Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
October 15, 2020
New or updated information is in red and bold.
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
Halloween is coming, and you can still celebrate — safely!
Halloween may look a little different this year, but we can still find ways to celebrate safely. Please be sure to stay home if you or anyone in your family is sick. Making these three things a part of your Halloween plans will make everyone safer:
6-foot Spaces
Keep a safe 6-foot distance between your family and other people who don’t live in your household. Bring a flashlight so you’re visible in the dark. You can get creative if you’re giving out candy. Need ideas? Have bags ready to grab on your front steps or slide the treats down a “candy slide!”
Masks on Faces
Make sure you and your family are wearing a face mask or covering when you go out. Find a fun way to make it part of your costume. But don’t wear a costume mask over your face mask, which could make it harder to breathe.
Uncrowded Places
Keep your group small and skip crowded indoor parties. If you’re trick-or-treating, and one street or neighborhood seems too busy, move on to the next one.
Time to Get Your Flu Shot
It’s especially important for everyone to get their flu shot this year – when flu viruses and the new coronavirus may be spreading at the same time. Help keep flu out of the picture!
Who should get a flu shot?
Anyone over 6 months old, with rare exceptions
People in a high-risk group or who has underlying health conditions
Where can I get my flu shot?
From your health care provider
At your local pharmacy
At a flu clinic near you
Go to healthvermont.gov/flu to learn more about the flu, the vaccine and find where to get a flu shot near you. Flu vaccine continues to arrive in the state. If your local pharmacies and providers don’t yet have a supply, they will soon.
Case Information
Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont
As of 12 p.m. on October 15, 2020
|
Description |
Number |
||
|
Total cases* |
1,903 (14 new) |
||
|
Currently hospitalized |
0 |
||
|
Hospitalized under investigation |
6 |
||
|
Total people recovered |
1,685 |
||
|
Deaths+ |
58 |
||
|
People tested |
175,726 |
||
|
Travelers monitored |
641 |
||
|
Contacts monitored |
51 |
||
|
People completed monitoring |
9,510 |
* 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 Long-Term Care Facilities and Adult Day Programs
Find guidance for long-term care facilities and adult day programs, on the Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living’s Restart Vermont web page.
Based on new Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regulatory guidance, indoor visitation will be allowed within strict parameters at nursing homes in counties with less than a 10% positivity rate.
Guidance for Vermonters and Businesses
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.
Key Guidance:
Health information, guidance and data: healthvermont.gov/covid19
By sector guidance: accd.vermont.gov/covid-19
Travel map and modeling: dfr.vermont.gov/about-us/covid-19/modeling
Governor’s actions: governor.vermont.gov/covid19response
Get the information you need at our Frequently Asked Questions.
Return to School Guidance
- 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
- Child care: Health Guidance for Child Care and Out of School Care
More 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.
The cross-state travel map is now updated each Tuesday.
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.
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.