COVID cases up in Vermont. Here’s how to stay safe during the holidays

As we journey for the vacations and collect indoors with family and friends, be careful for an previous nemesis: COVID.From Nov. 27 to Dec. 3, Vermont noticed 439 new instances of COVID, in line with the state Division of Well being. That is a 60% enhance from the earlier week of Nov. 20-26, which noticed 273 new instances.

Of these 439 new instances, a complete of 31 resulted in hospitalization.

“[W]inter is prime for the unfold of respiratory ailments, as we spend extra time indoors and in nearer quarters with one another,” Ben Truman of the Division of Well being wrote to the Burlington Free Press. “As well as, vacation journey and a rise of in-person gatherings are prone to result in enhance in instances over the season.”

Final yr noticed a significant spike in COVID instances and deaths across the holidays, because the delta and omicron variants surged in Vermont, in line with Division of Well being knowledge.

Vaccinations, masking, washing arms

To assist stop a vacation surge from occurring once more this yr, Truman urges Vermonters to get up-to-date on all vaccines and boosters. In anticipation of a possible vacation surge, many state-run clinics have temporarily expanded their hours at no cost vaccines and boosters to incorporate evenings and weekends. Their schedule is out there on-line right here: https://expertise.arcgis.com/expertise/cdf6b5c920a54a5f960ca73bda5943c2/

As of Dec. 7, about 80% of all Vermonters have acquired their main COVID vaccines, in line with Division of Well being knowledge. Nonetheless, solely 28% of Vermonters eligible for the up to date booster dose (these ages 5 and older) have acquired the shot.

Along with getting vaccinated and boosted, Truman recommends staying dwelling when sick, washing arms totally, and masking indoors, particularly round people who find themselves at excessive threat of great sickness.

“It’s been a tough a number of years for a lot of Vermonters, particularly for many who have misplaced family members to this virus. And sadly, COVID remains to be a priority even whether it is easing up a bit,” Truman mentioned. “So, if every of us does every thing we are able to to remain protected and forestall spreading germs, we are able to look ahead to a more healthy vacation season within the firm of family and friends.”

Contact April Fisher at amfisher@freepressmedia.com. Observe her on Twitter: @AMFisherMedia