics and follow COVID-19 social distancing precautions.
• Dress warmly for the weather.
• Remember to wear your mask!

For more information and to schedule your vaccination, visit healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine.

Keep up Prevention and Testing

While we wait for vaccine to become more widely available to Vermonters, we must keep up our prevention practices, including physical distancing, mask-wearing, handwashing and staying home when we’re sick.

You can also help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by getting tested. If you want to get tested for COVID-19 and have no symptoms, you can visit a location near you. There are now 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. It’s quick, easy and free.

Register for a test by visiting healthvermont.gov/covid19testing. (You will need to create an account to register.)

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.

New on healthvermont.gov

There have been 25 outbreaks in K-12 schools. On average, there are three cases per school outbreak. Learn more about COVID-19 in K-12 schools in the latest Weekly Data Summary Spotlight.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 12 p.m. on January 28, 2021

* Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.

+ Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.

Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information.

Find more data at: healthvermont.gov/currentactivity.

Guidance for Vermonters and Businesses

Health information, guidance and data: healthvermont.gov/covid19

Sector guidance: accd.vermont.gov/covid-19

Modeling: dfr.vermont.gov/about-us/covid-19/modeling

Governor’s actions: governor.vermont.gov/covid19response

Get the information you need at our Frequently Asked Questions.

School & Child Care Guidance

• Strong and Healthy Start: Safety and Health Guidance for Vermont Schools
• Mental Health: A Strong and Healthy Start: Social, Emotional and Mental Health Supports During COVID-19
• Child care: Health Guidance for Child Care and Out of School Care

More resources on the Your Community web page.

Take Care of Your Emotional and Mental Health

If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

Call your local mental health crisis line.

Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.

Visit our Coping With Stress web page.

Get connected to Alcohol and Drug Support Services at VT Helplink.

Get self-help tips and connect to mental health services at COVID Support VT.