Vermont Business Magazine A resident of Helen Porter Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Middlebury has tested positive for COVID-19. The facility has notified residents, family members of residents and staff of the case, which was discovered as a result of a facility-wide Phase 1 testing initiative as prescribed by the Vermont Department of Health. The resident is asymptomatic at this time and is in quarantine, as are employees who came in contact with the resident.
The Vermont Agency of Human Services also reported today a case of CVOID-19 at the Wake Robin retirement community in Shelburne.
Both facilities are going through systemwide testing, said AHS Secretary Mike Smith.
At his press briefing Friday, Governor Scott also was asked about the outbreak at the Essex Center nursing home in Elizabethtown, New York, which is across Lake Champlain from Ferrisburgh. As reported by WPTZ-TV, three residents have died and at least 26 have tested positive.
The governor said that they are keeping an eye on the situation. Vermont hospitals may be called on to help the sick, he said. The Elizabethtown Community Hospital is also a member of the University of Vermont Health Network, as is the Porter Medical Center in Middlebury.
Helen Porter and all of Porter Medical Center have instituted policies to stop the spread of COVID-19, including restricting visitors, canceling communal dining, and asking staff to wear masks and gowns as appropriate.
“Resident and staff safety is our top priority,” said Helen Porter administrator Mary Jane Nottonson. “We are continuing to work hard to prevent the spread of the virus, including staying in very close communication with local and state health officials to ensure we are taking all the appropriate steps.”
No additional information can be shared about this resident to protect their privacy, but we will continue to update our community with any information that we can appropriately share.
Visitors are not permitted at Helen Porter at this time, with very limited exceptions. Family members are encouraged to connect with their loved ones through video chat, calling, texting, or other social media formats.
About The University of Vermont Health Network
The University of Vermont Health Network is an academic health system that is comprised of six affiliate hospitals, a multi-specialty medical group, and a home health agency. We serve the residents of Vermont and northern New York.
Source: MIDDLEBURY— Helen Porter Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center 8.21.2020