July 15, 2020

New information is in bold.

This update is available online athealthvermont.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

Investigation of positive antigen test results in Manchester

The Health Department continues to respond to reports of positive COVID-19 antigen tests at a clinic in Manchester. We are still working to learn more about the situation, and will continue to provide the public with the information they need to be safe and to prevent further spread of the virus.

Currently, 58 people have tested positive through antigen testing performed at the health center. Antigen tests are a newer type of test that provide results much more quickly than PCR tests (the most common type of test used to diagnose COVID-19 infection). While they are a useful tool for screening patients, antigen tests may have a higher chance of missing an active infection and need to be confirmed.

The department’s epidemiology team is treating these positive tests as “presumptive positives.” This means we take all the same actions as a confirmed positive case, including reaching out to the person to provide guidance on staying home (self-isolating). We also conduct contact tracing, to provide those individuals guidance to quarantine and to recommend testing as appropriate.

In addition, each person who, by antigen testing is a presumptive positive case, is being advising that they get a PCR test to confirm the result. 

The antigen test results are not reflected in thetotal case data we report. However, once results are confirmed, they will appear in the data reports.

The Health Department recommends the following for people who take an antigen test:

• If you test positive on an antigen test, and then test negative on the PCR test within the same timeframe, you are not considered a case.
• If you test negative on an antigen or PCR test, and are a close contact of a positive case, you should follow quarantine recommendations and monitor for signs of illness. Learn more about isolation, quarantine and self-observation.

Anyone we identify through our investigation who should be tested will be referred to testing sites in the area.

If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to someone who has tested positive, please contact your health care provider to see if you should be tested. 

Pop-up testing is available in the Manchester area:

• Southwestern Vermont Health Care is holding pop-up testing at Riley Rink on 410 Hunter Park Road in Manchester today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will remain open as many days as necessary. Get more details here.
• The Health Department is holding a pop-up testing event at the Flood Brook School today in Londonderry. Learn more about getting tested. 

As of 3:30 today, more than 306 specimens were collected at a pop-up site held in Londonderry.

We thank Southwestern Vermont Medical Center for working quickly to expand testing options for people in the community. Local hospitals are key partners in helping to make sure testing is accessible to Vermonters who need it.

Health Department teams will continue to make recommendations for additional testing as needed. 

COVID Relief Funding Announced for Health Care Providers, Agriculture

State officials announced additional relief funding, 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 15, 2020

Description

Number

Total cases*

1,318

(13 new)

Currently hospitalized

5

Hospitalized under investigation

14

Total people recovered

1,104

Deaths+

56

People tested

78,358

Travelers monitored

1,547

Contacts monitored

76

People completed monitoring

3,459

* 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.

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 Lifelineat 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.