The Vermont Department of Health reported 11 new cases of coronavirus bringing the total of Vermont cases to 779. Health care professionals have conducted 12,116 tests in Vermont to date. No additional deaths were reported today.
Gov. Phil Scott today outlined an approach for the phased restart of Vermont’s economy, emphasizing the state’s modeling indicates initial steps can be taken while the Stay Home, Stay Safe order remains in effect. The new addendum to his executive order allows small crews for outside construction or other outdoor trade jobs, and single-worker low- or no-contact professional services to go back to work. It also clarifies guidance for retailers to allow additional operations using delivery and curbside service and outlines safety requirements for these entities and others already operating to ensure continued social distancing, hygiene and disinfection.
The state’s latest modeling shows the growth rate in new Covid-19 cases has averaged below 4% for the last 12 days, the rate at which cases double has slowed dramatically, and the number of people requiring hospitalizations remains stable.
The Health Department is now including data about race and ethnicity on its data dashboard. At the end of March, race was unknown in 73% of cases, but through our joint work, we have brought that number down to just 8%. We have been able to partner with Vermont Information Technology Leaders through a state directive issued in response to the State of Emergency. The department said they can use this data to help to prevent the spread of illness, improve care for patients, and present a more complete picture of how Covid-19 may be affecting everyone in Vermont.
The health department’s full report for today is here.
— Sarah Asch
