VDH: COVID cases up more than 100 as BA.2 becomes dominant – Vermont Biz

Starting February 5, the case dashboard will not be updated on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays. A breakdown of the previous days’ cases will be reported on Mondays (or the day following a holiday). See below. Graphics courtesy VDH & DFR.
by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today is reporting 199 cases of COVID-19 for Tuesday, up from 77 Monday, as cases in the Northeast Kingdom have risen (84 Sunday, 120 Saturday, 142 Friday). There was one additional death, which stands at 614 statewide. The death was someone in the 60-69 age range. There have been 7 fatalities since March 5. 
As the Omicron BA.2 variant is now the most common coronavirus variant in New England (55 percent), overall cases are edging up but serious outcomes have come down.
COVID cases now are highest per capita in the last two weeks in Essex, Caledonia, Orleans and Windsor counties. In the Northeast Kingdom, which had been a COVID hot spot earlier in the pandemic, cases have increased again in the last week even as the rest of the state reports a decline. Essex, Caledonia and Orleans counties in the NEK now have the three highest case counts per capita in the state.
The 7-day case average increased 14% over the last 7 days and was flat over the last 14 days. Cases are down 92% since the Omicron peak.
Addison County
New Cases: 5
Recent Cases – Past 14 Days: 136
Cases Per 100,000 – Past 14 Days: 367.8
Bennington County
New Cases: 4
Recent Cases – Past 14 Days: 28
Cases Per 100,000 – Past 14 Days: 78.6
Caledonia County
New Cases: 21
Recent Cases – Past 14 Days: 155
Cases Per 100,000 – Past 14 Days: 511.5
Chittenden County
New Cases: 66
Recent Cases – Past 14 Days: 463
Cases Per 100,000 – Past 14 Days: 281.3
Essex County
New Cases: 4
Recent Cases – Past 14 Days: 46
Cases Per 100,000 – Past 14 Days: 736
Franklin County
New Cases: 11
Recent Cases – Past 14 Days: 97
Cases Per 100,000 – Past 14 Days: 196.3
Grand Isle County
New Cases: 0
Recent Cases – Past 14 Days: 10
Cases Per 100,000 – Past 14 Days: 141
Lamoille County
New Cases: 6
Recent Cases – Past 14 Days: 64
Cases Per 100,000 – Past 14 Days: 253
Orange County
New Cases: 7
Recent Cases – Past 14 Days: 84
Cases Per 100,000 – Past 14 Days: 289.7
Orleans County
New Cases: 15
Recent Cases – Past 14 Days: 107
Cases Per 100,000 – Past 14 Days: 397.7
Pending Validation
New Cases: 12
Recent Cases – Past 14 Days: 72
Cases Per 100,000 – Past 14 Days: 0
Rutland County
New Cases: 10
Recent Cases – Past 14 Days: 113
Cases Per 100,000 – Past 14 Days: 192.6
Washington County
New Cases: 21
Recent Cases – Past 14 Days: 183
Cases Per 100,000 – Past 14 Days: 314.8
Windham County
New Cases: 10
Recent Cases – Past 14 Days: 84
Cases Per 100,000 – Past 14 Days: 196.5
Windsor County
New Cases: 7
Recent Cases – Past 14 Days: 215
Cases Per 100,000 – Past 14 Days: 388.9
In response to an overall decline in cases since February, and with the highest vaccination and booster rates in the nation, the state will discontinue their “expensive” vaccination and testing clinics in mid-April. 
Health Commissioner Dr Mark Levine said pharmacies and health care providers are well prepared and able to do both. 
At Governor Scott’s regular media briefing Tuesday, Dr Levine assured Vermonters that if there was another surge in cases that the state would again “stand up” its testing clinics as needed.
The elderly are the most vulnerable and most encouraged to get vaccinated and boosted, Dr Levine said. ​According to the VDH, 81 percent of eligible Vermonters (5+) have been completed their vaccination regimen and a total of 67 percent (12+) have received a booster shot.
Dr Levine said that evidence of more cases from BA.2 in Asia and Europe is very regional, not universal, so it’s hard to predict what will happen here. BA.2 is more transmissible but it appears not to be more dangerous than the original Omicron variant.
He added that at this time there is no recommendation for people to go out and get a fourth vaccination shot. He said, however, that getting an additional booster will likely be recommended just as getting an annual flu vaccine is recommended. Right now, the data suggest a fourth shot only adds marginal further protection. But both the vaccines and natural immunity from having contracted COVID only last for several months, he said. The CDC and the drug makers are looking at additional data in order to provide more guidance.
There were 49 COVID-19 related fatalities in Vermont in September 2021, and 47 deaths in October, which are the fourth- and fifth-worst months on record. There were 42 fatalities in November, 62 in December, and 65 in January 2022, 59 in February and 10 so far in March. This month is shaping up to have the fewest deaths since last July.
While the highest concentration of deaths has been in the last six months, December 2020 was the worst month with 71.
Hospitalizations today were 16 (up 2). The record was 122 on January 19. Health officials have focused on this as a key indicator. They had been running over 100 in early February.
ICU stays, which also had been elevated and have now fallen, were 2 (unchanged). The one-day record there was set December 7, 2021, (31). 
With case counts falling, the seven-day positivity rate is now 4.9%; the record was 13.8% set January 8. Testing is also down.
Dr Levine has said that the state’s testing sites would offer take-home antigen and LAMP tests, as well as the usual PCR tests while they remain open. The antigen and LAMP (similar to a PCR) offer much faster results. PCR tests will still be available to those who want or need them. For instance, some travel destinations still require a negative PCR test.
Overall testing has fallen precipitously since early fall and is down 20 percent in the last week. PCR tests are also the most expensive option to the state, but all are free to Vermonters.
With low levels of severe disease and effective tools to prevent COVID-19, Vermont health officials on March 14 ended COVID-19 public health recommendations, which includes recommending masks in indoor public spaces.
Last Wednesday, the University of Vermont, with a 100 percent vaccine rate for students and staff, announced that it would end its mask mandate on March 19.
Most cities and towns also have let mandates expire.
The CDC and Vermont are emphasizing serious health outcomes, such as hospitalizations and fatalities, and not overall cases, as the best measure of COVID’s health impact at this time.
An Omicron sub-variant (BA.2) is showing an increase in cases in Europe. And while it is already in Vermont and the US and appears to be more transmissible, cases have not increased because of it yet, nor does it yet appear to be more dangerous.

It was on March 13, 2020 that Governor Scott declared a State of Emergency, which closed many businesses and all the schools and left most people working from home, if they had any work at all.
The new prevention guidance focuses on recommending Vermonters consider their own circumstances and risk in deciding what precautions to take – including wearing a mask around others – to protect themselves, loved ones and those at higher risk from COVID-19. The guidance had previously recommended wearing a mask in all indoor public spaces.
The state has also simplified its guidance for anyone who tests positive or is in close contact with someone who tests positive. Vermonters are still strongly urged to be up to date on vaccinations against the virus.
“As we continue moving forward and evolving our management of this virus, it’s important to reflect on the progress we’ve made, and how much Vermonters have stepped up over the last two years,” said Governor Phil Scott. “Although Covid isn’t going away, we’re in a much different place than we were not too long ago, and we know how to protect ourselves. Vaccination remains the best tool in our toolbox to protect yourself and others, and we continue to encourage anyone who hasn’t to get vaccinated and boosted.”
The updated guidance calls for people who test positive to isolate for five days — even if you are vaccinated or never have symptoms. Recommendations no longer include a negative test to end isolation or masking for an additional five days after isolation.
For people who are considered close contacts of someone who tested positive, quarantine is no longer recommended.
However, if you are not vaccinated or not up to date on your vaccines, you should get tested around five days after your contact occurred. Any close contact should get tested if they develop symptoms, regardless of vaccination status.
These changes do not apply to health care settings, including long term care facilities, or other congregate settings that follow separate guidance.
With less risk of COVID-19 and the critical tools to protect ourselves — through vaccines, testing and treatment, Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD said we can live more safely, with the virus causing less disruption in our daily lives.
“The COVID-19 virus will be with us for a long time, but the data tells us we have arrived at a point where people can decide for themselves if they want to take precautions based on their own personal level of risk,” Dr. Levine said.
Dr. Levine emphasized, however, that low levels of virus is not the same as no virus, and that we need to remain prepared in case the virus changes again.
“If we have learned anything about COVID-19 over these past two years, it is that the virus is good at evolving,” Dr. Levine said. “With many surges and new variants, nearly all of us have been affected in some way, and too many have suffered serious illness and tragic losses. I am hopeful we are finally coming to the end of the pandemic, but that will only be the case if people are thoughtful about their safety and activities – and stay up to date on vaccinations.”
Importantly, hospitalizations and ICU stays are much lower than even a couple weeks ago. Meanwhile, the record daily high of COVID-19 cases was set January 7, with 2,975.
January 2022 had by far the most cases by month, with 38,500 because of the Omicron variant. December 2021 was second worst with 16,091. December 2021 was third worst with 10,134, February 2022 was fourth with 7,585 and October 2021 was fifth with 6,572, as the worst months for overall cases were all in the last six.
Presented by DFR Commissioner Michael Pieciak
Department of Financial Regulation Data Modeling was updated March 15, 2022 (click HERE for all 44 slides).
Reported COVID-19 cases in Vermont increased this week but remain more than 90% below peak January levels. Forecasts predict continued low-level viral activity in Vermont, but the spread of the more-transmissible Omicron BA.2 subvariant has introduced increased uncertainty in these projections.
The CDC estimates the BA.2 subvariant now makes up over 50% of new infections in the Northeast. Hospitalizations and fatalities in Vermont remain at stable low levels, with older and unvaccinated Vermonters at the highest risk of adverse outcomes.
The New England region continues to see improvement, with cases down nearly a third in the last two weeks, but the rate at which cases are decreasing slowed to 6% week. Cases remain low nationally, with levels similar to last year’s pre-Delta  summer period. Forecasts call for deaths across the US to continue to decline in the coming weeks.
International COVID-19 trends, particularly in Europe, warrant a note of caution for the US COVID-19 outlook with cases increasing due to a number of factors, including the BA.2 subvariant, varied rates of prior Omicron infection, and the lifting of  mitigation measures during surging viral spread. Experts continue to debate the degree to which these factors will influence case and hospitalization growth in the US in the coming weeks.
● Decreased 4% for ages 0 to 24
● Increased 37% for ages 25 to 49
● Increased 14% for ages 50 to 64
● Increased 11% for ages 65+
Case information reflects counts as of the end of the previous weekday. All data are compiled by the Health Department and are preliminary and subject to change.
VDH NOTE: Deaths reported for March 6 were shown incorrectly earlier on March 7, when we showed “3” deaths reported. There were 0 deaths reported on March 6.
 
Case information reflects counts as of the end of the previous weekday. All data are compiled by the Health Department and are preliminary and subject to change.
You can be tested at a Health Department testing site, through your health care provider, or at many local pharmacies. People with or without symptoms can be tested at most testing locations.
Free take-home tests that give you rapid results are now available at many Health Department testing sites! Testing is recommended for people with symptoms, and close contacts of someone with COVID-19 who are not up to date on vaccines.
When you make an appointment, you can now choose from three types of tests:
You can get up to four antigen test kits for each appointment (there are two tests per kit, for eight tests total), but only one LAMP per appointment.
You can choose a test type based on your own needs. Learn more about test types.
An antigen test can be used if you have symptoms or if you are a close contact, but be sure to take BOTH tests, at least 24 hours apart.
An antigen test should be used if you tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 90 days, because the other test types could continue to be positive due to your previous infection.
A PCR test is needed if you are testing a child under age 2, or need a lab result letter for travel or another reason.
Learn about what to do if you test positive
Wondering about site closures? Site hours may change due to hazardous weather, staffing shortages and other factors. If you have an appointment that needs to be canceled, you will get an email. Closures will be noted on this webpage when timing allows.
This map includes Health Department, pharmacy and other testing sites.
See Case and Vaccine Dashboards Below
See this map displayed full-screen.
You can make an appointment (online, or call 802-863-7240) or just walk in. An appointment guarantees you a test. ASL interpretation is available by video at all Health Department testing sites.
Make an appointment Use if you have had testing or a vaccine through the Health Department.
check for results Log in after you get an email saying your results are ready.
create an account Use if you have never had a test or vaccine through the Health Department.
See frequently asked questions about Health Department testing
Learn about how to isolate and notify your close contacts if you test positive
Bennington
Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (this site is not Health Department testing)
Gymnasium at former Southern Vermont College campus
981 Mansion Dr.
Mon – Sat 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
No appointment necessary. See details and download a consent form here: https://svhealthcare.org/COVID-19/testing
This site has PCR tests.
Berlin
1311 Barre-Montpelier Rd.
Mon, Thurs, Sat 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Tues 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Wed, Fri 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Sun 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
We recommend you schedule an appointment at the 1311 Barre-Montpelier Rd location. If there are no appointments, walk-ins are accepted at the Berlin Mall.
This site has antigen, PCR and LAMP tests.
282 Berlin Mall Rd
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sat 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
Wed, Fri 9:00 am – 6:30 pm
Sun 10:00 am – 3:30 pm
This site has antigen, PCR and LAMP tests.
Brattleboro
417 Canal St.
Tues, Thurs 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Sat 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
This site has antigen, PCR and LAMP tests.
Burlington
405 Pine St.
Mon, Tues, Fri  8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Wed, Thurs 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Sat 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
This site has antigen, PCR and LAMP tests.
Burlington
294 North Winooski Ave., Suite 125
Mon, Fri 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Wed 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
This site has antigen, PCR and LAMP tests.
Last day of testing: Thursday, March 31
Enosburg Falls
Cold Hollow Family Practice (this site is not Health Department testing)
84 Water Tower Rd. Fork Suite 1
Mon – Fri 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
For appointment for this site call: 802-933-6664
This site has PCR tests.
Fairlee
5445 Lake Morey Rd. E
Mon, Wed, Thurs, Sat, Sun 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Tues, Fri 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
This site has antigen, PCR and LAMP tests.
Glover
Glover Ambulance
48 County Rd.
Tues, Thurs 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Wed 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
This site has antigen, PCR and LAMP tests.
Hardwick
Hardwick Fire Station
333 Wolcott St.
Mon 7:30 am – 11:30 am
Wed 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Sat 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
This site has antigen, PCR and LAMP tests.
Island Pond
Brighton Fire Department
102 Railroad St.
Tues 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Thurs 2:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Sat 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
This site has antigen, PCR and LAMP tests.
Johnson
62 Wilson Rd.
Mon – Wed 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sat 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
This site has antigen, PCR and LAMP tests.
Middlebury
1396 Route 7 South (Middlebury South Plaza)
Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Tues, Thurs 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
This site has antigen, PCR and LAMP tests.
Montpelier
134 State St. (parking lot)
Thurs 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
This site has antigen, PCR and LAMP tests.
Morrisville
Copley Hospital (this site is not Health Department testing)
528 Washington Hwy
Mon – Fri 10:00 – 11:00 am, 4:00 – 5:00pm
Sat: 10:00 – 11:00 am
For appointment for this site call: 802-888-8888
This site has PCR tests.
Morrisville
Lamoille Health Partners
609 Washington Highway
Mon – Fri 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sat 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
This site PCR tests.
Newport
Newport Ambulance Services
830 Union St.
Mon, Wed, Fri 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sat 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
This site has antigen, PCR and LAMP tests.
Newport
North Country Hospital
189 Prouty Dr.
Mon, Thurs 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Tues 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
This site has PCR tests.
Northfield
31 Dog River Rd.
Mon 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Fri 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
This site has antigen, PCR and LAMP tests.
Randolph
Gifford Medical Center (this site is not Health Department testing)
44 S Main St, South parking lot
Mon and Fri 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
For appointment for this site call: 802-728-7000
This site has PCR tests.
Rutland
Rutland Regional Medical Center
160 Allen St.
Mon – Fri 9:00 am – 10:00 am and 4:00 pm – 5:10 pm
Sat 10:00 am – 11:50 am
This site has PCR tests.
Springfield
Springfield Health Center
51 Pearl St., Level 2
Mon, Tues, Fri 8:00 am – 12:30 pm
Wed 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Sat 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
This site has PCR tests.
Stratton
Carlos Otis Stratton Mountain Clinic
78 Founder’s Hill Rd.
Mon and Wed 8:00 am – 11:00 am
This site has PCR tests.
Last day of testing: Wednesday, April 6
St. Albans
Northwestern Medical Center (Valley Crossroads Building)
27 Fisher Pond Road (north side of the building)
Mon, Tues, Fri 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Wed, Thurs 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Sat 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
This site has antigen, PCR and LAMP tests.
St. Johnsbury
Caledonia Home Health Care & Hospice
161 Sherman Dr. (parking lot)
Mon, Wed, Fri 8:30 am – 1:30 pm
Tues, Thurs 3:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Sat 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
This site has antigen, PCR and LAMP tests.
Waterbury
1727 Guptil Rd.
Mon, Tues, Fri 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Wed 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Thurs 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Sat 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sun 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
This site has antigen, PCR and LAMP tests.
Wells River
65 Main St. N.
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Thurs 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
This site has antigen, PCR and LAMP tests.
Williamstown
249 Meadow St.
Wed 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
This site has antigen, PCR and LAMP tests.
Williston
UVMMC Clinic – Taft Corners
300 Interstate Corp. Center
(Next to TD Bank and across from Friendly’s)
Mon – Fri 9:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Last day of testing: Thursday, March 31
This site has PCR tests.
Windsor
Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center
289 County Road
Mon 1:00 pm – 3:40 pm
Wed 8:50 am – 10:50 am
Fri 1:00 pm – 3:40 pm
This site has PCR tests.
Winooski
32 Mallets Bay Ave.
Mon, Wed, Fri 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Tues, Thurs, Sat, Sun 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
This site has antigen, PCR and LAMP tests.
If you need to cancel an appointment, please let us know so someone else can have your spot. To cancel:
February 22: Sections of the dashboard that are updated on a weekly basis will be updated tomorrow, Wednesday. This includes the weekly information on the Case Rates by Population tab, the Hospitalization & Death Rates by Population tab and the Weekly Demographics tab.
 

 
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