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, including Town Meeting on March 1). See below. Graphics courtesy DFR.
by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today is reporting 174 cases of COVID-19, up from 98 Wednesday (Tuesday 195; Monday, 48; Sunday 57, Saturday 95 and Friday 131). The 7-day case average is 140 (see modeling update below). Hospitalizations and ICU stays have fallen dramatically the last few weeks. There has been only one COVID-related death since last Friday.
The new statewide COVID health guidance will begin Monday (March 14), meaning for the general public and in school, mask wearing will be up to individual discretion. Businesses, etc, could still decide to require them, as hospitals still do.
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.
There were no additional COVID-related deaths again today, which stand at 608 statewide.
The statewide guidance will be based on personal choice, which Scott said should be driven by individual health considerations, which include age and underlying medical conditions. If, say, a new variant emerges, then guidance could again change, he said.
Health Commissioner Dr Mark Levine said Tuesday that because of immunity levels here and health care experience, Vermont is well prepared to handle what comes next.
He urged anyone who felt the need to wear a mask, in public or in school, to do so as they see fit. He asked that no one be judgemental on the measures each of us is taking to stay healthy.
Dr Levine added that even if you choose not to wear a mask, carry one around because the business you want to visit may still require you to wear one.
However, he noted that those who were not fully vaccinated were still at greater risk for serious health outcomes if they did contract COVID.
Dr Levine also had trenchant remarks for Florida's governor and surgeon general, who this week said healthy children do not need to get vaccinated. They said children are not experiencing serious health outcomes even if they contract COVID and that some boys might develop a side effect called myocarditis. In short, the vaccines might be worse for children than nothing. This breaks with current CDC guidance.
Dr Levine was asked at the press briefing about whether Vermont would make such a recommendation.
"Vermont is not Florida," Dr Levine said. "Our perspective continues to be, and this joins the pediatric community at large, that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent serious illness and worse outcomes. This is, in essence, of why we call many viral illnesses vaccine-preventable diseases. The word is in 'preventable' and it's in healthy people that you want to prevent these things. So what the Florida governor and the surgeon general of that state basically announced was that healthy people, specifically children, don't need to get vaccinated.
"I was also troubled by the governor's comment discouraging students (University of South Florida, March 2) from wearing a mask, because students who had so chosen to wear a mask wanted to be able to do so. My guidance has shifted to people determining their own risk and taking into account their own personal circumstances and those of the loved ones around them and the people around them. So, berating kids who are trying to make the choice that is the best for them or for those around them is not a very sound public health policy, and probably not a very good parenting policy either."
Florida's COVID-related death rate is 17th highest at 331 per 100,000 (71,326 total). Vermont is second lowest at 97 for 608 total (Hawaii 96/100K; Mississippi highest at 408/100K).
As an example of making those personal choices, at last Thursday's press briefing, neither the governor nor members of the administration wear wearing a mask, for the first time since November 2, 2021.
Dr Levine 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.
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.
While the highest concentration of deaths has been in the last six months, December 2020 was the worst month with 71.
Hospitalizations today were 22 (unchanged). 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 6 (down 1). The one-day record there was set December 7, 2021, (31).
With case counts falling, the seven-day positivity rate is now 3.8%; the record was 13.8% set January 8. Testing is also down.
Because Vermont hospitalizations and deaths have come down, Governor Scott said last Thursday (March 3) that as of March 14 there no longer will be special COVID guidance for schools.
This includes no additional masking recommendations for children and staff in the school building or on the school buses. Schools will follow the general statewide guidance on mitigation measures.
Human Services Secretary Jenney Samuelson has said that children have seen fewer serious health outcomes, including hospitalizations, from COVID nationwide. In Vermont, no one under 20 has died from COVID.
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.
Last week there were 194 cases of COVID-19 on Thursday; 177 on Wednesday; 262 on Tuesday; 101 on Monday; 70 on Sunday; 87 on Saturday; and 185 the previous Friday.
Weekly Data Modeling is presented by DFR Commissioner Michael Pieciak
Department of Financial Regulation Data Modeling was updated March 8, 2022 (click HERE for all 52 slides).
As Vermont passes the two-year anniversary of its first reported COVID-19 case, the situation in the state continues to improve from the height of the Omicron wave.
Over half a million Vermonters have also now been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Vermont is averaging 140 cases per day on a seven-day average—a 93% decrease since the Omicron peak. The pace of case decline has slowed both in Vermont and New England as infections reach more stable low levels.
CDC modeling indicates cases are expected to remain low in Vermont, the Northeast, and across the United States throughout the month of March.
Hospitalizations continue to see significant decreases: new hospital admissions are down 36% this week (down 78% from the Omicron peak); those currently hospitalized are down 21% this week (down 78% from the Omicron peak); and those currently in the ICU are down 42% this week (down 88% from the Omicron peak).
The state has recorded 16 consecutive days of fewer than 10 Vermonters in the ICU for COVID-19.
Hospitalizations continue to be more common among older Vermonters: those over 65 are more than 19 times more likely to be hospitalized for COVID than those under 24. Unvaccinated adults are also at increased risk with quadruple the rate of hospitalization compared to their boosted peers.
Most fortunately, the seven-day fatality rate is below one for the first time in two months as fewer COVID-19 deaths are occurring.
Our thoughts continue to be with the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones to COVID-19. Modeling forecasts COVID-19 deaths will decline steadily in the coming weeks.
- Vermont is averaging 140 cases over the last 7 days
- The 7-day average has decreased 14% over the last 7 days & decreased 36% over the last 14 days
- Cases down 93% since the Omicron Peak
- Vermont reported 983 new COVID-19 cases this week, 164 fewer cases compared to last week
- First week since August 2021 with fewer than 1,000 new COVID-19 cases
- Week-over-week testing fell, with the 7-day average increasing 2.6%
- Test positivity decreased 15% over the last 7 days
- The not fully vaccinated case rate has increased 15% in the last 7 days
- The fully vaccinated rate has decreased 17% during the same period
- Over the last 7 days, cases have:
● Increased 18% for ages 0 to 24
● Decreased 26% for ages 25 to 49
● Decreased 34% for ages 50 to 64
● Decreased 41% for ages 65+ - Vermont had the 2nd highest rate of COVID-19 testing over the last week
- Vermont ranked 43rd for the rate of new COVID-19 cases over the last week
- 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
- 36% decrease in the new hospital admission 7-day average over the past week 78% decrease from peak
- 21% Decrease in the 7-day hospitalization average over the past week; 78% decrease from Omicron peak
- 42% decrease in the 7-day ICU average over the past week; 88% decrease from Omicron peak
- Reported influenza hospitalizations in Vermont remain low
- Hospitalizations continue to be more common among older Vermonters
- Those 18+ & not fully vaccinated were nearly 4x 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
- Vermont had the 11th-fewest COVID-19 deaths per capita over the last week
- Northeast Regional Cases, New Cases March 1st to March 7th:14% Decrease in New Cases
- Weekly Northeast Regional Cases: 6,497 fewer cases this week compared to last week
- New England cases decreased 10% over last 7 days & decreased 59% over last 14 days
- New England hospitalizations decreased 25% over last 7 days & decreased 47% over last 14 days
- National COVID-19 cases are expected to see improvement in the coming weeks.
COVID cases now are highest per capita in the last two weeks in Addison, Orleans, Orange, and Grand Isle. Addison had been a relatively quite region until recently with an increase in cases at Middlebury College.
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 66 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 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
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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.
