December 4, 2020
Anyone who gathered should get tested
Thanks to the many people who decided to stay home on Thanksgiving and over the holiday weekend. We know it wasn’t easy, but we hope you were able to find ways to still make it special.

If you did gather with people from other households, you can still lower the risk of spreading COVID-19 in case you have been exposed or are sick and don’t have symptoms. Please get tested as soon as you are able.
Officials address high number of cases, reporting delay from UVMMC

The Health Department reported a single-day record 178 cases Thursday, which Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, described at a press conference as significant, but not unexpected at this point in the pandemic.
 
“What I do want is for all Vermonters to be reflecting and thoughtful,” Dr. Levine said. “One day does not represent a trend, but this one day should give us pause and allow us to again reexamine the factors that go into higher case counts and reexamine our own recent behaviors.”
 
Dr. Levine was joined by Human Services Secretary Mike Smith and officials from the University of Vermont Medical Center to address the spike in cases and explain a recent delay in reporting from UVMMC to the Health Department. UVMMC President and Chief Operating Officer Stephen Leffler, MD spoke to the process of what led to the delay in reporting and steps taken to address it. Dr. Leffler also noted the impact of the recent cyberattack on their ability to process patient case information.
 
Officials said results from testing between Nov. 22 and 29 were not promptly reported to the Health Department by UVMMC. These included about 50 positive COVID-19 cases. Sixteen of those cases were included in today’s case count of 178.
 
Even though the Health Department did not receive the results immediately, the results did go to the health care providers who ordered the tests, so providers could notify patients of their positive results and instruct them to isolate at home. Contact tracing by the Health Department began today, after receiving the results, to interview cases, identify close contacts and provide health guidance.
Shipping error results in need for retesting
The Health Department is asking people who were tested for COVID-19 on November 27, 2020, at Barre Auditorium to get retested. Approximately 249 samples were affected.

In shipping the samples on Friday (11/27) to the Broad Laboratory in Massachusetts for testing, Health Department staff followed the department’s standard process of ordering UPS Next Day Air delivery. Because it was a Friday, the individual placing the order needed to additionally select “Delivery on Saturday” in the drop-down menu when generating the packing slip. As a result of the missed step, the shipper was not aware of the Saturday delivery need. The samples therefore did not arrive at the lab within the short amount of time they are viable for testing.

“This shouldn’t have happened, and I personally apologize to the Vermonters who were doing the right thing to protect themselves and their communities by getting tested,” said Dr. Levine. Nearly a quarter of a million people in the state have been tested to date.

Anyone affected can get retested and their samples will be expedited. While there are plenty of regular and pop-up testing options available in the Central Vermont area, Health officials are recommending that people go to the nearby sites in Northfield, Berlin or Waterbury.
"Probable" COVID-10 cases now included in case counts
Starting December 2nd, probable cases are now included in the total number of COVID-19 cases reported in Vermont.

A case is considered “probable” if the person:
  • tested positive on an antigen test AND has symptoms of COVID-19 OR epidemiological evidence, OR…
  • has symptoms of COVID-19 AND is epidemiologically linked to a confirmed case of COVID-19

Reporting probable cases as part of total counts will more fully capture COVID-19 activity in Vermont, at a time when antigen testing is increasing, particularly in places like in nursing homes.

It’s important to know that throughout the pandemic the Health Department has responded to people considered as probable cases in the same way as with those who are confirmed cases. This includes providing guidance and recommendations as well as contact tracing.
What you need to know now
As Vermont sees a surge in cases of COVID-19, know how you can help stop the spread:

  • Do not get together or socialize with anyone you don’t live with (see more details and allowances here).
  • Avoid traveling when possible, even within Vermont. Anyone who travels to or from Vermont must quarantine. The only exception is for essential travel.
  • Wear a mask and keep a 6-foot distance from anyone outside your household.
  • If you’re sick, stay home.
  • Not everyone with COVID-19 has a fever. Even mild symptoms (like a headache or dry cough) could be signs of COVID-19. Talk to your health care provider about getting tested and stay home while waiting for your result.
  • Also seek testing if you are a close contact of a case. If you gathered with others outside your household, quarantine and get tested right away, and on Day 7 or later.

New FAQs
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:

For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.

Visit VT Helplink to get connected to Alcohol and Drug Support Services.
Get self-help tips and connect to mental health services at COVID Support VT.
Need to be connected to food resources?

One in three Vermonters are at risk for food insecurity, struggling to find help feeding their families.
If your financial situation has recently changed, you may now qualify for Vermont nutrition and food programs. They include: WIC program (Women, Infants and Children), 3SquaresVT/SNAP, and more. Newer programs such as Farmers to Families and Everyone Eats are helping to fill the gaps. All these programs can help keep healthy food on the table.
Contact the Health Department, Hunger Free Vermont, or call 2-1-1 for more information.
COVID-19 Data & Resources
Outbreaks at five social gatherings/events have led to 11 secondary outbreaks. Secondary outbreaks are when multiple cases occur in a new setting as a result of spread from the primary outbreak. Learn more about recent outbreaks.

The map of town-level COVID-19 activity will now show data reflecting the past two weeks of activity. Until now, the maps displayed cumulative data going back to March. This change will offer a more current view of what’s happening, on a rolling basis.

Vermont Department of Health | 802-863-7240 | HealthVermont.gov