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VDH COVID-19 Update: No new cases in Winooski outbreak

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Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

June 16, 2020

New information is in red

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

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s updated COVID-19 web and data pages healthvermont.gov/covid19.

Outbreak Update

The Health Department reported there were no new cases associated with the COVID-19 outbreak that first emerged in Winooski. The total remains at 83 cases as of Monday evening.

We continue to test residents and trace contacts of cases to contain the outbreak. Nearly 3,000 people have been tested to date at the Winooski and Burlington sites. There have been no deaths or hospitalizations associated with the outbreak.

Only 23% of people associated with the outbreak are reporting symptoms. This indicates that the number of people who were asymptomatic is a contributing factor to the spread of the virus in the community. We remind everyone that even though the overall statewide rate of positives is low, the virus is still circulating throughout Vermont.

Continue to follow universal precautions – wear a face covering, keep a 6-foot distance from others, wash hands often and stay home if you are sick.

Pop-up test sites that have been running in Winooski and Burlington will continue on a daily basis this week.

Test sites are currently scheduled statewide through June 26. Find locations and make an appointment for any site at humanresources.vermont.gov/popups. If you do not have internet access, you can call 2-1-1.

Vermont’s Response

Governor Phil Scott signed an executive order to update and extend the State of Emergency in Vermont to July 15. The latest order reflects all current re-openings and eased restrictions, which have been underway since late April to account for the State’s low case counts and continued slow growth rate. Read the press release.

Serology Testing Workgroup

The Serology Testing Workgroup continues to assess possible options for antibody testing in Vermont. However, the group continues to conclude these tests should not be used as proof of immunity nor evidence an individual can or should return to work. The Workgroup also discourages the use of these tests in decisions about infection control or the clinical care of individuals.

The group left open the question of doing population level serological screening for COVID-19 infection but noted its role is limited and its recommendations should be considered alongside epidemiological studies conducted or planned by CDC and NIH or other academic organizations. Many of these are either just underway or not yet initiated, but we are clearly open to exploring such studies with investigators nationally or regionally.

Protest Safely and Get Tested

We support Vermonters engaging in peaceful protests and other civic activities. We remind everyone that it continues to be important to follow universal precautions when you are out – wear a face covering or mask when near others, maintain 6-foot distance, and if you're sick, find actions to make yourself heard from home.

We encourage anyone who is participating in a public action to get tested for COVID-19.

Find a pop-up test site near you by visiting humanresources.vermont.gov/popups

Testing Information

COVID-19 Pop-Up Test Sites

People who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 illness can make an appointment to be tested for the virus at a pop-up site.

Sites throughout the state are currently scheduled through June 26.

Find locations and make an appointment at humanresources.vermont.gov/popups.

If you do not have access to the internet, call 2-1-1 or 802-828-2828 for assistance.

Vermonters with even mild symptoms should call their doctor to be tested.

If you don’t have a health care provider: Call 2-1-1 to connect with a community or hospital-connected clinic.

New on healthvermont.gov

Data Dashboard monitoring numbers
In a change in reporting made on June 15, the number of people being monitored now includes those who have signed up for Sara Alert. The Sara Alert system provides free daily symptom check reminders for 14 days while they are quarantining.

There are two groups of people being monitored through Sara Alert:

  • People traveling to Vermont from out of state. (Travelers are strongly encouraged to enroll.)
  • Close contacts of people with COVID-19. (People who are identified as close contacts are enrolled unless they opt out.)

Sara Alert allows COVID-19 response teams to quickly and easily provide guidance to people if they develop symptoms. It is not GPS-based, so it does not monitor someone’s movement or track their location. Get more information about Sara Alert.

In addition, people who have completed the 14-day symptom checking period with Sara Alert are now included in number who have completed monitoring.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 12 p.m. on June 16, 2020

Total cases*

1,131
(3 new)

Currently hospitalized

2

Hospitalized under investigation

10

Total people recovered

914

Deaths+

55

People tested

52,890

People being monitored

576

People completed monitoring

1,059

*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 information on new data dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking on the map of Vermont. To allow time for analysts to verify an increasing volume of data, the dashboard will be updated no later than 12:00 p.m.

Guidance for Vermonters

Traveler Information

Get the latest info about travel to Vermont, including for quarantining and testing.

Anyone coming to Vermont is encouraged to sign up for Sara Alert daily symptom check reminders.

Keep a List of Your Close Contacts
Health officials suggest that Vermonters keep a journal of contacts – a list of other people with whom you have been in close contact with each day. If you get sick, this will make it easier to get in touch with those people and so they can take precautions to prevent further spread of COVID-19, including being tested if recommended.

Take Care of Your Emotional and Mental Health

Concerns about our health and finances during the pandemic, and the unsettled state of national affairs, has left many of us feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless.

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