The Vermont Department of Health reported 154 new cases of coronavirus as of Monday afternoon, bringing the total of Vermont cases to 543. It also reports 23 total deaths due to the virus, six more than last Friday. Health care professionals have conducted 6,663 tests in Vermont to date.
The department advised that people should wear cloth face masks, or coverings, if they need to leave their homes for essential purposes, like going grocery shopping or to the pharmacy. The advice to wear cloth masks is based on new data about how Covid-19 can spread before a person has any symptoms.
The department asks that people fashion their own face coverings at home if possible, since medical-grade mask supplies are needed for our health care workers and first responders.
The department’s briefing also addressed the possible negative mental health impacts of the virus and of the social distancing measures put in place to prevent its spread. For people feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless, which they cite as common feelings during an infectious disease outbreak, they recommend reaching out for support. If you or someone you know needs emotional support, the department recomends calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text VT to 741741 to talk to someone at the Crisis Text Line.
The health department’s full report for today is here.
— Sarah Asch
