Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
March 17, 2020
New information is in red
This update is also available at healthvermont.gov/covid19 under UPDATES
Governor Phil Scott has called on Vermonters to help protect our most vulnerable – the elderly and the very ill – and announced several strategies to help slow the spread of the new coronavirus. Gov. Scott declared a state of emergency to help ensure Vermont has all the necessary resources to respond to this evolving threat. Read the executive order
The strategies include:
- Restricting visitor access at long-term care facilities.
- Prohibiting non-essential gatherings of more than 50 people. Read the executive order addendum.
- Ordering the closure of all bars and restaurants statewide, effective 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 17 until April 6. Establishments can continue to offer takeout and delivery service. Read the executive order addendum.
- Making a Continuity of Education Plan for the orderly dismissal of all schools, and cancellation of all school related activities, no later than Wednesday, March 18 and lasting through April 6. It may be extended for a longer period.
The Lab is working to meet the high and growing demand for testing, including consolidating resources from various sources in Vermont and increasing our staffing capacity.
We are encouraging anyone who is sick to stay home and contact their health care provider by phone. They should avoid going to the hospital, except in a life-threatening situation. Anyone who does not have a health care provider can call 2-1-1 to be connected to a clinic in their area.
State and health officials continue to work on messages about social distancing for various audiences. Social distancing means remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet) from others when possible.
Case Information
As of 1:00 p.m. on March 17, 2020:
|
Vermont residents tested positive |
10 |
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Additional cases testing positive in Vermont |
7 |
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Vermonters tested negative |
495 |
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Vermonters being monitored |
241 |
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|
Vermonters who have completed monitoring |
215 |
Public health epidemiologists are working to investigate possible travel or exposure history and to identify anyone who had close contact with the patients. Those individuals will be assessed for their exposure risk and provided with guidance for their health. Where appropriate, they will receive recommendations for self-isolation or other restrictions.
We are in close contact with hospitals involved with any patients’ care to ensure patients and staff are properly cared for and protected.
We expect, and are prepared for, more cases in Vermont, and are taking every action to limit the spread of illness.
In addition to protecting a patient’s personal health information, state health and public safety officials are committed to ensuring that Vermonters are aware of any risk to themselves and their community. This is the essential work of public health. We will contact anyone identified as at-risk as part of any case investigation, and recommend they stay home for 14 days or follow other restrictions as needed.
Anyone who feels ill or has concerns about their health should call their health care provider.
For the most up-to-date information and guidance about COVID-19, including from the CDC, visit healthvermont.gov/covid19.
Guidance for Vermonters
When to call?
- If you have questions about COVID-19: Dial 2-1-1. If you have trouble reaching 2-1-1, dial 1-866-652-4636.
- If you are returning from Europe, United Kingdom, Ireland, China, Iran or South Korea: Call Health Department Epidemiology at 802-863-7240
- If you are sick or concerned about your health: Call your health care provider by phone. Please avoid going to the hospital, except in a life-threatening situation.
Guidance for Specific Groups
- Schools: Vermont schools are closed effective Wednesday, March 18 per Governor Scott’s order, including PreK associated with school districts.
- Child care programs including privately owned PreK: The Department of Health, Department for Children and Families and Agency of Education are working on updated guidance.
- Long-term care facilities: Gov. Scott’s order restricts visitation to these facilities. Get more information from the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living.
Stay up to date at healthvermont.gov/covid19