Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
August 31, 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
Health Department investigating an outbreak of COVID-19 cases in Rutland County
The Vermont Department of Health is investigating a community outbreak of COVID-19 cases in Rutland County. The outbreak is associated with people who attended a private party at the Summit Lodge in Killington on August 19, 2020.
To date, the Health Department has identified 14 cases among people who attended the event and their close contacts – meaning the virus has spread to one or more people who did not attend the private party. Health officials said Summit Lodge followed state protocols and guidance and has been a cooperative partner in the outbreak investigation.
The Health Department contact tracing team has been working to reach the more than 40 party attendees. Contact tracing is a critical part of the state’s ability to contain outbreaks, and officials urge anyone who is contacted to please respond to calls from the department.
New ‘Social Autopsy’ Report Examines Drug Overdose Trends in Vermont
The Vermont Department of Health has released the state’s first Social Autopsy Report, an in-depth look at how those who died of a drug-related overdose interacted with state agencies, and where improvements in the state’s efforts can be made. The release coincides with the observance of International Opioid Awareness Day.
The Social Autopsy report examines data from 2017, when 109 Vermonters died of an accidental or undetermined drug overdose. The report found that of those who did, nearly all had an interaction with at least one agency in the years before they died (98%). Two-thirds interacted with three or more state agencies, including the Vermont Department for Children and Families and the Department of Vermont Health Access.
Funded under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Overdose Data to Action grant, the Health Department partnered with the Departments of Corrections, Children and Families, Vermont Health Access (Medicaid), and Public Safety to analyze each department’s data. Read more here.
New on healthvermont.gov
In Vermont, nearly 64% of the relationships between COVID-19 cases and their close contacts were among immediate family or roommates.
Learn more about how people with COVID-19 may have been exposed to the virus in the latest Weekly Summary of Vermont COVID-19 Data, with a spotlight on Sources of Exposure.
Case Information
Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont
As of 12 p.m. on August 31, 2020
|
Description |
Number |
||
|
Total cases* |
1,624 (8 new) |
||
|
Currently hospitalized |
1 |
||
|
Hospitalized under investigation |
7 |
||
|
Total people recovered |
1,425 |
||
|
Deaths+ |
58 |
||
|
People tested |
135,721 |
||
|
Travelers monitored |
675 |
||
|
Contacts monitored |
66 |
||
|
People completed monitoring |
7,579 |
* 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
Get the information you need at our Frequently Asked Questions.
If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
If you think you have symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider.
Maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet and wear a mask when near others.
Getting Tested for COVID-19
Anyone can get tested, but not everyone needs to get tested.
Talk with your health care provider If you think you should be tested for COVID-19.
If you don’t have a provider, 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 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
Find additional resources on our Schools, Colleges and Child Care Programs web page.
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