Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
August 12, 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
Winooski and Burlington Officials Mark End of Community Outbreak
Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, joined officials and community partners from Winooski and Burlington at a press conference Wednesday to mark the formal end of the state’s first significant outbreak and community spread of COVID-19.
An outbreak is considered “resolved” following two full incubation periods (28 days total) with no new cases.
“Now keep in mind, this isn’t a celebration,” Dr. Levine said, noting that 117 of our neighbors, friends and family members tested positive, and several were hospitalized. “And, as we know, this pandemic is far from over.”
However, it is a success story – and a good example and precedent for managing outbreaks, Dr. Levine said.
“I hope Vermonters look to this to know that we are prepared and able to quickly respond to any new outbreaks,” he said.
City officials and community groups were critical “to reach the various populations where they are – in culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate ways,” Dr. Levine said. He noted specifically, the Association of Africans Living in Vermont, the U.S. Committee on Refugees and Immigrants, the cities’ school liaisons and district leadership, and the Vermont Multilingual Taskforce, as well as the Health Department’s outbreak response and contact tracing teams, and local health staff.
These trust and access gained by these community leaders was crucial to our getting the information needed to do effective contact tracing — the key to containing an outbreak, he said. “We will use this experience to share lessons and best practices, and better prepare for the future.”
School and Fall Sports Guidance Released
A Strong and Healthy Start: Safety and Health Guidance for Vermont Schools has been updated. In addition, guidance for Fall Sports Programs for the 2020-2021 School Year has been published.
Case Information
Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont
As of 12 p.m. on August 12, 2020
|
Description |
Number |
||
|
Total cases* |
1,478 (5 new) |
||
|
Currently hospitalized |
1 |
||
|
Hospitalized under investigation |
8 |
||
|
Total people recovered |
1,302 |
||
|
Deaths+ |
58 |
||
|
People tested |
105,073 |
||
|
Travelers monitored |
948 |
||
|
Contacts monitored |
33 |
||
|
People completed monitoring |
6,254 |
* 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. Use CDC’s Self-Checker tool to find out if you should be tested.
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.
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
Visit our Travel to Vermont web page for continually updated information and guidance, 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