Vermont Business Magazine Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, said a recent report indicated that child care programs that resumed operations at a time of low community spread of coronavirus infection and followed strict protocols were successful at limiting new infections. As for colleges reopening, the governor said that they need to be firm in dismissing students that do not follow guidelines because it puts everyone in Vermont at risk, and that includes the local economy. Meanwhile, the VDH today reported seven new cases of COVID-19 statewide with hospitalizations at three and deaths unchanged at 58.
Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
August 25, 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
Officials thank school districts for reopening preparation efforts
As schools prepare to open two weeks from today, Governor Phil Scott thanked district leaders for their efforts to ensure teachers, staff, and kids are safe.
“As with everything in this pandemic, there are no easy answers or ideal solutions it takes all of us, pulling in the same direction, getting creative, and staying nimble in order for us to be successful,” Gov. Scott said at Tuesday’s press conference.
Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, added that a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about child care programs in Rhode Island may offer some additional data to support the opening of in person learning.
“The report’s major finding was that child care programs that resumed operations at a time of low community spread of coronavirus infection and followed strict protocols that included masking of adults, daily symptom screening, maximum class sizes up to 20, and strict disinfection…. were successful at limiting new infections,” Dr. Levine said.
The director of the CDC believes this is further evidence that both child cares and schools can reopen safely, he said.
“I know this is not K-12, and we continue to review and evaluate other related data and science, but it is similar to our Vermont childcare experience and should be reassuring,” Dr. Levine.
At the press briefing the Scott and Levine were asked about what could reverse their position. While they said there was not a threshold they were looking at, it would depend on factors that included community spread of COVID-19. One of the factors related to that is the return of college students.
Scott said that the colleges are the ones most responsible for maintaining a safe return to Vermont and the ones responsible for appropriate behavior.
Municipalities have the ability to set strict limits on gathering sizes and alcohol sales, which Burlington already has done.
The governor said that the colleges need to be firm in dismissing students that do not follow guidelines because it puts everyone in Vermont at risk, and that includes the local economy.
Vermont continues to enjoy the fewest cases of COVID-19 in the nation, the lowest per capita rate and the lowest positivity rate. But Levine emphasized that to keep that enviable record, each person must do their part.
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 25, 2020
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Description |
Number |
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|
Total cases* |
1,572 (7 new) |
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|
Currently hospitalized |
3 |
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Hospitalized under investigation |
10 |
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Total people recovered |
1,386 |
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Deaths+ |
58 |
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People tested |
122,078 |
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Travelers monitored |
825 |
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Contacts monitored |
57 |
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People completed monitoring |
7,161 |
* 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.
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).
Visit our testing web page for more guidance on when testing is recommended and where to get tested if you do need it.
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:
- 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