Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
August 18, 2020
New information is in red.
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
Governor Announces New Options for Child Care for School-age Children
At a press conference Tuesday, Gov. Phil Scott announced plans to build child care capacity in the state as many schools return to various models of instruction.
The state plans to expand slots for school-age children in home-based child care facilities, and provide reimbursement. In addition, it will create 73 regional child care hubs around the state for school-age care on non-school days. Officials expect to release more details when they become available on the Department for Children and Families website.
Plans for Returning College Students are Working
Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD also said Tuesday that there has been news about colleges and universities in other parts of the country needing to halt their return to school plans because of COVID-19 cases, but Vermont is in a different situation.
So far, here in Vermont where students are still in the process of returning, there are four students testing positive at Norwich, one at Vermont Technical College, and six at the University of Vermont.
“Once again I’d like to reiterate what I said last week. While we understand hearing about new cases of COVID-19 is cause for concern, these positive tests mean the system is working,” Dr. Levine said. “We want to find these cases — so we know who needs to stay inside and away from other people so we can prevent the virus from spreading any further. The combined early testing and quarantine protocols the colleges have all put into place will enable them all to protect the health and safety of the students, staff, and community as the fall semester gets underway.”
The VDH also reported today that statewide there were three new cases of COVID-19 for a statewide total of 1,530. Since last Friday there have been 29 new cases.
New on healthvermont.gov
When it comes to COVID-19, information can seem complex. In our new video, we break it down into some basics. Check it out and share: Simple Ways to Stop COVID-19 from Spreading.
Want to learn more about the age, sex, race and ethnicity of people who have been tested for COVID-19 in Vermont? Check out the spotlight in the new Weekly Summary of Vermont COVID-19 Data.
Find School, Fall Sports and Social, Emotional and Mental Health Guidance
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 and A Strong and Healthy Start: Social, Emotional and Mental Health Supports During COVID-19 have been published.
Case Information
Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont
As of 12 p.m. on August 18, 2020
|
Description |
Number |
||
|
Total cases* |
1,530 (3 new) |
||
|
Currently hospitalized |
3 |
||
|
Hospitalized under investigation |
14 |
||
|
Total people recovered |
1,347 |
||
|
Deaths+ |
58 |
||
|
People tested |
114,097 |
||
|
Travelers monitored |
811 |
||
|
Contacts monitored |
40 |
||
|
People completed monitoring |
6,786 |
* 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.
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