Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
June 17, 2020
Find this update at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking
the “See the Latest Update” button.
Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s updated COVID-19 web and data pages
healthvermont.gov/covid19.
Restart Vermont
Governor Phil Scott today announced several measures to gradually ease restrictions on Vermonters in long-term care facilities, hospitals and those over the age of 65.
In collaboration with the Department of Health and the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living, Vermont will begin a phased reopening of long-term care facilities.
Starting June 19, long-term care residential facilities can allow for up to two visitors per resident, per day. The visits must be conducted outside only and follow guidance for social distancing, temperature checks, and record keeping of all visitors.
See the new guidance for long-term care facilities.
Health Commissioner Mark Levine also announced Vermonters over the age of 65 will no longer be asked to stay home, but that they do need to take extra precautions when they go out, including:
Choosing outdoor activities whenever possible and keeping indoor contact brief.
Considering how big a space is, how many people are there and if they are following COVID-19 prevention practices.
Minimize face to face contact while talking or while doing activities that require exertion.
Keeping your social circle small, limited to a few trusted households.
Putting off travel plans outside of Vermont, where risk is higher.
Dr. Levine said older age does not necessarily equal poor health, but our immune response does become weaker as a result of the body’s aging process. By age 65 we are more likely to have developed one or more chronic medical conditions, which makes a person even more vulnerable to illness from the virus.
“We all want to reconnect with others – and social isolation in itself can lead to poorer health. So, armed with information, and weighing the risks against the benefits, make your choices wisely,” Dr. Levine said.
Additional announcements include:
Updated guidance easing hospital visitation restrictions
Technical assistance to restart Senior Centers
Read the Governor’s press release.
Outbreak Update
Dr. Levine said Wednesday there have been no new cases reported to be associated with the COVID-19 outbreak that first emerged in Winooski. The total remains at 83 cases as of Tuesday evening.
It has now been four days with no new reported cases, but that does not yet mean the outbreak has been contained. Since COVID-19 has a 14-day incubation period, the Health Department will continue to monitor the situation.
Vermonters should continue to follow universal precautions – wear a face covering if you are able, keep a 6-foot distance from others, wash hands often and stay home if you are sick.
Pop-up test sites that have been running in Winooski and Burlington will continue on a daily basis this week.
Find locations statewide and make an appointment for any site at humanresources.vermont.gov/popups. If you do not have internet access, call 2-1-1.
***ATTENTION MEDIA: To help ensure patient privacy at the test sites, photography and videos by news media will be restricted to certain areas.
Vermonters with even mild symptoms should call their doctor to be tested.
If you don’t have a health care provider: Call 2-1-1 to connect with a community or hospital-connected clinic.
Reopening Our Schools
The Agency of Education and the Health Department have released A Strong and Healthy Start: Safety and Health Guidance for Reopening Schools, Fall 2020. This guidance document provides essential information for school administrators and personnel as they plan and implement the reopening of our schools for the 2020-21 school year in the context of COVID-19. This document is focused on safeguarding student and staff health while operating in-person instruction. It is one among many that the Agency and other governing and advisory entities are creating to support schools as part of the state’s pandemic response and recovery efforts.
Protest Safely and Get Tested
We support Vermonters engaging in peaceful protests and other civic activities. We remind everyone that it continues to be important to follow universal precautions when you are out – wear a face covering or mask when near others, maintain 6-foot distance, and if you’re sick, find actions to make yourself heard from home.
We encourage anyone who is participating in a public action to get tested for COVID-19.
Find a pop-up test site near you by visiting humanresources.vermont.gov/popups
Case Information
Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont
As of 12 p.m. on June 17, 2020
Total cases*
1,130
(0 new)
Currently hospitalized
1
Hospitalized under investigation
4
Total people recovered
915
Deaths+
55
People tested
53,663
People being monitored
701
People completed monitoring
1,059
*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 information on the data dashboard at 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.
Most information is available online: Visit our Frequently Asked Questions.
Maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet and wear a mask when near others.
Traveler Information
Get the latest info about travel to Vermont, including for quarantining and testing.
Anyone coming to Vermont is strongly encouraged to sign up for Sara Alert daily symptom check reminders.
Keep a List of Your Close Contacts
Health officials suggest that Vermonters keep a journal of contacts – a list of other people with whom you have been in close contact with each day. If you get sick, this will make it easier to get in touch with those people and so they can take precautions to prevent further spread of COVID-19, including being tested if recommended.
Take Care of Your Emotional and Mental Health
Concerns about our health and finances during the pandemic, and the unsettled state of national affairs, has left many of us feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless.
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.
See ways for Coping with Stress.
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Media Contact:
Ben Truman
Vermont Department of Health
CV19media@vermont.gov