Cavendish Update 3/11/22: News/Events

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3/11/22

1.    Cavendish Info

2.    Covid update

3.    Events

Day light savings begins this coming Sunday. Move clocks forward an hour and check batteries in smoke and CO detectors.

Winter Storm Warning tonight 10 pm -Sunday 1 AM

1. CAVENDISH INFO

• Cavendish Town Managers Volunteers for CVFD and PVFD: Recently, Brendan McNamara has become a Probationary Firefighter for both Cavendish and Proctorsville Fire Departments.

• Amy Bohren has been hired as the new principal of CTES

• GMUHS basketball coaches praise this year’s teams, expect lessons learned to spill into next season

• SEVCA offers no cost tax prep service: The program, which offers no cost filing of both federal and Vermont state income taxes, is open to anyone who makes less than $57,000 per year. Drop off sites are located in Windsor, Westminster, and Brattleboro. FMI: SEVCA Website or call us 802-722-1603 or 800-464-9951

• Funding available to homeowners for failed wells or septic systems

• People’s United Bank acquisition wins federal approval

• Crown Point Physical Therapy Closing: As of May 1, Crown Point Physical Therapy in Springfield will be closed.

• Rabies Clinic: The Lucy McKenzie Humane Society is holding a rabies vaccination clinic for cats and dogs on Saturday, March 26 from 9-11 at 4832 Route 44, West Windsor VT. No appointment needed,
$20 per vaccination.  FMI: 802-484-5829

2. COVID UPDATE: For local information on testing, vaccinations, boosters, notifying contacts as well as other resources, including for Long Covid, please see the Cavendish COVID-19 Resource Guide.

WEEKLY DATA:

Cavendish & Surrounding Towns  For the week ending March 2: For the first time since September 11, Cavendish had no new cases of Covid (178 total). Ludlow had 2 new cases (333 total); Chester 3 (639 total); Springfield 46 (2,037) and Weathersfield 4 (266).

State: The the March 8 Modeling Report states As Vermont passes the two-year anniversary of its first reported COVID-19 case, the situation in the state continues to improve from the height of the Omicron wave. Over half a million Vermonters have also now been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Vermont is averaging 140 cases per day on a seven-day average—a 93% decrease since the Omicron peak. The pace of case decline has slowed both in Vermont and New England as infections reach more stable low levels. CDC modeling indicates cases are expected to remain low in Vermont, the Northeast, and across the United States throughout the month of March. Hospitalizations continue to see significant decreases: new hospital admissions are down 36% this week (down 78% from the Omicron peak); those currently hospitalized are down 21% this week (down 78% from the Omicron peak); and those currently in the ICU are down 42% this week (down 88% from the Omicron peak). The state has recorded 16 consecutive days of fewer than 10 Vermonters in the ICU for COVID-19. Most fortunately, the seven-day fatality rate is below one for the first time in two months as fewer COVID-19 deaths are occurring. Modeling forecasts COVID-19 deaths will decline steadily in the coming weeks.

 The one age group where cases have actually increased, by 18%, (7 day average) is in those 0 to 24 years of age. Significant decreases have occurred in other age groups, particularly for those 65+, which has decreased by 41%.

On Wednesday, the state reported 195 cases. Middlebury College is currently dealing a Covid outbreak, with 135 active cases. With vaccination rates of nearly 100%, 99% student body and 98% of staff, students are reporting either no symptoms or very mild ones.

While the state media briefings are focusing less on Covid, as this phase of the pandemic winds down, Health Commissioner Mark Levine reiterated the changes coming on March 14, masking no longer recommended, five day quarantine for those infected with Covid, testing recommended for close contacts, he stated, “The decision to wear a mask will be up to each person based on their own circumstances, personal risk assessment and health needs. “This will mean something different for everyone,” he said. “Note, these recommendations may not apply to nursing homes and other health care settings that need to follow federal guidelines, which still include masking. Levine made it clear that people should hold on to their masks as Covid most likely will be returning. He also noted that while the federal government recently announced a new test-to-treat program that would allow high-risk people to pick up antiviral treatments at certain pharmacies and health centers, so far, no pharmacies in Vermont would qualify for the program, and no federally qualified Vermont health center has been told if it will be participating. “The majority of Vermonters will still be able to both test and receive prescriptions for treatment at their primary care practices or other health care settings,” he said

Masks No Longer Required at School as of 3/14/22: Lauren Fierman, Superintendent of the TRSU, issued a statement on March 4 saying masks will no longer be required for students or staff, though those who wish to do so may continue to wear them.

TESTING/ KITS: The Government is offering a second round of free test kits. These can be ordered by going the USPS website or by calling 1-800-232-0233.

At Tuesday’s press conference, concern was raised about the expiration dates, as the first round of free test kits from the government expire in June 2022. Health commissioner Dr. Levin said he thought the FDA was revising the “use by” dates. In Feb., the FDA declared that a million rapid Covid 19 test kits in Florida were deemed usable past their “use by” date.  The shelf life of the tests was originally extended in April, and they expired in September 2021.

Some people are wondering why more test kits are being released now that pandemic winding down. As long as there are parts of the global population that are unvaccinated, expect to see new variants.

OTHER

• Striking new evidence points to Wuhan seafood market as the pandemic's origin point NPR

• Here's how to get free antiviral medicine if you test positive for Covid-19

3.EVENTS

MARCH 13 (SUNDAY): Spring forward. Daylight savings returns. Move clocks ahead one hour.

-       Free dinner and a movie, Monsoon Wedding, at the Cavendish Library, 1 pm

MARCH 14 (MONDAY): Cavendish Select Board Meeting, 6:30 PM at the Cavendish Town Office

MARCH 16 (WEDNESDAY) March 16: Book Club for Grown Ups, 7-8 pm at Murdock’s on the Green. FMI: Kata at 802-226-7503

MARCH 26 (SATURDAY) Noon-2pm at the Cavendish Library. The Senior Solutions team will be holding ‘open hours’ to answer any questions residents may have related to the 3SquaresVT food benefits and Fuel Assistance

MARCH 27 (SUNDAY): 1-2 pm Visit with an author: Howard Coffin, at the Cavendish Library. FMI: Kata at 802-226-7503

MARCH 28 (MONDAY): Hybrid Town Informational Meeting; 7 pm. In person at CTES multi-purpose room or via zoom.

MARCH 29 (TUESDAY): Cavendish Voting Day by Australian Ballot. 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Department.

APRIL 1 (FRIDAY): Dog License for Cavendish renewal due

APRIL 5 (TUESDAY): Registrations for Free Easter Dinner due today. Call Angela at 802-356-3823 reserve your free dinner(s).

APRIL 15 (FRIDAY): Town Office closed for Good Friday

APRIL 17 (SUNDAY): HAPPY EASTER

MAY 2 (MONDAY): Grant applications for the Cavendish Community Fund are due. FMI: Douglas McBride at 226-7142 or Peter LaBelle at 226-7250.

JUNE 1 (WEDNESDAY): CCCA’s Cavendish Calendar Photography Contest photographs are due today.  FMI: cavendishcommunityconservation@gmail.com.

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