Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
October 22, 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
Vermont Corrections staff member tests positive for COVID-19
An officer at Northeast Correctional Complex in St Johnsbury has tested positive for COVID-19. The officer was last in the facility on October 12. Vermont Department of Corrections and Vermont Department of Health officials immediately took the following actions upon receipt of the positive test result Thursday.
Vermont Research Informs National Guidance on Close Contacts
An investigation conducted by Vermont Department of Health scientists and staff from the Department of Corrections found that transmission of COVID-19 can occur during multiple brief exposures with someone who is infected.
Notably, the findings of their work were published in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly on October 21, and were cited by the CDC when it announced its updated definition of what is considered to be a close contact.
Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD said he is “really proud of their work,” and pleased the CDC is taking this data into account, to increase understanding about the importance of maintaining physical distance.
Read the news release.
Dispose of your unused, unwanted & expired prescription drugs on Take Back Day
This Saturday, October 24, is Prescription Drug Take Back Day — when you can dispose of leftover prescription and over-the-counter drugs safely at a collection site near you.
Grab your unused medications, of course your mask, before heading to a drop-off location. Get more info at healthvermont.gov/doyourpart.
And remember, you don’t have to wait for a Take Back Day either — many drug disposal sites in Vermont are permanent. Or you can request a free mail-back envelope through our website.
Get Your Flu Shot – Stay Healthy and Prevent a “Twindemic”
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!
We encourage everyone older than 6 months old (with rare exceptions), and especially people in a high-risk group or who have underlying health conditions to get their flu vaccine.
Go to healthvermont.gov/flu to learn more about the flu, the vaccine and find where to get a flu shot near you.
RELATED: St Michael's College moves to remote learning after 8 test positive for COVID-19
Case Information
Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont
As of 12 p.m. on October 22, 2020
|
Description |
Number |
||
|
Total cases* |
1,987 (15 new) |
||
|
Currently hospitalized |
0 |
||
|
Hospitalized under investigation |
3 |
||
|
Total people recovered |
1,718 |
||
|
Deaths+ |
58 |
||
|
People tested |
181,677 |
||
|
Travelers monitored |
542 |
||
|
Contacts monitored |
82 |
||
|
People completed monitoring |
9,868 |
* 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.
Guidance for Vermonters and Businesses
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.
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 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 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.