For Immediate Release: November 8, 2020
Media Contact:
Ben Truman │ Vermont Department of Health
802-951-5153 / 802-863-7281
[email protected]
Vermonters Urged to Take Action to Prevent Spread of COVID-19 as Case Numbers Increase
Officials urging adherence to current health guidance
Recommend testing for those who have attended events with households outside their usual social circle
BURLINGTON, VT – The Vermont Department of Health on Sunday reported 43 new cases of COVID-19. This is the largest one-day new case report since early last spring. On Saturday, health officials reported the state’s 59th death associated with COVID-19, the first since July 28, 2020.
Vermont is experiencing a steady increase in cases, and the Health Department is investigating more outbreaks and situations than at any time since the pandemic started.
Some of the new cases are associated with current outbreaks, with others scattered among people in various communities. Many of the cases, clusters and outbreaks are tracing back to social gatherings where masking and physical distancing break down.
As a result, Governor Phil Scott and Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD are calling on Vermonters to strictly observe health guidance to protect themselves and others – and to help keep Vermont’s economy and schools open. In addition, everyone is being asked to avoid unnecessary travel, including for the upcoming holidays, and to limit the size of gatherings.
The state is now strongly advising that any private social gatherings include no more than 10 people, and with a very limited number of trusted households. This applies to all types of private gatherings, including just getting together with friends socially at home, on campus or around town.
If you have attended an event with people who are not in your usual social circle, please avoid close contact with others and consider obtaining a test now as well as 7 days after the event or gathering. To see options for testing near you, please go to healthvermont.gov/covid-19/testing. Call your health care provider if at any point you develop any symptoms.
The Health Department emphasizes that people cannot know for sure whether someone they are with or near has been infected, especially those who are pre-symptomatic. This is why you should wear a mask, keep your distance and avoid crowds. Remember: Masks on Faces, 6-Foot Spaces, Uncrowded Spaces.
Additional recommendations for protecting the health of yourself and loved ones are available on the Health Department website: healthvermont.gov/covid-19/protect-yourself-others.
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