Vermont reports 5 more Covid-19 deaths but average cases are down

The Vermont Department of Health reported five new deaths from Covid-19 over the weekend, including one new death so far in October.

That brings the death toll in September to 42, as several deaths have been retroactively added to its data in recent days. A total of 323 people have died since the start of the pandemic.

Still, there is evidence of better days to come based on the number of recent cases. The seven-day average of cases has declined steadily since September 26, or about a week’s worth of data. This includes 192 reported on Monday.

The average now stands at 166 cases per day, up from 218 cases per day at its peak in mid-September. It’s still quite high – almost as high as the peak of cases in the spring of 2021 – but the drop could indicate further improvements in the coming weeks.

Some of Vermont’s most vulnerable are also starting to receive their third Pfizer vaccine, giving them additional protection against the virus. According to the department, more than 10,000 people have received the recall so far.

You may qualify for the recall if you are 65 or older, have multiple high-risk health conditions, work indoors with exposure to other people, or are a person of color. . You should also have received your second dose of Pfizer vaccine six months or more ago.

The department also reports that 88% of Vermonters aged 12 and over have received at least one dose of the vaccine, including about 96% of Vermonters aged 65 and over.

New vacation guidelines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released guidelines Oct. 1 that outline the safest way to celebrate the holidays for the upcoming holiday season.

“Attending gatherings to celebrate events and holidays increases your risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19,” the guide says. “The safest way to celebrate is virtually, with people who live with you, or outside and at least 6 feet away from others. “

Among its recommendations, you should get vaccinated and delay the trip if you are not fully vaccinated. It contains separate recommendations for traveling if you are not vaccinated or if you are traveling with an unvaccinated family member.

He also recommended outdoor gatherings over indoor gatherings and staying home if you’re feeling sick. Another suggestion: “have conversations in advance to understand expectations” regarding the level of risk and personal safety of people.

If you decide to have an indoor gathering, the CDC has recommended opening doors and windows and running a fan to increase air circulation in the space.

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