COVID-19 Roundup: 13 dead, 293 cases; Curve flattening? Understaffed groceries struggle

Chains such as Price Chopper and Market 32 (pictured here in Brattleboro) are installing signs encouraging patrons to stay 6 feet apart. Photo by Kevin O’Connor/VTDigger

VTDigger is posting regular updates on the coronavirus in Vermont on this page. You can also subscribe here for regular email updates on the coronavirus. If you have any questions, thoughts or updates on how Vermont is responding to COVID-19, contact us at coronavirus@vtdigger.org

A third person from the Pinecrest at Essex senior living complex has died, bringing the state’s death total to 13. The state also reports 293 total positive cases, up from 256 on Monday. The state released daily COVID-19 hospitalization data for the first time on Tuesday. See VTDigger’s story

GE Aviation in Rutland is reducing about 60% of its 1,400 workforce, or roughly 840 workers, for at least four weeks in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a memo to employees, COVID-19 has had a “dramatic” impact on GE Aviation’s customers and supply chain. See VTDigger’s story

The latest data from the Department of Health shows the number of COVID-19 cases in Vermont is doubling every four days, said Easton White, a researcher at the University of Vermont. That’s a decline from a week ago, when the number of cases was doubling every two to three days. See VTDigger’s story

With the ink barely dry on a $2 trillion disaster response package, the U.S. Small Business Administration has been swamped with questions about how businesses should proceed. Guidelines are coming soon, but here’s what we know. See VTDigger’s story

Vermont supermarkets are working overtime to simultaneously restock shelves depleted by the threat of coronavirus and keeping patrons separated by the recommended 6 feet. And they’re doing it without enough workers. See VTDigger’s story

The state Department of Corrections is laying the groundwork to use the St. Johnsbury jail as a medical “surge” facility if it’s needed to treat prisoners who have tested positive for COVID-19. See VTDigger’s story

VTDigger is launching a statewide Business Directory to keep Vermonters informed of altered hours, services and closures across the state during the coronavirus outbreak. Our simple format allows businesses to list hours, and special service considerations like vulnerable population hours. Businesses can also share delivery services, online/phone ordering, curbside pickup details, or limited working hours. Read about it