Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
July 14, 2020
New 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
Health Department continues to monitor cases and respond to outbreaks
Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, said at a press conference Tuesday that while we will continue to see small ups and downs in daily case reports as our “new normal” during the pandemic, the Health Department will work to ensure positive cases and their close contacts have the proper guidance for preventing further spread of the virus.
Dr Levine said the department is currently responding to a report of over 30 people who tested positive through antigen testing at a clinic in Manchester. Antigen tests provide results much more quickly than PCR tests (the most common type of test used to diagnose COVID-19 infection). A useful tool for screening patients, antigen tests may not be as accurate as PCR tests.
A positive antigen test result is considered a “presumptive positive” but not counted as a lab-confirmed positive in Vermont’s total cases until there is a PCR test to confirm the result.
They are reaching out to these positive cases and recommending they follow the same guidelines as any positive case, including to stay home (self-isolate). They are also conducting contact tracing and ensuring those individuals can get a PCR test.
The Health Department is organizing popup testing at the Flood Brook School in Londonderry. Learn more about getting tested.
In Governor Phil Scott’s remarks, he reminded Vermonters that “even as we’re seeing better results here in Vermont, they can change quickly if we don’t remain vigilant, and stay smart.”
We all need to follow the guidance, use common sense and take responsibility for ourselves, he urged.
Dr Levine also noted that even if you have quarantined as mandated out-of-state, if you then take mass transit (plane, train, bus) to get to Vermont, it negates your quarantine and you must then do so for 14 days here (or seven days with a negative test) once you arrive.
COVID Relief Funding Announced for Health Care Providers, Agriculture
State officials announced additional relief funding Tuesday, with applications opening Friday. Get more information about the Vermont COVID Agriculture Assistance Program and the Health Care Provider Stabilization Program.
Housing Assistance Available
Housing assistance programs for those affected by COVID-19 are now available. For more information on rental assistance, go to vsha.org/rental-housing-stabilization-program. For mortgage assistance, go to vhfa.org.
Case Information
Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont
As of 12 p.m. on July 14, 2020
|
Description |
Number |
||
|
Total cases* |
1,305 (4 new) |
||
|
Currently hospitalized |
3 |
||
|
Hospitalized under investigation |
12 |
||
|
Total people recovered |
1,099 |
||
|
Deaths+ |
56 |
||
|
People tested |
77,624 |
||
|
Travelers monitored |
1,502 |
||
|
Contacts monitored |
72 |
||
|
People completed monitoring |
3,350 |
* 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.
Get Tested for COVID-19
People who want to be tested can contact their health care provider for a referral.
For people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19, pop-up sites for testing are currently scheduled through July. The sites operate from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
See how to get tested and to make an appointment.
The Health Department is working with pharmacies to also provide testing. On July 10, Governor Scott said access to testing for COVID-19 is a key part of maintaining the progress we have made against spread of the virus. Thanking businesses that have already stepped up, including Kinney Drugs and Walgreens, Gov. Scott said he is “personally asking Vermont’s pharmacies and their parent companies to move as quickly as possible to join in this effort ─ for their customers, staff and all Vermonters.”
Protest Safely
We support Vermonters engaging in peaceful protests and other civic activities to make their voices heard.
Large gatherings pose a greater risk for virus exposure. So, wear a mask when near others, maintain a 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. Learn more about how to get tested.
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.
Maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet and wear a mask when near others.
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions.
Traveler Information
Get the latest info about travel to Vermont, 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.
- 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.