Latest state model shows Vermont can reopen without surge in cases

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The state’s Covid-19 projections show that if Vermont can strengthen or maintain measures like contact tracing, testing and mask-wearing, 50% of the workforce can return to their workplace, according to a presentation at a press conference Friday.

Department of Financial Regulation Commissioner Michael Pieciak presented the latest figures and said they continued to show positive signs for slowing the growth of Covid-19 in Vermont.

“Under this scenario, we see that it is possible for us to strategically reopen our economy without seeing concerning trends in hospital demand throughout the summer,” he said.

The projections came as the state announced new reopening measures: Opening child care centers and summer camps under strict guidelines. But the state still expects many people who work remotely to continue doing so, Pieciak said.

“A great percentage of our workforce can work remote and do their work like we do at our department, and most of the state government is doing,” he said.

He said the state also needs to continue monitoring several metrics that so far have shown positive signs: The growth rate of the virus, the number of people in doctors’ offices with Covid-like symptoms, the test positivity rate and the hospital usage.

The Department of Health reported three new cases of Covid-19 today, giving an average of 6.6 new cases per day so far this month. The case growth rate has continued to mostly decline since mid-April, according to the state data. 

As of Friday, five people were hospitalized for Covid-19 and and another 10 were hospitalized with symptoms but waiting on test results, according to the Department of Health. Pieciak said the state’s hospitalization numbers were within the capacity of the system to treat patients.

The amount of testing and the test positivity rate have been cited as two important factors for reopening the state. A recent study by the Harvard Global Health Institute found that Vermont has been conducting 56 tests per 100,000 residents per day — below the target it estimates the state needs to hit to reopen

[Mainecat]

Good news

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MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) Vermont Governor Phil Scott says Vermont retailers will be able to reopen next Monday, May 18, as long as they follow strict new guidelines.

Scott is giving a media briefing. Watch live on Channel 3 and WCAX.com. If you don't see the livestream above, click here for a direct link.

Gov. Scott says administration officials are still working out details of the state's retail reopening, but that it will come with restrictions, including limits on the number of customers -- no more than 25% of the maximum legal capacity, required mask-wearing, and social distancing.

As of Sunday, Vermont health officials reported 927 coronavirus cases in the state and 53 deaths. There are currently five people hospitalized in the state with confirmed cases.

Scott says Vermont has the third-lowest rate of COVID case growth in the country, but he says it is critical that residents remain cautious given the situation in neighboring states, including New Hampshire, where the rate of new cases remains high.

Vermont dental offices will remain closed for the time being for routine procedures. Officials say there are still concerns when it comes to the safety of both dental workers and patients. They say discussions are ongoing when that order will be lifted.

Vermont is also increasing its testing for coronavirus thanks to pop-up testing sites. On Saturday, about 150 health care workers, first responders and child care professionals were tested at a pop-up clinic in Colchester. Other locations are opening up this week around the state and officials say they are testing up to 1,000 people a day.

[Angry ginger]

seems most of northern NE is getting back towards normal,  now lets hope the massholes and city folk from NY don't fuck it up for everyone.