VDH COVID-19 Update: Get tested only if needed

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health is reporting 9 new cases of COVID-19 today for a statewide total of 1,566. The cases were generally spread out across the state with the most (3) in Windham County (see below). Since Friday, the VDH reported 25 new cases. Currently, there are three people hospitalized and deaths are holding at 58. Also, the VDH is recommending against people getting multiple COVID tests unless otherwise necessitated (frontline workers, college students, etc). They remind people that testing is not prevention and they urge individuals to continue to practice the four guidelines: social distance, wear a mask, wash hands and stay home if sick.

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

August 24, 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

Getting Tested for COVID-19

Wondering if you should get tested for COVID-19? Anyone can get tested, but not everyone needs to get tested.

The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to follow a few key prevention tips. If you think you should be tested for COVID-19, talk with your health care provider (If you don’t have one, dial 2-1-1, or contact the nearest federally qualified health center or one of Vermont's free & referral clinics.).

The Health Department recommends testing for:

  • People with COVID-19 symptoms.
  • People who have had close contact (within 6 feet for about 15 minutes or more) with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
  • People who are referred by their health care provider for testing for another reason.

When is testing not recommended?

  • We do not recommend people get tested just to make sure they're OK before visiting another household or attending a gathering.

Testing only tells you if you had COVID-19 on the day you were tested. You could have already been exposed but may have been tested too early for it to show up on the test, or you could be exposed to COVID-19 after you are tested.

Testing is not prevention, and a negative test does not necessarily mean it is safe to gather with others.

  • We do not recommend repeated or frequent testing just for peace of mind. While testing supplies are currently adequate, we need to use what we have wisely.

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

New on healthvermont.gov

Get the latest data in the new Weekly Summary of Vermont COVID-19 Data. The current spotlight is on county-specific demographics among Vermont residents tested for COVID-19.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 12 p.m. on August 24, 2020

Description

Number

Total cases*

1,566

(9 new)

Currently hospitalized

3

Hospitalized under investigation

8

Total people recovered

1,380

Deaths+

58

People tested

121,390

Travelers monitored

848

Contacts monitored

42

People completed monitoring

7,079

* 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.

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.

Find Return to School Guidance

Schools: Strong and Healthy Start: Safety and Health Guidance for Vermont Schools

Mental Health: A Strong and Healthy Start: Social, Emotional and Mental Health Supports During COVID-19

Sports: Fall Sports Programs for the 2020-2021 School Year

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:

Get self-help tips and connect to mental health services at COVID Support VT.

See ways for Coping with Stress.

For more information: