Thanksgiving is almost here and COVID-19 is still top of mind for many families. The Vermont Health Department Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine says Vermonters should be careful this holiday and stay home if you’re sick. Protecting yourself and loved ones for the holidays is important. Dr. Levine has three things he wants Vermonters to know heading into the holiday. Firstly, “Who’s going to be around your table. are they vaccinated?” Dr. Levine said. “Knowing their vaccination status is your right, and you’re able to set the rules.”The second item:“Keep the gatherings on the small side,” Dr. Levine said.Lastly, Dr. Levine said, “Develop a testing strategy.”Testing sites are scattered around the state and are listed on the Health Department’s website: www.Healthvermont.gov/covid-19/testing. The Health Department says these sites have tested more than 10% of Vermont’s population in the past week. The site in Fairlee at the Upper Valley Ambulance Inc. has been busy.“Our average daily tests are anywhere from 50-60 typically.” Alan Beebe, executive director of Upper Valley Ambulance said. “But since the end of last week to today, we’re averaging 90 to 110 each day, so it’s dramatically increased.”They do both rapid tests and PCR tests, giving people peace of mind from the virus.“Our family is gathering for thanksgiving and just felt more comfortable if we all got tested because the rates are going up higher here,” Angelize Karol said.“We want to make sure we can enjoy the holiday without worrying that somebody is going to walk away with an infection from getting together. it gives us peace of mind,” Anne Hoen, Dartmouth infectious disease epidemiologist said.Some people getting tested, even if they’re staying local for the holiday.“I’m a high school teacher, there’s a lot of COVID going around and I want to make sure I’m not carrying it,” Rachel McConnell, a local high school teacher, said.Besides getting tested, Dr. Levine is also urging people to get a booster as soon as possible. Now that all Americans 18 years and older are eligible.
Thanksgiving is almost here and COVID-19 is still top of mind for many families. The Vermont Health Department Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine says Vermonters should be careful this holiday and stay home if you’re sick.
Protecting yourself and loved ones for the holidays is important. Dr. Levine has three things he wants Vermonters to know heading into the holiday. Firstly,
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“Who’s going to be around your table. are they vaccinated?” Dr. Levine said. “Knowing their vaccination status is your right, and you’re able to set the rules.”
The second item:
“Keep the gatherings on the small side,” Dr. Levine said.
Lastly, Dr. Levine said, “Develop a testing strategy.”
Testing sites are scattered around the state and are listed on the Health Department’s website: www.Healthvermont.gov/covid-19/testing.
The Health Department says these sites have tested more than 10% of Vermont’s population in the past week. The site in Fairlee at the Upper Valley Ambulance Inc. has been busy.
“Our average daily tests are anywhere from 50-60 typically.” Alan Beebe, executive director of Upper Valley Ambulance said. “But since the end of last week to today, we’re averaging 90 to 110 each day, so it’s dramatically increased.”
They do both rapid tests and PCR tests, giving people peace of mind from the virus.
“Our family is gathering for thanksgiving and just felt more comfortable if we all got tested because the rates are going up higher here,” Angelize Karol said.
“We want to make sure we can enjoy the holiday without worrying that somebody is going to walk away with an infection from getting together. it gives us peace of mind,” Anne Hoen, Dartmouth infectious disease epidemiologist said.
Some people getting tested, even if they’re staying local for the holiday.
“I’m a high school teacher, there’s a lot of COVID going around and I want to make sure I’m not carrying it,” Rachel McConnell, a local high school teacher, said.
Besides getting tested, Dr. Levine is also urging people to get a booster as soon as possible. Now that all Americans 18 years and older are eligible.
