Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott announced today that Vermont's K-12 public schools will open in the fall with in-person instruction. Scott said it is important for the intellectual, emotional and social development of children to be back at school. He said the health data indicate that children are far less likely transmitters of COVID-19. School districts will be given as much flexibility as possible to tailor their school reopening plans to their local needs, with assistance from the state.
Health guidance includes a mandate to wear a cloth facial covering, health checks and social distancing requirements in the buildings and classrooms. Hybrid learning with online programs will be available as needed for students who choose not to attend or are unable to do so.
Health Commissioner Dr Mark Levine also updated the possible Manchester region COVID-19 outbreak. So far, there are only two positive cases confirmed with over 400 people tested.
However, he added that of the 59 people that were "presumptive positive" from earlier antigen tests, only 17 results from PCR testing have been returned from the lab. Statewide, there were nine new cases of COVID-19, with four hospitalized and deaths holding at 56, where they have been for over a month.
Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
July 17, 2020
New 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
Investigation of positive antigen test results in Manchester
Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD provided an update at Friday’s press conference on reports of 59 positive COVID-19 antigen tests from Manchester Medical Center.
So far, 17 of the 59 people have since had a PCR test, which is recommended to confirm the positive antigen result.
Of the 17 people, 15 were negative and 2 were positive.
Although our investigation is not complete, it appears that many of the positive antigen results reported by Manchester Medical Center may have been false positives, Dr. Levine said.
The antigen test is recommended by the CDC and the Association of Public Health Laboratories to be used for people WITH symptoms,. We don’t have evidence about the accuracy of the antigen test on people without symptoms.
Dr. Levine also shared details about the testing offered at popup sites in the communities of Manchester and Londonderry.
So far, our lab has reported that all 405 of the specimens analyzed were negative.
“This is good indication that these cases are not spreading within the community,” he said.
Health officials continue to investigate the situation, and treat all positive antigen tests the same as any positive case – reaching out to each person, giving them guidance to isolate, tracing their contacts, and recommending they get a confirmatory PCR test.
“We are learning more about antigen tests, and they are a useful tool for screening patients who do have symptoms,” Dr. Levine said. “But our recent PCR results are showing us why they need to be confirmed, so we have a more accurate picture of current infection in patients.”
If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to someone who has tested positive, please contact your health care provider to see if you should be tested.
All Vermonters should continue following the same simple actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
• Wear a face mask when around others if you are able
• Keep 6 feet apart
• Wash your hands frequently
• Stay home when you’re sick
Health officials say science shows Vermont schools can open safely in the fall
Officials on Friday outlined the careful public health considerations that have gone into guidance to reopen schools this fall.
Dr. Levine emphasized that we know much more about the virus now than we did in March, can track data in real time, and respond to cases quickly with our contact tracing teams.
“Vermont’s guidance is clearly and emphatically focused on safety of teachers, students and staff,” he said, while also taking into account the negative impact on children of not reopening schools.
Governor Phil Scott noted that kids need structure, relationships with their peers, their teachers, and other adults for their academic, social, and emotional development.
“We know there are already equity gaps based on differences in kids’ needs, their home environments, and countless other variables, and these are exacerbated when educating only through remote learning,” Scott said.
The governor made clear abundant safety precautions and restrictions – developed with public health and infectious disease professionals – will be in place to protect students, teachers and staff, and that all decisions will continue to be guided by the latest public health data and science.
State Epidemiologist Patsy Kelso acknowledged that we are seeing more cases of COVID-19 in children nationwide and in Vermont, but this is not surprising as states have reopened, and more testing has become available. Children still make up a minority of cases.
Vermont’s guidance focuses on keeping COVID-19 out of schools with daily screenings, but we recognize there may be cases. That’s why additional measures are meant to keep it from spreading, through physical distancing, masks and contact tracing.
“We’ve know our own data, have studied data from other countries, and now have experience from child care facilities being open in Vermont.”
“Vermont stands with the science… and we continue to do so,” Kelso said.
The objectives of this health guidance for schools during the coming year are to:
1. Decrease risk of individuals infected with COVID-19 from entering the school building through effective public health prevention
2. Decrease transmission of COVID-19 among staff and students through effective public health measures
3. Quickly identify individuals with COVID-19 and put containment procedures in place to minimize the impact on students, staff and education
4. Ensure that the special needs of students with physical, emotional and behavioral concerns are thoroughly addressed in a fair and equitable manner
5. Communicate regularly with staff, students, families and the community to provide assurances that schools are working to keep students and staff safe and healthy
6. Ensure that COVID-19 health guidance safeguards an equitable educational experience for all students
You will see a number of references to guidance for Steps II and III throughout this document, in accordance with CDC guidelines.
These steps, as they pertain to schools, are defined as:
• Step I: Schools are closed for in-person instruction. Remote learning opportunities should be provided for all students. Support provision of student services such as school meal programs, as feasible.
• Step II: Schools are open for in-person instruction with enhanced physical distancing measures and for children who live in the local geographic area only.
• Step III: Schools are open for in-person instruction with distancing measures. Restrict attendance to those from limited transmission areas (other Step III areas) only.
The Agency of Education has made the decision to start schools at Step II, with the exception of school bus transportation (see Buses and Transportation), in order to ensure that schools are prepared in the event of an increase in community-wide spread of COVID-19. The decision to move from Step II to III (and if necessary, back to Step II) will be made based on the epidemiological evidence (metrics) at the regional level and in coordination with the AOE and the Health Department.
Facial Coverings and Personal Protective Equipment
All staff and students are required to wear facial coverings while in the building, as well as outside where physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Vermont is using the following metrics to determine what Phase (Step) it is in:
• Indicators based on symptoms:
(1) Downward trajectory of influenza-like illnesses (ILI syndrome) reported within a 14-day period; AND,
(2) Downward trajectory of COVID-like syndromic cases (i.e., COVID-like illness or CLI syndrome) reported within a 14-day period
• Indicators based on cases:
(3) Downward trajectory of documented COVID-19 cases within a 14-day period; OR
(4) Downward trajectory of positive tests as a percent of total tests within a 14-day period (concurrent with a flat or increasing volume of tests)
• Indicators for hospital readiness:
(5) Capacity to treat all patients without utilization of crisis care standards; AND
(6) Robust testing program in place for at-risk healthcare workers, including antibody testing
New on healthvermont.gov
This week’s Weekly Summary of Vermont COVID-19 Data has been posted, with a spotlight on county profiles. You can also find all the past weekly summaries at the same link.
A new map has been added to the Data Dashboard. “Percent of Population Tested by County,” shows the percent of residents by county that have been tested.
Data note: The number of people tested displayed in the dashboard dropped by less than 300 people on July 16. This is due to a new method being used that improves the quality of the demographic information about people tested and removes duplicates. The change also affects the numbers in the “Total People Tested” graph and “People Tested by Day” graph.
Case Information
Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont
As of 12 p.m. on July 17, 2020
|
Description |
Number |
||
|
Total cases* |
1,334 (9 new) |
||
|
Currently hospitalized |
4 |
||
|
Hospitalized under investigation |
29 |
||
|
Total people recovered |
1,121 |
||
|
Deaths+ |
56 |
||
|
People tested |
|||
|
Travelers monitored |
1,338 |
||
|
Contacts monitored |
105 |
||
|
People completed monitoring |
3,757 |
* 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 at the data dashboard: healthvermont.gov/currentactivity.
Get Tested for COVID-19
People who want to be tested can contact their health care provider for a referral.
For people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19, pop-up sites for testing are currently scheduled through July. The sites operate from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
See how to get tested and to make an appointment.
Protest Safely
We support Vermonters engaging in peaceful protests and other civic activities to make their voices heard. Large gatherings pose a greater risk for virus exposure. So, wear a mask when near others, maintain a 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. Learn more about how to get tested.
Guidance for Vermonters
If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
If you are having even mild symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider.
Maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet and wear a mask when near others.
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions.
Traveler Information
Get the latest info about travel to Vermont, including about quarantine requirements, testing, and to sign up with Sara Alert for symptom check reminders.
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
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
- Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
- For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.
- See ways for Coping with Stress.
For more information:
- COVID-19 health information, guidance and case data: healthvermont.gov/covid19.
- Governor’s actions: governor.vermont.gov/covid19response.
- The state’s modeling: dfr.vermont.gov/about-us/covid-19/modeling.