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VDH COVID-19 Update: Five more cases, no deaths, mortality data

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Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

April 22, 2020

New information is in red

Find this update on healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking the “See the Latest Update” button.

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s updated COVID-19 web pages — including the new data dashboard: healthvermont.gov/covid19.

Use Cleaning Products Safely
The Centers for Disease Control has reported that calls to U.S. poison centers about cleaner and disinfectant exposures have increased by 20%. Please make sure you are using cleaning products and disinfectants safely:

  • Follow the directions on the label
  • Don’t mix chemicals
  • Wear protective gear (such as gloves)
  • Use them in a well-ventilated area
  • Store them out of reach of children

See the CDC's Cleaning and Disinfection for Households guidance. You can also chat with the Northern New England Poison Control Center on their website, call 1-800-222-1222 or text POISON to 85511.

The path to restart Vermont

At a press conference Wednesday, Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD presented an overview of findings regarding 29 of the 40 Vermonters whose deaths were associated with COVID-19. While the numbers of people in Vermont who have died as a result of the pandemic are relatively small, each life lost to this disease is devastating.

Dr. Levine explained that the data available through April 14 reflects that older adults and people with serious underlying medical conditions appear to be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. This is in line with what is being seen nationally and around the world.

Just as Dr Levine says the state is apparently at a peak, the number of hospitalizations continues to decline, with under 40 now hospitalized either with COVID-19 or under investigation.

Our efforts to flatten the curve are starting to make a difference — but this is far from over yet.

As the state takes measured steps toward restarting the economy, Vermonters’ cooperation and support in preventing the spread of the virus is critical. That means staying home, keeping a distance of 6 feet away from others, wearing a cloth face covering and practicing hand hygiene. If you’re sick, stay home and call your health care provider. All these actions continue to help save lives.

For information on the reopening of certain businesses in strict accordance with mandatory health and safety requirements visit: accd.vermont.gov/covid-19. Outdoor businesses, construction operations, retail operations, and low or no contact professional services now have new guidance for reopening.

Cloth Face Coverings
The department recommends that all Vermonters wear cloth face coverings when outside of the home, since COVID-19 can spread before a person has any symptoms. Learn more in this fact sheet. NEW: Find a list of where to buy cloth face coverings.

Businesses must follow new guidelines from the Agency of Commerce and Community Development that requires employees to wear non-medical cloth face coverings (bandana, scarf, or non-medical mask, etc.) over their nose and mouth when in the presence of others.

Read the Health Department’s Health & Safety Tips for Essential Businesses.

New on healthvermont.gov
Expanded data on mortality

Data about COVID-19 deaths (see below) are now included in the dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19 (or click on the map of Vermont). Available now is a breakdown by sex, race and ethnicity of the number of deaths associated with COVID-19. The number of positive cases that result in death is included in the age group chart.

There are single deaths in the 30-39 and 40-49 age groups, none in the 50-59 group, with the vast majority in the 60+ groups.

Race and ethnicity data

Data about race and ethnicity of COVID-19 cases are also included in the dashboard. We can use this data to help to prevent the spread of illness, improve care for patients, and present a more complete picture of how COVID-19 may be affecting everyone in Vermont.

Meal Distribution to Vermonters
The Vermont Foodbank and Vermont National Guard is distributing food to those in need at five different areas of Vermont. These points of distribution will meet the increased demand on food shelves around the state. Read the press release.

Dates and locations (9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. each day):

  • Wednesday, April 22 - Franklin County Airport (Highgate/Swanton)
  • Friday, April 24 - Rutland Southern VT Regional Airport (Clarendon)
  • Monday, April 27 - Hartness State Airport (Weathersfield/Springfield)
  • Tuesday, April 28 - William H Morse State Airport (Bennington)
  • Wednesday, April 29 - Northeast Kingdom International Airport (Coventry/Newport)

Expedited Temporary Licenses for Health Professionals

Health professionals can quickly become temporarily licensed to provide care during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Volunteering

We still need your help! Please sign up to support the state’s COVID-19 response: https://vermont.gov/volunteer. Have medical supplies to donate? Visit the COVID-19 Donations site.

Case Information
Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 11:00 a.m. on April 22, 2020

Total cases*

823

Currently hospitalized

18

Hospitalized under investigation

19

Deaths+

40

Total tests

13,462

People being monitored

23

People completed monitoring

819

*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 as they are able.

Find more information on new data dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking on the map of Vermont.

Guidance for Vermonters

Who to contact:

  • If you are sick:
    • If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
    • If you are having symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, fever, shortness of breath), call your health care provider.
  • Most information is online: Visit our Frequently Asked Questions webpage. You can also use our Ask A Question tool. Type in your question and the webbot searches our information for you!
    • Here is the new FAQ question that was added today:

What do I do if I'm a close contact of someone who is waiting for their test results?

  • If you still have health-related COVID-19 questions: Call the Health Department at 802-863-7240.
    • Calls are answered 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. Outside those hours, leave a message and your call will be returned.
  • For non-health related questions, dial 2-1-1. If you have trouble reaching 2-1-1, dial 1-866-652-4636.

Testing

The Department of Health continues to test Vermonters with COVID-19 symptoms to help increase contact tracing efforts and prevent the virus from spreading. Vermonters can be tested at hospital locations statewide and health centers in Island Pond, South Hero and Wells River. Additional sites will be opened as the needs are determined.

IMPORTANT: Everyone must have a referral from their provider in order to be tested.

  • CALL your health care provider to be evaluated so the provider can determine if you need a test.
  • DO NOT go to a testing site without an order from your provider.
  • Patients who are NOT experiencing symptoms will not be tested.

Health care providers are encouraged to order a test for patients with symptoms, and can visit healthvermont.gov/covid19-providers for more information.

Enjoy the Outdoors Safely
Going outdoors for air and exercise is encouraged when you take the proper precautions. Please stay close to home, practice social distancing, choose low-risk activities, and respect all signs for closed areas. For more info visit: https://fpr.vermont.gov/recreation/outdoor-recreation-and-covid-19

Ticks are Terrible at Social Distancing

As you go safely outdoors, remember that the ticks are starting to come back and are hungry for their spring meal. It’s up to us to stay away from them. Use insect repellent, avoid wooded and brushy areas, and always do a tick check when you get home. Get more tick tips at healthvermont.gov/BeTickSmart.

If you are or someone you know is in crisis
Feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless is common during an infectious disease outbreak. If you or someone you know needs emotional support, help is available 24/7: