Dr. Levine: Elders getting COVID-19 vaccines ‘helps us look ahead with hope’

January 30, 2021  |  By Lisa Scagliotti 

Chart by Lisa Scagliotti.

Waterbury and Stowe each logged five new COVID-19 cases in the past week while thousands of older Vermonters have made appointments to get their first dose of the vaccine. 

Weekly Vermont Department of Health data broken down by town tracked the case counts across the state including 82 for Waterbury and 77 for Stowe since the pandemic began. Those figures represent significant increases for the month of January – slightly over 36.6% for Waterbury, and nearly 33% for Stowe.  

Looking at other nearby communities and those within the Harwood Union School District, Waitsfield’s count went from 23 to 36, an increase of more than 56% in January; Warren’s jump from 14 to 25 cases was a 78% increase. 

Overall, Vermont’s been averaging about 100 new cases per day for a total Friday according to the Health Department of 11,658. Hospitalizations are at their highest level with 57 in hospitals, 11 of those in intensive care. 

Vermont saw three more COVID-19 deaths this past week for a total of 172 as of Friday’s press briefing by Gov. Phil Scott and members of his cabinet. 

One outbreak state officials are watching is at Norwich University in Northfield which has seen at least 80 cases as of Friday. The outbreak happened soon after students returned to campus. In a video message to the campus community Wednesday evening, Norwich University President, Dr. Mark C. Anarumo summed up the situation: “We’ve had some significant, egregious and frankly embarrassing incidents of student misconduct that have resulted in the spread of the virus on campus and our inability to contain it.” 

The school is allowing those who wish to leave campus to do so and attend the semester online. Those staying will have strict protocols to follow to get the virus spread under control and reverse the trend in order for in-person classes to move ahead, Anarumo said, including quarantine.  

Vaccines for 75 and older

State officials spent time Friday going over statistics regarding the vaccine roll-out that began this past week to focus on Vermonters age 75 and older. Registration for appointments opened this week with more than 32,500 making appointments and since vaccinations began on Wednesday, nearly 5,000 have gotten their first dose, they said. 

Dr. Mark Levine, Vermont’s Health Commissioner, praised the health care workers who are managing the vaccine distribution. “This is part of what we do -- bringing health services to our communities,” Levine said. 

While the details may be daunting, Levine said he hopes Vermonters can appreciate the “big picture” significance of this next phase of vaccinations that focuses on the elderly after the initial phase covered health workers and long-term care facility residents and staff. 

 “I hope many of us got a glimpse of that big picture this week… on the faces of our own parents or grandparents we are that much closer to hugging… of our older neighbors who will no longer feel isolated in their homes… and of our friends and co-workers sharing their own relief that their loved ones will be protected from this virus,” he said. “We have many more people to reach with these vaccines, but each of these moments helps us look ahead with hope.” 

Gov. Scott reiterated his priority to vaccinate the oldest Vermonters first given the probability that they are most at risk for serious illness and death should they get infected. 

Health Department statistics broken down by age show that of Vermont’s 172 COVID-19-related deaths, only 8 were individuals under age 60; those 80 and older accounted for the most deaths, 103; another 47 in the 70-79 age range have died. 

State officials estimate that it will take up to five weeks to complete the vaccinations for the 75-and-older age group. The next categories would be individuals age 70 and up, and then 65 and older. Gov. Scott said the plan could change if the supply of vaccines from the federal government increases. 

Health officials also remind Vermonters that the vaccine takes time to establish immunity so people are reminded to remain vigilant about wearing masks and distancing, etc. for several weeks after they receive the vaccine. 

To make an appointment for a vaccine, visit the state’s website at healthvermont.gov/covid-19/vaccine/getting-covid-19-vaccine or call the Health Department vaccine line at 855-722-7878.

Kinney Drugs is also scheduling appointments at its pharmacies, including Waterbury. Scheduling for a pharmacy appointment is completely online with links on the health department site and at KinneyDrugs.com. 

State health officials also encourage Vermonters to take advantage of quick and free COVID-19 testing if they think they may have been exposed to the virus. Anyone who does not have symptoms can visit a testing location. Waterbury has a testing site at the Waterbury Ambulance Service station at 1727 Guptil Road that’s open seven days a week. Another nearby location open daily is at 3336 Airport Road, Berlin.    

Register for a test online at healthvermont.gov/covid19testing. Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 should contact a health care provider or call 2-1-1 for a referral.  

High school sports competitions still on hold

State officials Friday also addressed school sports saying that while practices for winter sports are allowed, the pause on competitions between schools will remain in place until there is more data on how relaxing guidelines for practices and scrimmages works out. 

“I know people are anxious. I know people are frustrated,” Gov. Scott said. “I know this is important to kids. It’s important to all of us to get back to normal. But we just don’t want to make any missteps. We’ve done this fairly well so far.” 

Along those lines on Friday, the governors of all six New England states and New Jersey issued a joint statement announcing an extension of the suspension of interstate youth hockey competitions for public and private schools and youth hockey leagues through at least March 31. 

All state COVID-19 information can be found through the Health Department website: healthvermont.gov/covid19.