Daily statistics from the Vermont Department of Health show Covid-19 infections and hospitalizations hovering at high levels.
The state reported 224 new Covid-19 cases Friday, in line with a seven-day average that’s remained above 200 cases per day for two weeks.
Vermont’s per capita infection rate has increased while rates in most other states have declined. Vermont continues to have the fastest-growing infection rate in the nation during the past two weeks, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analyzed by The New York Times.
As of Friday, 47 people were hospitalized with Covid-19, including 10 in intensive care. One more person was hospitalized with a suspected case.
The seven-day average test positivity rate was 2.9%.
No new deaths were reported Friday — the total number of deaths in Vermont throughout the pandemic remains 351.
Friday’s statistics arrive during a significant expansion of the vaccine booster effort in Vermont. Following CDC approval late Thursday, booster shots are now available for certain people who received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines, in addition to the Pfizer recipients made eligible last month. Booster recipients can now also choose a different brand than the vaccine they originally received.
About 44,800 people had already received booster shots in Vermont as of Friday, according to the state’s vaccine dashboard.
The health department typically publishes statistics every other Friday on breakthrough infections, hospitalizations and deaths, as well as outbreaks and case demographics. Department spokesperson Ben Truman said Friday that due to an internal issue, the latest report would be delayed until later this weekend or Monday.
