Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
July 28, 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
State officials set September 8 as school start date to help ease transition
State, school and health officials acknowledged the difficult decisions around the reopening of schools this fall, but said at Tuesday’s press conference the data still supports in-person learning that can be done in a safe and measured way.
“Of course, there are risks,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine. “When I weigh the health risks against the educational, developmental, social and emotional risks for young children, I come to the same conclusion as the pediatricians and education experts: now is the right time for Vermont to re-start in-person learning.”
We know our situation in Vermont could change, and we should expect to see new cases, clusters or even limited outbreaks in our communities, Dr. Levine said. But we have demonstrated our strong public health protocols for handling these situations.
Governor Phil Scott announced he will sign an executive order calling for a universal school start date of September 8, 2020, which will give schools more time to test and fine-tune their plans.
Dr. Rebecca Bell, a pediatrician and president of the American Academy of Pediatrics - Vermont Chapter, also spoke in support of reopening schools, reminding Vermonters that our main priority is to work to keep virus levels low in the community.
“What happens in our schools is a reflection of what’s happening in the community,” Dr. Bell said. “We keep our schools safe by keeping our communities safe.”
Case Information
Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont
As of 12 p.m. on July 28, 2020
|
Description |
Number |
||
|
Total cases* |
1,405 (3 new) |
||
|
Currently hospitalized |
1 |
||
|
Hospitalized under investigation |
17 |
||
|
Total people recovered |
1,194 |
||
|
Deaths+ |
56 |
||
|
People tested |
91,861 |
||
|
Travelers monitored |
1,040 |
||
|
Contacts monitored |
44 |
||
|
People completed monitoring |
5,086 |
* 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.
Getting Tested for COVID-19
Not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19. If you think you may need to get tested, talk with your health care provider, or call 2-1-1 if you don’t have a provider and need to be connected to care.
Use CDC’s Self-Checker tool to find out if you should be tested. If you do need testing, look for a clinic or pharmacy that offers testing near you, or register at a pop-up location.
See how to get tested and to make an appointment.
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.
Get the information you need at our Frequently Asked Questions.
Traveler Information
With case numbers up in states across the country, it is important to have the latest information 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.
Get self-help tips and connect to mental health services at COVID Support VT.
- 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.