50 Jan. COVID-19 deaths so far as Waterbury cases remain high
Jan. 28, 2021 | By Lisa Scagliotti Although Vermont’s daily COVID-19 cases are dropping, the state’s pandemic total this week surpassed the 100,000 mark for infections, according to the Vermont Department of Health.
Locally, case reports were lower for the second consecutive week, although Waterbury’s ongoing community spread of the virus remains strong. On Friday, the Health Department reported 116 new cases for Waterbury for the seven days ending Wednesday, Jan. 26. That brings the town’s total to 1,376 since March 2020.
Waterbury’s cases made up 78% of the 148 new infections in the communities of the Harwood Unified Union School District this week. The other towns had far fewer: Warren logged 14 new cases, Waitsfield had 11; Moretown added 6 and Duxbury’s count changed by 1, according to state data.
Waterbury’s reported new cases were more than triple those in Stowe in the past week where just 32 new cases were recorded by the state for a pandemic total of 752.
Friday’s daily report from the state listed 882 new cases statewide with 106 people hospitalized, 25 of whom were in intensive care. Vermont’s COVID-19 hospitalizations have been at 100 or more for two weeks. Three more deaths reported Friday brought the January death total to 52 of the state’s total of 532.
This Vermont Department of Health charts on the COVID-19 dashboard shows deaths recorded due to COVID by age and cases reported by age. The majority of deaths are among the oldest Vermonters, while the majority of cases are among younger individuals. Screenshots on Jan. 28, 2022
School cases level off
Harwood Union Superintendent Brigid Nease on Wednesday reported to the school board that cases had leveled off in the past week after a sharp spike earlier in the month when schools reopened after the holiday break.
Surveillance testing has ended in schools with testing now happening at home as cases are identified and classmates and staff are notified and given rapid tests to use on their own.
Nease said schools had enough tests for this week although the state has cautioned that there is difficulty replenishing test supplies for schools.
This week district schools reported 27 new cases. Brookside Primary School had the most with 8; Warren reported 7; Harwood 6, Crossett Brook 4; Moretown and Fayston each had 1, according to school announcements through Friday afternoon.
National Guard asked to assist hospitals
This week the Vermont National Guard announced that it has been asked by the Health Department to shift some personnel working on COVID-19 response from vaccination clinics to support for hospitals experiencing staffing shortages and increased in patients.
“Vermont National Guard members will increase staffing support to local hospitals struggling to meet demand in the face of the Omicron COVID-19 surge,” the announcement said.
“The specific number of Vermont National Guard personnel and medical facilities where they will work remains under review.”
Currently, the Vermont National Guard has about 120 members supporting the COVID-19 response, approximately 55 with the vaccination team. Fewer than 20 have already begun work at hospitals but that number is expected to increase in the coming days, the guard said.
“At this point the Vermont National Guard expects to continue vaccination clinics in addition to hospital support, warehouse operations, test kit assembly and voluntary contact mapping until no longer needed by the state,” the guard stated.
Testing, vaccines
At this week’s COVID-19 press conference with Gov. Phil Scott, Vermont Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine continued to stress the importance of individuals getting the COVID-19 vaccine, including a booster shot.
Approxinmately 60% of Vermonters over 18 have gotten a booster and Levine said that could be better. Public health experts stress vaccination including a booster dose as the best way to protect against getting seriously ill with COVID-19.
“If you really want to consider yourself protected, you need to be boosted,” Levine said.
Vaccine clinics are in operation around the state and most pharmacies have appointments as well. A vaccine clinic for ages 5 and up will be held in Waterbury next weekend during Waterbury Winterfest, 1-4 p.m. at Rusty Parker Park. Details are online on the Waterbury Winterfest schedule with a spot to register.
More information on vaccine appointments and clinics is online at healthvermont.gov/myvaccine.
And while rapid tests are still difficult to find on store shelves, state-run testing sites are operating daily including at the Waterbury Ambulance station at 1727 Guptil Road in Waterbury Center.
The station is open Mondays, Tuesday, Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m; Wednesday 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Thursday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Walk-ins are accommodated although appointments are recommended.
More information on COVID-19 testing is online at healthvermont.gov/covid-19/testing.