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Vermont released new data on Monday showing the number of coronavirus cases in certain cities and towns, although it excluded the vast majority of towns to preserve patient privacy.
The state’s data includes 29 cities and towns that have had at least six cases of Covid-19. Agency of Human Services Secretary Mike Smith said he had consulted with the Department of Health to figure out the best way to publish the data without identifying anyone.
“I’ve been very careful with this, in what we’re doing and how we’re reporting,” Smith said. “I don’t want to put a scarlet letter on people.”
The data shows Burlington to have the highest number of cases, 157, and a case rate nearly three times the state average. Essex and Swanton were next on the list with 47 and 44 cases, respectively.
Four other Chittenden County followed close behind: Colchester, South Burlington, Milton and Williston.
St. Albans City, Brattleboro, Winooski, Rutland City and Jericho all reported having more than 10 cases.
There have been 855 confirmed cases statewide.
There have been outbreaks of cases at several facilities where elderly residents live, including two in Burlington, Burlington Health and Rehab and Birchwood Terrace.
Residents of a long-term care facility or inmates at a correctional facility are reflected in the town of their facility when they were tested.
Correction: The quote attributed to Mike Smith was misattributed to Health Commissioner Mark Levine in the initial version of this story.
