This information is copied directly from the State Health Dept website at healthvermont.gov/covid19.
Guidance for Vermonters
When to call?
- If you have questions about COVID-19: Dial 2-1-1
- If you are returning from China, Italy, Iran, South Korea or Japan: Call Health Department Epidemiology at 802-863-7240
- If you are ill, have symptoms, or concerned about your health: Call your health care provider
Guidance for Specific Groups
- Schools and child care programs: The Health Department worked with the Agency of Education and the Department for Children and Families to issue public health guidance on March 10. The two documents below provide technical guidance for officials to guide their decision-making process.
These can be found on healthvermont.gov/covid19 under “Resources for schools, child care programs and colleges.”
- Long-term care facilities: A visitor screening tool was provided to long-term care facilities, and similar one for hospitals to help protect patients and/or residents and staff these facilities. These documents have also been posted on healthvermont.gov/covid19, under “Long-Term Care Facilities” and “Health Care Professionals.”
Guidance for Travelers Returning to Vermont from an Affected Area
Following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, returning travelers whose last day in China, Italy, South Korea or Iran was March 4, 2020 or afterwards should stay home and monitor their health for 14 days after returning to the United States. Travelers returning from Japan should monitor their health for 14 days after returning to the United States.
All travelers who have returned from those countries in the last 14 days should call Health Department infectious disease and epidemiology staff at 802-863-7240 to discuss monitoring for symptoms of shortness of breath, cough or fever. If you develop these symptoms, contact your health care provider right away.
Household members who did not travel do not need to be monitored and do not need to stay home, unless that person develops symptoms.
Guidance for People in Close Contact with a Person who Tested Positive for COVID-19
People who have been identified by the Health Department as a close contact to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 should stay home, practice social distancing and monitor their health for 14 days. Social distancing means remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible. The Health Department will be in contact with you regularly during the monitoring period. If you develop symptoms: Call your health care provider right away. Before you go to an appointment, let your health care provider know that you are being monitored for novel coronavirus. Call Health Department epidemiology and infectious disease staff at 802-863-7240. Avoid contact with others.
What does close contact mean?
“Close contact” means being within six feet of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 for a long time.
This can happen when caring for, being intimate partners with, or living with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Or if you shared a health care waiting area.
If you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19: stay home, limit contact with others, and call Health Department Epidemiology at 802-863-7240 Staff will discuss whether you need to see a provider, and how you will monitor yourself for symptoms. When someone tests positive for COVID-19, the Health Department conducts outreach to close contacts of the individual.
Close contact does not mean being more than six feet away in the same indoor environment for a long period of time with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19; It also does not mean walking by, or briefly being in the same room with someone who tested positive. In these situations, you should observe yourself for symptoms. You do not need to call the Health Department.
Anyone who develops symptoms should stay home and call their health care provider.
People At Risk for Serious Illness from COVID-19
Some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness, including older adults and people with chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes or lung disease. According to the CDC, these people should take extra precautions including:
- Stocking up on supplies
- Avoiding crowds
- Avoiding cruise travel and non-essential air travel
- Staying away from others who are sick
Read the CDC’s full guidance on People At Risk for Serious Illness from COVID-19.
Everyday Preventive Measures
Person-to-person spread of the virus is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Much is still unknown about how the virus spreads. Take these everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Additional Resources
The Vermont Department of Health website contains guidance and answers to frequently asked questions, including:
- What does “monitoring” mean?
- Information for people under monitoring
- What does close contact mean?
- How can I protect myself?
- Should I wear a face mask when I go out in public?
- Guidance for travelers returning to Vermont from an affected area
- Where is it safe to travel internationally?
- I am returning from an affected area. What should I do?
- Who can get tested for COVID-19?
- What should people planning large gatherings in Vermont do?
- What is the turnaround time for testing?
- Where can I find translated materials?
- Can the Health Department provide documentation that I can go to work?
- Guidance for specific groups:
- Businesses
- Communities
- First Responders
- Health care professionals
- Long-term care facilities
- Schools, child care programs and colleges
View these resources at healthvermont.gov/covid19
Vermonters can also dial 2-1-1 for information.
The CDC is regularly updating its guidance at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html.