For Immediate Release: March 16, 2020
Media Contact:
Ben Truman │ Vermont Department of Health
802-951-5153 desk / 802-316-2117 mobile
[email protected]
Vermont Reports Additional Four Cases of New Coronavirus COVID-19
BURLINGTON, VT – The Vermont Department of Health Laboratory reported another four cases of the new coronavirus COVID-19. All are Vermont residents. To date, the lab has reported eight positive cases among Vermonters, and four cases among non-Vermonters.
These Vermont lab results are considered confirmed.
- A female in her 60s, from Bennington County, is hospitalized at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center.
- A male in his 60s, of Orange County, is self-isolating at home.
- A female in her 30s, of Chittenden County, is self-isolating at home.
- A male in his 30s, of Chittenden County, is self-isolating at home.
The Health Department’s contact tracing team has been working to investigate the patients’ travel history and related community activities, and to identify anyone in Vermont who may have been in close contact with the patients. They will be assessed for their exposure risk and provided with guidance for their health and recommendations for self-isolation or other restrictions.
Please go to healthvermont.gov/covid19 for the most up-to-date information and guidance about COVID-19, including from the CDC.
Who to call for help or information:
- If you have questions about COVID-19: Dial 2-1-1
- If you are returning from Europe, the United Kingdom, Ireland, China, Iran or South Korea:
Call Health Department Epidemiology at 802-863-7240. - If you are sick or concerned about your health: Contact your health care provider by phone. Do not go to the hospital, except in a life-threatening situation. Do not call the Health Department.
Person-to-person spread of the virus occurs mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
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 your arm or a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
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