Cavendish Update 11/27/20: Scam Alerts/Holidays/Comcast/Covid

Plaster Items available in the CHS Cares Cabinet (located next to the steps of the Museum)

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11/27/20

1. Cavendish Info

2. Make Way for the Holidays: Keeping it green in Cavendish

3. Covid update

4. Events

1. CAVENDISH INFO

• Scam Alerts!: Multiple people in Cavendish are reporting calls from someone claiming to be from Social Security. DO NOT GIVE THEM YOUR NUMBER. Instead report them to the VT Attorney General’s Office 800-649-2424

Vermonters have reported receiving an email or text message claiming to be from the Vermont Department of Labor, promising to pay “COVID-19 Benefits and Compensation” to eligible workers. This is a phishing scam that attempts to steal your personal information and your money A large sum of money is promised to be paid pending ID Verification. If you receive one of these notices, do not click on any links or attachments. Do not respond and do not send money.  Move this and all scam emails to your junk folder. Block text messages from this number.  Call the VT Attorney General’s office 800-649-2424 if you have responded to this scam or if you need help determining if you have been a victim of a scam.  Learn more about the scam and report it to the Vermont Department of Labor website.  

• Get your Flu Shot: A message from the Ludlow Health Center: With the increase of COVID-19 in our local communities, we are strongly urging ALL individuals to get their flu shot as soon as possible.  Ludlow Health Center has plenty of flu vaccine and we are giving flu shots daily from 8am to 5:30 pm.  We ask that individuals call ahead at 802-228-8867 and we will coordinate a time that works for them to come in and get vaccinated.

• Thank You CTES 6th Grade: The students, faculty and staff have spent three afternoons cleaning in the Proctor Cemetery. Because leaves, left on gravestones can damage the stones, the cemetery was raked and cleaned of branches etc. They'll be back in the spring to help with the preservation of one of the town's oldest cemeteries and to lay flags on the graves of veterans. The Preserve & Serve program is part of the Cavendish Historical Society's Carmine Guica Young Historian's Program.

• Comcast to impose home internet data cap of 1.2TB in Vermont next year: In 2021, Comcast plans to charge home internet customers in the northeast, including Vermont, for going over 1.2TB of data in a month. This cap is already in effect for customers on non-unlimited plans in other parts of the country. According to Xfinity, The 1.2 Terabyte Internet Data Usage Plan provides you with 1.2 Terabytes (TB) of Internet data usage each month as part of your monthly Xfinity Internet service. If you choose to use more than 1.2 TB in a month, we will automatically add blocks of 50 GB to your account for an additional fee of $10 each. Your charges, however, will not exceed $100 each month, no matter how much you use. We're also offering you a courtesy month, so you will not be billed the first time you exceed the limit. This data plan is based on a principle of fairness. Those who use more Internet data, pay more. And those who use less Internet data, pay less. It is important to know that only a very small percentage of our customers use more than 1.2 TB of data and are not likely to be impacted by this plan, so they can continue to stream, surf, and download without worry. To see your actual usage, sign in to My Account To learn more go to the xfinity website.

Nov. GMUSD Board Meeting-Principal Search/No Ski Program: Superintendent Lauren Fierman broached the subject of administrative positions at CTES and GMUHS. CTES is currently operating with a shared principal/Asst principal with Chester Andover while Mike Ripley stepped in as principal when Fierman accepted the position of Superintendent. Changes in either of these positions could have a budgetary impact, as Ripley being principal, with senior staff members sharing some of the duties of the associate principal position was estimated to save about $80,000. Given the logistics required by Okemo Mountain, the decision was made not to run the snow sports program this year. Chester Telegraph

New at the CHS Cabinet: Located next to the steps of the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) Museum, lots of new stuff. In the chest are new puzzles, a wooden train set, Disney Princess Pop up castle game, craft books, craft items etc. Note if you see an item with a name on it, please leave it as it’s a hands-on history kit for a student.  The cabinet currently includes plaster seasonal items to paint plus masks and books. Everything is free and available 24/7. To learn more about available hands-on history kits, please check the CHS blog.

2. MAKE WAY FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Keeping it Green in Cavendish

- Recycling Christmas Cavendish Style: If you haven’t started your holiday shopping or already completed it, keep in mind what can be recycled and composted.

- Buy local and support our businesses. Use the Cavendish Business Directory to arrange for gift certificates for goods and services. Happy shopping

- Donations for CHS Cares Cabinet: If you have gently used toys, art supplies, craft projects, games, puzzles, books etc., and would like to donate them to the CHS Cabinet, please e-mail margocaulfield@icloud.com or call 802-226-7807 to arrange for a drop off/pick up.

3. COVID UPDATE: Given the holiday, data is a bit wonky this week as there has been no reporting for Thanksgiving and there will be no town report today.  Daily cases did decrease, but it’s still much higher than it was several weeks ago.  The Governor is fearful that some Vermonters will ignore staying at home this Thanksgiving season and within two weeks, rates could spiral out of control, well beyond what we’ve recently seen in the state. However, early indicators are that Vermonters are staying at home this holiday. Air traffic at the Burlington Airport is down about 70% for this time of year.

If you do choose to gather with multiple families, the health department is requesting that you quarantine for 14 days, or on day 7 being tested and quarantine you obtain a negative test result.

Some exceptions are now allowed on socializing-those in a dangerous or unhealthy situation can leave and seek shelter elsewhere, taking a walk, hike, or bike with one trusted friend, but social distancing and masking required.

School sports are now postponed indefinitely.

Vaccines: The Pfizer Vaccine could be available in Vermont as early as Dec. 10th. The CDC recommends that health care workers receive the vaccination first, as well as people who are living with chronic disease and those who are 65 and older.

The AstraZeneca Vaccine, the third vaccine and the one being tested at UVM, shows signs that it could last a year, is easier to store and has 70% effectiveness after one dose, and over 90% with a second injection. This is similar to the Pfizer and Moderna  rates, which require two doses.

Bamlanivimab & Remdesivir: VT received a small shipment of Bamlanivmab, recently approved by the FDA. However, the drug, designed for those with mild-moderate Covid at higher risk for hospitalization, has received unfavorable reviews from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Infectious Disease Society of America.

The World Health Organization recommends against Remdesivir, as they have found no evidence that the drug has an impact on mortality rates, ventilation use or time until improvement.

More Testing sites: Five on demand testing sites opened last week (including Brattleboro and Rutland). Five additional ones are opening this week (closest one is Stratton) and five more will open next (including ones in Springfield and White River Junction). These testing are in addition to all of the other testing being done in VT. Testing is free and you can register online at the state’s site. If you gathered with other people for Thanksgiving, the recommendation is to be tested immediately, again at 7 days and quarantine until negative test results are achieved. The state is now testing an average of 6,000 people a day. To schedule a test or to learn about sites, go to the VDH website.

CDC Likely to Recommend Shortening Quarantine Period: Federal health officials are likely to shorten their recommendation for how long people should quarantine to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus from the current 14 days to as few as seven. NPR

Local Resources

-       Cavendish Resource Guide

-       CHS Cares Closet: Masks (cloth and disposable), books, toys, craft supplies. Open 24/7. All free. Located next to the steps of the Cavendish Historical Society Museum.

4. UPCOMING EVENTS:

NOVEMBER 27 (FRIDAY): Town Office Closed

NOVEMBER 28 (SATURDAY): Christmas tree and greens go on sale at the Cavendish Fire Dept. The sale will continue through the week and into the following weekend(s) until all items are gone.

NOVEMBER 29 (SUNDAY): Deer Season Ends

CA❤︎ENDSH-A SAFER SIX COMMUNITY

Covers mouth & nose
   Always masks in public
     Vermonters keep each other safe
       Elbow coughs
         Never forgets to wash hands
          Disinfects common surfaces
            Is alert for symptoms
             Stays 6 feet apart
               Has respect for personal space 

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 11/20/20: News/Covid

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Due to the new restrictions, the Cavendish Town Office is only open by appointment. Please call 802-226-7291.

11/20/20

1. Cavendish Info

2. Covid update

3. Events

1. CAVENDISH INFO

• Tree Sales at Fire Departments: The following message is from the Proctorsville Volunteer Fire Department, “I regret to inform you that PFD will not be doing Christmas tree sales this year. The price per tree has risen drastically and with an increase in shipping cost, it just isn’t feasible. We would have to raise our starting price significantly to even turn a profit for the benefit of our equipment fund, which is the whole point of the fundraiser. Over the last couple years we made small increases but this year we just don’t feel we can overcome that given the time we are in. We understand $35 was hard for many before COVID and to raise our price higher during COVID, just isn’t something we are willing to do. We are working on another fundraising opportunity for 2021. We greatly appreciate everyone’s support and we will continue to be there when we are needed in time of emergency.”  

The Cavendish Fire Department will be holding their annual tree and wreath sale starting Nov. 28 (Saturday). Unlike previous years, you will be able to buy during the week and the sale will continue as long as there are items to sell.

• BRGNS postpones Stuff-A-Bus event: Due to growing concerns about Covid-19, Black River Good Neighbor Services has made the difficult decision to postpone its annual Stuff-A-Bus event, which was scheduled to take place Saturday, Dec. 5. BRGN food shelf encourages other ways to support their goal of filling the food shelf for holiday baskets. Checks and cash can be dropped off at the food shelf or mailed to 37B Main Street, Ludlow, VT 05149.

• Chester & Springfield Police Cancelling Fingerprinting: Due to an uptick in overall COVID-19 cases in Vermont, VIN Verifications, Civilian Fingerprinting, and other administrative services are being discontinued.

• Put Your Home on the Holiday Map: The Chester Telegraph is putting together a map — or maps! — of holiday light displays and are asking readers who want to show off their “incandescent” creativity to e-mail them.

• SEVCA Announces Availability of Second Round of EMBRACE Grants: Southeastern Vermont Community Action is pleased to announce a second round of available grants to distribute through its Economic Micro Business Recovery Assistance for the Covid-19 Epidemic program, known as EMBRACE. To determine eligibility and apply for EMBRACE funding, go to www.mbdp.org. Questions may be directed to Denise Mason at dmason@sevca.org.

 • Okemo has postponed opening until Nov. 25 due to weather

• Help for overdue utility bills expanded to include water and sewer charges: A state program to help people catch up on payments has expanded to include water and sewer bills. The program is called VCAAP, short for Vermont Covid-19 Arrearage Assistance Program. It originally covered electric, natural gas, landline telephone and private water systems, and now covers municipal water and sewer systems, too.

2. COVID UPDATE: Simply put, it’s been a hell of a week. Records continue to be set for new cases of Covid. It’s only taken 22 days, for VT to increase their number of cases by a 1,000 and with current rates, another 1,000 will be added in approximately half that time. This week recorded two deaths and yesterday, every single county in the state had new cases.

Cavendish is not exempt. The virus is here and families are in quarantine.  

The surge in cases is caused by Vermonters: On Tuesday, the Governor’s Press Conference repeated the same message from the previous week. Infections are the result of adults getting together with friends, consuming alcohol and eating together. It is not being caused by tourism, 2nd home owners, restaurants, salons, gyms etc. This is why restrictions are on social gatherings and not environments that must follow strict codes of conduct. Parties and cook-outs, hanging out with people you don't know and just to socialize, may be fun, but they're wants, not needs, and they put a lot of people at risk,” said Gov. Scott.

The State’s Objectives: In view of the aftermath of Halloween parties, and the looming Thanksgiving weekend-the highest travel day of the year- the VT Dept of Health (VDH) cannot stress enough the prevention measures of masking, social distancing, hand washing, and staying home.  Their objectives are to keep schools open and people working, not overwhelming the health care system, and ultimately keeping Vermonters as safe as possible until there is a vaccine.

We’re better prepared: Though numbers of new cases are spiraling, Dr. Levine, VT Health Commissioner, made it clear that VT is in much better shape to deal with Covid this time around versus last spring. The amount of testing and contact tracing far exceeds what’s available in the rest of the country and those strategies have helped Vt control outbreaks. While NH is cutting back on contract tracing, VT is adding new members to their team. Treatment of those with Covid has significantly improved and newer meds are on the way. There are now two vaccines showing better than 90% effectiveness and the hope is that by Christmas, VT will be vaccinating front line health care workers.

Changes since Friday’s Press Conference: Additional restrictions were added on Tuesday,  including the return to the no visitation policies for hospitals and nursing homes.

Five new testing centers are opening this week, and will be available seven days a week. Rutland and Brattleboro.are the sites closest to Cavendish.

Be a Patriot: On Tuesday, Scott expressed anger with the virus but also with frustration with skeptics who want to ignore the science. Don't call it patriotic. Don't pretend it's about freedom. Because real patriots serve and sacrifice for all, whether they agree with them or not. Patriots also stand up and fight when our nation's health and security is threatened. And right now, our country and way of life is being attacked by this virus — not the protections we put in place

Be Prepared: Between winter weather and the potential that you may need to quarantine as a result of exposure to Covid, make sure you have a two week supply of food, water, medications and other incidentals Oh, and cool it with the toilet paper and paper towel obsession. Stores are once again running out. You didn’t stock pile enough the last time???

Testing: Testing is free. Use VDH’s website to sign up. There are a variety of options and you don’t need a referral to be tested. Note that if you are heading into quarantine, make your reservation for day seven testing as soon as possible.

Quarantine: With students returning home, it’s important to review quarantine basics. For starters anyone visiting VT must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. After seven days, take a PCR test and remain in quarantine until results are received. Quarantine for students means coming to their home and having hopefully their own bedroom to themselves,” Levine said. Preferably they would have their own bathroom to themselves as well. But if that’s not possible, make sure all touched surfaces are wiped down. When someone does come home they’re not supposed to interact with the rest of the household. That includes eating meals separately. If you have woods out behind your house or you can get away from other people, that is also allowed. This does not mean people can run errands or go shopping. See VDH’s website for more information.

Local Resources

-       Cavendish Resource Guide

-       CHS Cares Closet: Masks (cloth and disposable), books, toys, craft supplies. Open 24/7. All free. Located next to the steps of the Cavendish Historical Society Museum.

3. UPCOMING EVENTS:

NOVEMBER 16-29 (MONDAY-SUNDAY): Virtual CTES Book Fair.

NOVEMBER 26 (THURSDAY): HAPPY THANKSGIVING Town office closed

NOVEMBER 27 (FRIDAY): Town Office Closed

NOVEMBER 28 (SATURDAY): Christmas tree and greens go on sale at the Cavendish Fire Dept. The sale will continue through the week and into the following weekend(s) until all items are gone.

NOVEMBER 29 (SUNDAY): Deer Season Ends

CA❤︎ENDSH-A SAFER SIX COMMUNITY

Covers mouth & nose
   Always masks in public
     Vermonters keep each other safe
       Elbow coughs
         Never forgets to wash hands
          Disinfects common surfaces
            Is alert for symptoms
             Stays 6 feet apart
               Has respect for personal space

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

COVID Special Report 11/14/20-New Restrictions/Resources

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11/14/20: Special Covid Update

1. New Restrictions

2. Mandated Quarantine-what it means

3. Local Resources

As was noted in yesterday’s Update,  VT’s Covid cases are spiraling well beyond our spring peak. The areas with the biggest outbreaks are Washington County towns and Colchester.

Locally, the  state’s town map, issued on Fridays,  showed Cavendish as having Covid of 1-5 cases for the first time two weeks ago. Yesterday, Baltimore reported 1-5 cases for the first time. Chester which is reported to have total of 11 cases and Ludlow with 7 have seen no new cases in recent weeks. However, Springfield with 12 cases as of 11/11 had 71% of them occur since Oct. 21. Vermont Covid cases town by town

The Governor posted the following last evening, We continue to see a rise in COVID cases in Vermont, up from an average of 25 cases per day last week to 72 cases on Wednesday, 109 on Thursday and 84 today, despite our recent steps to slow the spread. Many clusters and outbreaks are tied to private social gatherings like baby showers, tailgate parties, deer camps and other small multi-household gatherings where people aren’t wearing masks or staying physically distanced, despite our warnings.

We’re in a new phase of this pandemic. The days of very low risk have passed. So, unfortunately, I’m announcing several new measures to slow the spread and protect the vulnerable. These steps are data-driven, targeted directly at the areas driving the case growth.

The primary cause of the Covid spread has little to do with 2nd homeowners, tourists, spa services, gyms or restaurants. Rather, 71% of all cases can be traced back to private social gatherings as the Governor noted above.

“Given our recent case growth, we have no choice but to restrict social gatherings, whether at a home, a bar or in a parking lot,” Scott said.

While it may seem crazy to go to a restaurant for dinner, but yet not be able to go for a walk with your neighbor, the state was very clear that the issue is not with regulated environments but rather how individuals socially interact.

We’re at a pivotal moment. We still have an opportunity to get our arms around this alarming case growth and return to the relative stability we’re used to. But we all have to step up, follow the health guidance and limit our contacts as much as possible. I thank Vermonters who’ve done their part, wearing masks, skipping parties, cancelling travel and keeping social circles small. I know it's hard to keep this up but we can get this under control, maintain hospital capacity, keep kids in school and business open, and save lives.

1. NEW RESTRICTIONS: Temporary Limitations on Business Operations and Social Gatherings; Requirement for Cooperation with VDH Contact Tracing. Effective Saturday, November 14, 2020at 10:00 p.m.

• Multiple Household Social Gatherings Suspended. Attendance at all public and private social, recreational and entertainment gatherings, indoor and outdoor, including large social gatherings incidental to ceremonies, holiday gatherings, parties and celebrations, shall be limited to participation with only members of a single household. For the sake of clarity, nothing in this Order prohibits the gathering of members living in the same residence. Individuals who live alone may gather with members of their immediate family residing in a different household.  This includes Thanksgiving as well as no longer being able to walk with a neighbor. “I know this is incredibly discouraging,” Scott added. “Especially because many of you have worked so hard. And we’ve had much success for so long. But the fact is, people getting together, not being careful and letting their guard down, is why we’re in this position today.”

• Bars and social clubs are closed to in-person service

• Restaurants can remain open, but must cease in person service at 10 pm

• Contact logs must be keep by restaurants, museums and other public accommodations which host organized non-essential activities

• Recreational sports: All recreational sports programs, including organized and/or informal recreational youth and adult league sports, practices, games and tournaments, are hereby suspended. This suspension shall not apply to school-sponsored sports activities which are subject to applicable Agency of Education Guidance

• Returning college students must quarantine for 14 days (see Item 2-for quarantine information)

• Contact Tracing Compliance: Vermonters are directed to comply with requests made by the VDH Contact Tracing Team. Vermonters who have been identified as a case or a close contact are required to: Promptly answer calls or otherwise respond to the VDH Contact Tracing Team; Provide full, complete and truthful information concerning places they have been, activities they have engaged in and persons with whom the individual has had close contact, including contact information when possible; Comply with all VDH recommended quarantine and isolation periods and testing. Failure to comply with this provision may result in referral to the Office of the Attorney General for enforcement.

• Telework. All businesses, not-for-profit entities and municipal government entities in the State shall re institute, to the maximum extent possible, or reemphasize to the extent necessary, telecommuting or work from home procedures. In person meetings are strongly discouraged and all meetings should be held by telephone or electronically to avoid in person meetings whenever possible.

2. MANDATED QUARANTINE-WHAT IT MEANS: The state requires a 14 day quarantine (remain in your home and do not leave unless it’s for an emergency or a medical appointment) implemented as follows:

For Vermonters If you travel out of Vermont whether for a day trip or longer, you must quarantine for 14 days in Vermont when you return. If you haven't had any symptoms of COVID-19, you also have the option to seek a PCR test on or after Day 7 to end quarantine early with a negative result. Note that you can travel to surrounding states for essential activities (e.g. medical appointments, grocery shopping, work, school etc.) without having to quarantine upon your return.

For visitors to Vermont: Depending on how you travel to Vermont you may be able to quarantine in your home state before coming to Vermont. If you plan to travel to Vermont in a personal vehicle (including a rental vehicle or private plane), you may complete either a 14-day quarantine or a 7-day quarantine followed by a negative PCR test in your home state and enter Vermont without further quarantine restrictions.

 When you travel to Vermont, limit your stops. Only stop when necessary (for example, for fuel, food or rest). When you stop, follow the prevention steps: wear a face mask, stay at least 6 feet away from people you don't live with, avoid crowded indoor spaces, and wash your hands often. Stay home and do not travel if you are sick.

If you plan to travel to Vermont by public transportation (plane, train, bus) or from further than a direct car ride, you must quarantine in a Vermont lodging establishment or with friends and family. You must stay in your quarantine location for the duration of quarantine other than to travel to and from a test site.

3. LOCAL RESOURCES: Cavendish has a variety of things in place to help weather this current situation. Note, unlike the spring, the state is much better prepared with sufficient PPE (personal protective equipment), new treatment protocols and the promise of a vaccine on the horizon. While holiday plans are definitely being impacted-and for some that just might be a good thing-check out the following:

• Cavendish Covid Resource Guide is continually being updated and is available at the Cavendish Connects Website. It includes where to go for what you might need or want.

• CHS Cares Closet: Located next to the steps of the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) Museum (Main St. Cavendish Village), there are a number of items, free and available 24/7, that can help protect as well as entertain you and your family. The top left hand shelf contains cloth and surgical masks. You can also find books here along with the latest copy of the CHS Newsletter. Recently added new books include authors Toni Morrison, Archer Mayer, and Sara Per

Lift the chest for puzzles, toys, art supplies (there is a set of clear Christmas balls waiting to be decorated, plus beads and gems and craft books). Checked daily, new items are continually being added.

Please take what you want, but don’t leave anything. If you have items you’d like to donate, call 226-7807 or e-mail margocaulfield@icloud.com

If you can’t make it to the Closet, but need entertainment, please contact us at the numbers above and we’ll arrange a drop off.

Cavendish Update 11/13/20: SB Mtg/Schools/Covid

VIEW THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE DAILY FOR THE LATEST NEWS You don’t have to be a Facebook subscriber to see this page.

11/13/20

1. Cavendish Select Board Meeting 11/9/20

2. Schools going remote

3. Covid update

4. Events

1. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 11/9/20:  The Select Board (SB) continues to meet by Zoom, with Okemo Valley TV posting a video of the meeting at their website. Minutes are available at the Town’s website.

Action Taken

• Approved Green MT Snow Fleas Snowmobile Club yearly road crossings.

• Approved Golden Stage Inn for a 1st class Liquor License and Outdoor Consumption Permit

Updates

• Cavendish Gulf Rd and Stone Way paving projects are close to completion

• ATV on town roads. Becoming an increasing issue. Brendan McNamara, town manager, receives an average of 4-5 calls on weekends. Sunday seems to be the worst day with East, Old County and Atkinson Roads appearing to be hot spots. The hardest part is who regulates and enforces.

• Mack Molding parking area completed. The town replaced the culvert on Mill St. which will improve drainage for both the parking area as well as Mill St. that tends to flood due to ice dams

• Bazin Brothers provided paving estimates for three more roads (Wheeler, Greven and Ranney Hill). While price point was on target, the timing wasn’t due to approaching winter. Plan is to do paving on more Class 2 roads in the spring and summer.

• Since paving of 131 will take place next summer, this is a good time to discuss curbing and side walk replacement.

• Former town garage fill spread should be taking place by the end of this week into next.

• For this year, letters for funding requests will not require agencies/organizations to attend the December Select Board meeting.

• Voting went seamlessly. Thank you to all those involved.

• The town manager, who is also co-health officer, explained that no information is provided to the town by the Health Department regarding Covid incidence in town. The most recent data shows that Cavendish has 1-5 cases of Covid.

Executive Session for personnel matter

2. SCHOOLS GOING REMOTE STARTING WITH THANKSGIVING BREAK: On Nov. 8, TRSU Superintendent Lauren Fierman sent a note to the TRSU community. Over the last several weeks, many members of our educational community have been engaged in discussion about the likely effects of holiday travel on our ability to safely run our schools. Families and staff have shared information about their holiday plans, including the number who will need to be in quarantine after traveling out of state or having non-Vermont visitors in their homes. As a result of these discussions and surveys, we have reached a difficult conclusion.

All schools in the TRSU will be going to remote learning from Wednesday, November 25, until one week after the December Holiday Break. We will return to in-person instruction on Monday, January 11….The After School Program is exploring options in order to be able to provide support for families during the weeks of December 7 to December 18 and then again for the week of January 4. Information about the availability of those options will be shared as soon as possible.

3. COVID UPDATE: This week VT has  broken one record after another. Yesterday alone there were 109 new cases, with 19 people in the hospital-five in ICU. From Nov. 5-Nov. 12, VT has had 373 new cases of Covid, with Windsor County accounting for 19 of the cases. Chittenden and Washington County are the largest hotspots, but the VT Dept. of Health is tracking 79 situations statewide, including an outbreak at Rutland Healthcare and Rehabilitation.

Why such a sudden rise? According to the state, social gatherings, not wearing masks & social distancing, out of state travel, deer camps, Halloween parties, and people with symptoms not staying home are all contributing to the rapid rise. Contact tracers have not been getting the information they need, which is adding to the problem.

New Measures: To counter the rapid rise of cases in VT and surrounding states the following steps are being taken:

• 14-day quarantine Mandate: The “travel map” has been suspended and replaced with the quarantine mandate, requiring anyone who travels to or from Vermont for unessential travel must quarantine for 14 days. This can be shortened if the person is PCR tested on day 7 of the quarantine  and tests negative for Covid. Testing site information is available on-line.

• Youth ice hockey suspended until Dec. 31

• Surge field hospitals are being opened in Burlington and Rutland.

• Gatherings should be limited to fewer than 10 people and stay home for the holidays “Our plans and choices will have an impact on the health and lives of our families and communities. I am strongly urging people to lay low this season and forgo non-essential travel,” said Gov. Scott.

• Covid testing is being increased to seven days a week in addition to widespread surveillance testing for certain groups, such as school workers.

• Compliance Checks: Public Safety Commissioner Michael Schirling announced a return of randomized, plainclothes compliance checks on whether businesses are violating social distancing guidelines or travel restrictions. The state will send out officers to do those checks starting Nov. 12 as a way to figure out the baseline level of compliance across different businesses, he said. They plan to target lodging and social businesses, particularly indoor ones.

• Surveillance testing of K-12 schools will begin after Thanksgiving break. To establish a baseline, the state will offer testing to all teachers and staff starting next week. After the Thanksgiving break, testing will be conducted on a rotating schedule, with tests offered to one-quarter of Vermont schools each week, so that every teacher and staff member is offered testing once a month. Testing will be voluntary.

If you are thinking about travel:

-       Decide if the risk is worth it for your family.

-       Plan to have a safe trip, remain flexible and get your flu shot.

-       Quarantine when you return.

-       Plan on being tested

The metrics for reopening/shutting down: VT uses the following guidelines for evaluating how the state is doing:

• Syndromic surveillance: Percentage of visits to hospitals with Covid-19 like illness and influenza diagnosis-warning flag percentage of visits exceeding 4% for multiple consecutive days

• Viral growth & reproductivity: Sustained case growth that would lead to <30% open ICU beds.

• Percentage of new positive cases: New positive tests represent > 5% of daily results. Note that VT is doing thousands of tests a day now and the percentage of positive cases is lower than it was in the spring when there was very limited testing and a much rate of positivity.

• Hospital and critical care bed capacity: Reduction in ICU open beds to less than 30%.

Currently VT is still operating below the threshold. As the Governor noted, “I think what we need to do is tighten up a little bit; we’ve become a little bit lax in all areas. But I don’t see us rolling back to where we were in the beginning, because we have a little bit better understanding of what this virus does and how to protect ourselves.” That comment was made at last Friday’s press conference.

Light at the End of the Tunnel: There is some good news to report. The FDAapproved bamlanivimab, a new treatment for Covid, this week. Pfizer has announced that their Covid vaccine is 90% effective. The vaccine has been tested on 43,500 people in six countries and no safety concerns have been found. It is anticipated that the vaccine will be available by the end of the year and will be going to front line workers such as nurses, doctors and first responder. Dr. Fauci estimates that by April 2021, vaccines will be available to the general public. In the mean, the CDC is reporting that the research shows that masks provide protection to both wearer and those they come in contact with.

Cavendish Covid Resource Guide has been updated and is available at the Cavendish Connects Website. Please note that Shaw’s does provide a delivery service and pick up service is available from Singleton’s and Walmart.

4. UPCOMING EVENTS:

NOVEMBER 14 (SATURDAY)-29 (SUNDAY): Deer Season

NOVEMBER 16-29 (MONDAY-SUNDAY): Virtual CTES Book Fair.

NOVEMBER 26 (THURSDAY): HAPPY THANKSGIVING Town office closed

NOVEMBER 27 (FRIDAY): Town Office Closed

NOVEMBER 30 (MONDAY): Deadline for the GMP Covid 19 assistance. FMI: Department of Public Service website. 

CA❤︎ENDSH-A SAFER SIX COMMUNITY

Covers mouth & nose
   Always masks in public
     Vermonters keep each other safe
       Elbow coughs
         Never forgets to wash hands
          Disinfects common surfaces
            Is alert for symptoms
             Stays 6 feet apart
               Has respect for personal space 

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