Dear Reader,
Here at VTDigger we are committed to being your most timely and accurate resource for critical information on the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on Vermont. Thank you for relying on us and supporting our news gathering operation.
On Sunday, we broke a story about Copley Hospital offering a Covid-19 antibody test — just before national outlets began reporting on the trend.
Copley is the only health care facility in Vermont and one of a small number nationwide to offer the trial serology tests.
Antibody tests hold promise as a tool to protect health care workers and that could ultimately allow people who had the virus without symptoms to get back to work without fear of jeopardizing their own safety or that of others.
Vermonters who are immune to Covid-19 could also donate blood plasma antibodies to help others stave off or fight the virus. That initiative, which the FDA has also approved for emergency use during the pandemic, could help fend off the disease while a vaccine is being developed.
Copley Hospital has completed 40 tests on staff members and has a limited supply, but if more become available, Copley’s president and CEO Joseph Woodin says they will offer it to the broader community.
If you’ve come to rely on VTDigger for the latest coverage of Covid-19 developments, please support us during these challenging times.
I won’t pretend otherwise. Covering the coronavirus pandemic has been grueling. We appreciate every kind note that we have received from readers thanking us for our reporting, as well as the hundreds of tips and questions we have received.
The impact of Covid-19 on Vermont will continue to dominate our news for months to come, and we are committed to covering every angle of the crisis and its ripple effects.
Sincerely,
Founder and editor, VTDigger
Anne Galloway
We are partnering with Vermont Glove to send 3,000 cloth masks to eight area hospitals as soon as possible. Become a member at any level now to help us reach our goal– we’ve already sent 1,500, thanks to our readers!
