Check this webpage regularly for current guidance.
Important Information
The primary source of information for all Vermonters and specific constituencies is healthvermont.gov. Please continue to monitor that website for the most up to date information on this situation. Relay that website to any and all contacts and those interested in current information.
Background
The CDC is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China and which has now been detected in more than 100 locations internationally, including in the United States. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”).
Health Information
If you’re symptomatic, please call your doctor first.
Health Dept. COVID hotline: (802) 863-7240
For up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Vermont visit: healthvermont.gov or call 2-1-1.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released guidelines for businesses that you can find here.
Vermont Department of Health has released guidelines specific to the food and lodging industries which you can find here.
Steps to prevent illness
There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. Person-to-person spread of the virus is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Much is still unknown about how the virus spreads. Take these everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
For the latest information about COVID-19 in Vermont please visit healthvermont.gov. Additional information on COVID-19 can be found on the Center for Disease Control website.
Local Updates
- Addison County Mutual Aid – volunteer sign up for folks offering or needing help
State Updates
- Vermont Department of Health – latest information at the state level, updated daily by 1:00 p.m.
- UVM Health Network site for its resources and updates.
- Vermont Emergency Management (VEM) – updates, sign up to get alerts
- University of Vermont Medical Center Information and Resources – from leading Infectious Disease specialists and other medical providers.
- How Can I Help #prepare – crowdsourced communications about how we can help each other prepare, especially those that are homebound and need meds/supplies (Facebook).
- Vermont Covid-19 Resource List (Google Doc)
- ACEDC COVID-19 related resources for businesses
National Resources
- Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- World Health Organization
Additional Info
- FlattenTheCurve.com – COVID-19 Update & Guidance to Limit Spread
- Making Sense with Sam Harris: #190 — How Should We Respond to Coronavirus? (Podcast)
- Making Sense with Sam Harris: #191 — Early Thoughts on a Pandemic (Podcast)
Visualizations
- These simulations show how to flatten the coronavirus growth curve (Washington Post)
- How epidemics like covid-19 end (and how to end them faster) (Washington Post)
- Information is Beautiful – COVID-19 Data Pack
- Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases by CSSE at JHU
News Articles
- ‘How do I get tested?’ and other coronavirus questions (VTDigger)
- Guide: How you can help —volunteer or donate during the coronavirus outbreak (VT Digger)