Cavendish Update 11/26/21: Ghost Walk/News/Events

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

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FROM 1 PM TODAY TO 1 PM TOMORROW. 2-7 inches of snow and high winds possible. Christmas trees and wreaths are now on sale at the Cavendish Fire Dept.

Town Office is closed today.

11/26/21

1.    Cavendish Info

2.    Proctorsville Christmas Ghost Walk

3.    Covid update

4.    Events

1. CAVENDISH INFO

• GMUSD 11/18 Meeting: Two Rivers Supervisory Union (TRSU)Superintendent, Lauren Fierman, stated at the Nov. 18 Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUSD) meeting that schools will not organize a snow sports programs this year. The exception would be schools with volunteer groups for such purposes, such as the one at the Cavendish Town Elementary School (CTES). However, Jarrod Harper posted the following comment, As the coordinator of the program, I'm not sure where this news is coming from. We are still trying to determine if it is possible to have the program. There are many things still to be decided. One of which is the busing situation. Very disappointed about the lack of communication.

 Cavendish Library is making a new budget request for $40,000 to cover costs associated with two full days of programming for students. CTES has not contributed to the librarian’s salary for 24 years and it’s time for the school to “pay its fair share.” VT Journal

• In towns with no zoning, reopened Supreme Court decision has big implications for Act 250: A recent decision issued by the Vermont Supreme Court would change the way Act 250, Vermont’s sweeping land use and development law, functions in towns without zoning and subdivision regulations. If it stands, the decision related to a proposed stone quarry in Cavendish would exempt certain commercial and industrial projects that Act 250 has historically covered, reversing the way the act has been administered for 50 years. VT Digger

• BRGN Holiday Gift Program: Applications for Black River Good Neighbor Services’ (BRGN) Christmas Holiday Gift Program available at the Thrift Store, Food Shelf and website are due by Dec. 1. FMI 802-228-3663.

• Scholastic Book Fair/Party at Cavendish Library: On December 4 (Saturday) from 1-2 pm, the Cavendish Library will be holding a pirate party for the annual book fair. There will be games, prizes and of course shopping.

• Holiday Gourmet Gift Baskets-Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas: The Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas Snowmobile Club will be selling Holiday Gourmet Gift Baskets on Saturday, Dec. 4th from 9 am to 2 pm at Singleton’s. Priced at $50, the retail value of the baskets is $120. Some of the items in the baskets: Hot Cocoa Bombs, Gourmet Chocolate Pretzel Rods, Godiva bars, VT maple syrup, gourmet popcorn, Dilly Beans from Pam’s Delights, Merba Cookies, Sahale Snacks, Biscotti, Wafer cookies, Blake Hill Preserves, Drew’s Salsa, Deep River Chips, Peeled Organic dried fruit snacks, Harry & David Moose Munch, pretzels, Jerky sticks, Lizzie’s Kitchen Spices, a candle, and a gift certificate to one of two local restaurants. Wrapped in cellophane with a bow, they make great gifts for family, friends, or co-workers. Baskets are limited. Contact Frank and Patty Companik (203-710-7358) or (patricia.companik@sbcglobal.net) if you would like to reserve a basket for pick up on Dec. 4th.

• Okemo Opens Today: Note that early season terrain is best suited for intermediate and advanced skiers and riders.

• Okemo Valley Women’s Club Tree of Remembrance

• RT 100 is now open: Work will resume next construction season on the bridge near Plymouth Notch. For now, there are no detours.

• Dollar Tree hikes prices 25%. Most items will cost $1.25

2. PROCTORSVILLE CHRISTMAS GHOST WALK: In 2020,  the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) had to cancel their planned ghost walk. In its place, was "A Christmas Eve Ghost Story" featuring both the Golden Stage Inn and its various ghosts as well as some of the local spirits. The story is available on-line at the CHS blog.

On Dec. 12 (Sunday), the 2021 Proctorsville Christmas Ghost Walk begins in front of the Proctorsville War Memorial on Route 131 (close to the intersection of 131 and Depot St) at 7 PM. The tour proceeds down Depot St., and ends at the Golden Stage Inn, where there will be a bonfire. What better place, and way, to learn about one of the most haunted inns in New England.

The tour is free and open to the public, but donations are appreciated. This is an easy walk.  Please dress according to the weather and bring a flashlight. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com

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

WEEKLY DATA: In spite of the Governor and his team providing statistics about how VT is leading the nation for vaccinations, lowest hospitalizations etc., Covid remains widespread and at best it will stay at this level or increase in the coming weeks.  Currently, VT ranks 11th in the country for rate of new cases.

Cavendish & Surrounding Towns: Cavendish had 4 new cases this past week (61 total); Ludlow 7 new cases (140 total); Chester 13 (233 total) and Springfield 67 (714 total). Town data is reported on Friday, but is not expected this week due to the holiday weekend.

Schools: The VT Dept of Health’s school report for Nov. 23,   reports CTES had no new case in the past week. However, we are aware of 2 new cases associated with the school, bringing the actual number to at least 4.  Ludlow Elementary had 1 new cases for a total of 8 cases, while Chester Andover Elementary had 2 new cases (12 total).  GMUHS was listed as having 1 new case for the same time period (3 total). There were 281 cases last week in Vermont schools and 2,060 cases since the start of the school year.  The Nov. 15 vaccine clinic at CTES, resulted in 37 students being vaccinated, with 45 vaccines given that day. GMUHS currently has 61% of its students vaccinated.

State: Tuesday’s Modeling shows that VT’s new case have increased by 4% over the last 7 days and increased 20% over the last 14 days.  Week-over-week testing remained stable, with 7-day average increasing 16% this week. The seven day seropositivity rate (the number of tests that are positive) has decreased from a high of 4.4% to 3.8%.

The not fully vaccinated case rate has increased 11.3% in the last 7 days while the fully vaccinated rate has decreased 1.3% for the same period. Hospitalizations of the not fully vaccinated has increased 25% in the last 7 days while the fully vaccinated admission rate has decreased 23% for the same time period.

Over the last 7 days, cases have increased by 1% for ages 0-24 (highest incidence group is the 5-11 year olds); 13 % for ages 25 -49; and 4% for ages 50-64. The. 65+ age cohort, continuing the trend from the week prior, has decreased by 14% this past week. Overall VT cases trended toward the lower end of last week’s forecast.

No data is being provided over the Thanksgiving holiday. According to the state website, On Monday, Nov. 29, case counts for each day from Wednesday, Nov. 24 through Sunday Nov. 28 will be reported, along with the cumulative case total. In the last three weeks, Vermont has seen an average of 400 cases per day from Wednesday to Sunday. Given these recent averages, case counts from these five days could add up to a total case count of 2,000, which would be reported on Monday. The last of reported data was Wednesday. To date, there have 48,120 cases of Covid in Vermont. Currently 64 people are in the hospital, with 17 in ICU. Six more deaths occurred in the past week, bringing the total to 406.

TESTING: In the past week, almost 10% of the state’s population, 70,000 people, were tested. Testing is being ramped up and it is anticipated that the availability of rapid antigen testing (RAT) will be quadrupled in December.

A new technology is being used called “Lamp Testing,” (Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification), which provides a molecular test that uses real-time loop-mediated amplification (LAMP) technology to detect the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19. It’s just as accurate as a PCR test and is still administered through a nasal swab. However, results come back in under an hour and they don’t have to go to a lab. These are being used in schools.

TOWNS CAN NOW  ISSUE MASK MANDATES: The VT Legislature approved a bill on Monday that authorizes municipal governments to enact local masking ordinances. Governor Scott signed the bill on Tuesday morning.  Local mask requirements can apply to “locations open to the public,” but leaves it to local leaders to define what those public locations should include. In Cavendish, mask mandates are in place for the school and library. The municipalities’ authority to institute mask mandates will expire on April 30, 2022. Brattleboro has already adopted the mask mandate. Other towns considering adoption include: Bennington, Burlington, East Montpelier, Montpelier, Waterbury, Wilmington and Winooski.  It’s unclear how many towns and cities will avail themselves of their new powers. The Cavendish Select Board will have the option to discuss the issue of mask mandates for the town.

4. EVENTS

NOVEMBER 26 (FRIDAY): Town office closed

DECEMBER 4 (SATURDAY): Stuff a Fire Truck Food Drive for Black River Good Neighbors Food Shelf. From 9-5 at Shaw’s Parking Lot. This is being sponsored by Proctorsville and Ludlow Fire Departments.

-       Cavendish Library Scholastic book fair and pirate party. 1-2 pm at the Library. Includes games, prizes and shopping.

-       The Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas Snowmobile Club will be selling Holiday Gourmet Gift Baskets on Saturday, Dec. 4th from 9 am to 2 pm at Singleton’s. Priced at $50, the retail value of the baskets is $120.

DECEMBER 12 (SUNDAY): Christmas Ghost Walk-Proctorsville. 7 pm, meet at the Proctorsville War Memorial. Free and open to the public. Donations welcomed.  FMI: 802-226-7807 or e-mail margocaulfield@icloud.com

DECEMBER 23 (THURSDAY)-JANUARY 2 (SUNDAY): Schools holiday break

DECEMBER 24 (FRIDAY): Christmas Eve Town Office Closed

DECEMBER 25 (SATURDAY): MERRY CHRISTMAS

DECEMBER 31 (FRIDAY) New Year’s Eve Town Office Closed

JANUARY 17 (MONDAY): Martin Luther King’s Day Town Officer Closed

CA❤︎ENDSH VAXXING & MASKING TO PROTECT SELF & OTHERS

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 11/19/21: Construction ends/News/Covid/Events

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

CHS Cares Closet (next to the steps of the Museum, 1951 Main St.) is continually being restocked with surgical masks. Lots of new books, creative coloring books for adults, games and more. Free for the taking and open 24/7.

11/19/21

1.    Cavendish Info

2.    Cavendish Holidays

3.    Covid update

4.    Events

1. CAVENDISH INFO

• Rt 131/Bridge Construction Final Update: The following is from VTrans. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Natalie Boyle 802-855-3893 or nboyle@eivtech.com.  Pike has finished the work on the project. Construction signs are being removed and final punch list work is being performed. Final inspection is being scheduled. Thank you for your patience and cooperation throughout construction. This will be the final regular update for this project. For the I-91 Bridge Construction: Work on this project has been completed for the year and both Northbound and Southbound barrels of I-91 have been opened up to two lanes of traffic. Work to restart in the spring of 2022.

• Jeff Gilcris: It is with sadness we report the unexpected passing of Proctorsville resident Jeff. Glcris. Calling hours will be held Friday, Nov. 19 from 6-8 at the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield. The memorial service will be at St. James Methodist Church on Saturday, Nov. at 11 am. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery.

• Congratulations to Lorien Strange: Once again Cavendish resident Lorien Strange has captured a writing award for her ghost stories. She won first place in the high school category of the Saugus.net 24th annual Halloween ghost story contest with her story “Aos Sì.” Lorien is no stranger to Cavendish as she is the author of the Cavendish Historical Society’s Escape Room.

• Okemo Delay in Opening: Okemo will not be opening as scheduled on Nov. 20 due to lack of snow.

• Gotta Love Ludlow Petitions for Retail Cannabis Revote

• Ludlow Village  Festival of Lights

• VT Climate Assessment-Climate Change is here: Key findings include, VT is getting warmer (snow season is shorter) and wetter (more rain is leading to flooding).

2. CAVENDISH HOLIDAYS: While Thanksgiving ushers in the holiday shopping season, many have already begun and have found empty shelves and longer waits for items from places like Amazon. No worries as there are a number of artists, organizations and businesses in town that can provide the perfect gift. Buy local and support our community. Use the Cavendish Business Directory to arrange for gift certificates for goods and services. Happy shopping

Recycling Christmas Cavendish Style: When you shop for gifts, food, and all the holiday trimmings, think ahead about what can be recycled and composted.

 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 or call 802-226-7807 to arrange for a drop off/pick up.

3 .COVID-19 UPDATE: We’re making some changes in the reporting of Covid news. Two new handouts are now available and will be continually updated.

• Cavendish Covid-19 Resource Guide: This includes local information on testing, vaccinations, boosters, notifying contacts as well as other local resources. It will be updated as resources, mandates and information changes.

• How to Notify Contacts if you Test Positive for Covid: On November 13th, the Vermont Department of Health issued the following statement, Due to the large volume of COVID-19 cases, we are asking Vermonters who test positive for COVID-19 to isolate at home away from other people and begin reaching out to close contacts immediately. The Health Department will prioritize contact tracing to people at higher risk.  You may not receive a phone call from a contact tracer, but you still need to stay home and away from others, and follow steps on our website to stop further spread: healthvermont.gov/covid19positive.

This How to Notify handout will help you inform contacts should you test positive for Covid.

Instead of repeating weekly information about where to get boosters/vaccines, check the Cavendish Covid-19 Resource Guide.

WEEKLY DATA

Cavendish & Surrounding Towns: Cavendish had 4 new cases this past week (61 total); Ludlow 7 new cases (140 total); Chester 13 (233 total) and Springfield 67 (714 total). Because town reporting is based on mailing addresses, the actual number of cases in Cavendish is potentially higher. Town data is reported on Friday, which is posted to the Cavendish VT Facebook page.

Schools: The VT Dept of Health’s school report for Nov. 15, showed that CTES had another case in the past week for a total of two cases.  Ludlow Elementary had 3 new cases for a total of 7 cases, while Chester Andover Elementary had 1 (10 total).  No cases were reported for GMUHS for the same time period.  There were 256 cases last week in Vermont schools and 1,768 cases since the start of the school year.  The schools in the Two Rivers Supervisory Union (includes CTES and GMUHS) are now offering the “Test to Stay” program, which allows students exposed to Covid to be tested daily using a rapid antigen test (RAT).

State: Tuesday’s Modeling shows that VT’s new case average has risen 16% in the past week and 64% in the past two weeks. The prediction is for VT cases to stay flat or increase in the coming month. Currently VT has the 6th highest case rate in the nation.

The not fully vaccinated case rate has increased 39% in the last 7 days while the fully vaccinated rate has increased 23% for the same period. In the last 30 days, new cases for those 0-24 has increased 74% (primarily in 5-11 year olds); increased 57% for ages 25-49 and increased 63% for ages 50-64. The one group that has decreased, by 2%, is those 65+, which is attributed to the effectiveness of the booster shots. Over 55% of those 65+ have received them.

Sadly, yesterday VT reached the mark of 400 total deaths and once again exceeded 500 new cases for the day. The seven day seropositivity rate (percent of positive cases of those tested) is 4.2%. This figure indicates that Covid is wide spread in the community. There have now been 45,985 cases of Covid in VT. Currently 62 people are in the hospital, with 13 in ICU.

PREPARING FOR THANKSGIVING: VT’s Health Commissioner, Dr. Mark Levine, has outlined ways to prepare for Thanksgiving:

-       Vaccinate/booster for Covid and vaccinate for flu (takes two weeks to be effective).Note anyone 18+ can now receive a booster. See the Resource Guide for vaccination/booster clinics.

-       Talk to those you plan to gather with about their vaccination/booster status

-       Keep it small, the more people the higher the chance of exposure

-       Test. Get a free PCR test no later than Monday. See the Resource Guide for nearest test sites.

-        “Stock pile” rapid antigen tests (RAT) for Thanksgiving. These tests are sold through pharmacies and on-line. However, they sell out quickly. Learn more about RAT testing Preparing for the holidays? Don’t forget rapid tests for COVID-19

-       If you don’t feel well, “make the hard but right choice to skip dinner and stay home.”

-       Get tested 5-7 days after the holiday gathered, even if you’re vaccinated or don’t have symptoms.

At Tuesday’s press conference, there was more discussion about the role of antigen testing and how it will be more frequently used in VT in the weeks and months to come.

TOWN MASK MANDATES The legislature will meet on November 22 in a special session to clear the way so municipalities can institute limited mask mandate. These mandates would need to sunset by April 30 and would require a municipality’s governing body (Cavendish’s select board)  to extend any mask policy on a month-to-month basis. In his letter to the legislature, the Governor wrote, “I offer this as a compromise — not because I believe mandates are the right approach under current circumstances. Therefore, I want to be very clear, should the Legislature propose any additional restrictions or mandates on a statewide or municipal basis, I will not support them.”

NEWS/LITERATURE REVIEW

• Fauci says 3-shot vaccine should be 'standard,' warns of winter 'double whammy'

• Experts call for continued use of personal protective and social measures alongside Covid-19 vaccination Several personal protective and social measures, including handwashing, mask wearing, and physical distancing are associated with reductions in the incidence COVID-19 and should be continued alongside vaccination, suggest experts after reviewing the latest evidence in British Medical Journal

• Mask-Wearing Cuts New COVID-19 Cases by 53%, Study Says: When people wear face masks to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, the number of new COVID-19 infections drops by 53%, according to a new study published yesterday in the British Medical Journal. Social distancing and handwashing were also effective at lowering the number of cases, but wearing masks was the most effective tool against the coronavirus.

4. EVENTS

NOVEMBER 19 -21 (FRIDAY-SUNDAY):Okemo Ski & Swap, Round House at Jackson Gore Inn. Friday 4-7 pm; Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 9-1.

NOVEMBER 25 (THURSDAY): HAPPY THANKSGIVING Town Office Closed

NOVEMBER 26 (FRIDAY): Town Office closed

DECEMBER 4 (SATURDAY): Stuff a Fire Truck Food Drive for Black River Good Neighbors Food Shelf. From 9-5 at Shaw’s Parking Lot. This is being sponsored by Proctorsville and Ludlow Fire Departments.

DECEMBER 12 (SUNDAY): Christmas Ghost Walk-Proctorsville. 7 pm, meet at the Proctorsville War Memorial. Free and open to the public. Donations welcomed.  FMI: 802-226-7807.

CA❤︎ENDSH VAXXING & MASKING TO PROTECT SELF & OTHERS

    IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

CAVENDISH COVID-19 RESOURCE GUIDE: 1/30/23

The following resource guide includes local information on testing, vaccinations, boosters, notifying contacts as well as area resources.

PART I: MANDATES/TESTING/VACCINATION/BOOSTERS/PREVENTION

Mandates: Vermont currently has no mandates in place.

Prevention:  The VT Department of Health (VDH) recommends that people:

• vaccinate (ages 5 and up)

• get a booster shot (18 and up)

• stay home if sick

• get tested if you:

-       have any symptoms (fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea);

If you Test Positive: Vermonters who test positive should isolate at home away from other people and outreach to close contacts immediately.   follow these steps to stop further spread.

 To assist you in notifying close contacts, check out How to Notify Contacts if you Test Positive for Covid.

 Follow the guidelines at the VDH website for isolating and other measures. People with COVID-19 should isolate for 5 days and if they are asymptomatic or their symptoms are resolving (without fever for 24 hours), follow that by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others to minimize the risk of infecting people they encounter.

If you test positive on a home test: A positive self-test result means that the test detected the virus, and you are very likely to have an infection.

-       Stay home or isolate for 5 days, wear a mask if you could have contact with others, and avoid indoor gatherings to reduce the risk of spreading disease to someone else. If you are asymptomatic or symptoms are resolving (without fever for 24 hours), follow that by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others to minimize the risk of infecting people they encounter.

-       Contact your health provider about your positive test. It’s important to talk to your provider ASAP. Your provider can determine if you are a good candidate for antiviral medication. You will need to take the medication within five days of first symptoms.

-       Notify Contacts: Use How to Notify Contacts if you Test Positive for Covid

-       Notify the VT Health Dept. using the VT Covid-19 Self-Test Reporting Form

If you are required to isolate in Cavendish and need help, please call 802-226-8044. Volunteers are available.

Booster/Vaccines: Both are free and available at the Ludlow Rite Aid-register at their website and the Ludlow Health Center 802-228-8867.

TESTING: State testing sites are closed. Cavendish has free test kits available at the Cavendish Fire Dept Monday-Friday from 9-4. These can be obtained on the weekend by calling 802-226-7807. Please note these test kits are not for “stocking up,” but rather for emergent situations. You can also obtain test kits at the Rite Aid in Ludlow and most drug stores. If you haven’t already done so, order free at-home tests by going to covid.gov Ludlow Health Center offers PCR testing.

If you think it’s “just a cold,” get tested as it may be Covid.

 PART II: LOCAL RESOURCES

 • Town Office: The office is open to the public and to one researcher at a time. Call 226-7291 or 7292. Check the website for town related information.

• If you are having issues with, lost wages, food, rent etc. Black River Good Neighbors in Ludlow. (802) 228-3663.

• Support Services, including if you are not safe where you are living:

-       Daily Friendly Call: A Cavendish Volunteer will be happy to call and chat with you daily. Arrange by calling 226-7291

-       Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-228-7395

-       Sexual Violence Hotline 1-800-489-7273

-       Teen Dating Abuse 1-866-331-9474

-       Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence

-       Deaf Vermonters Advocacy Services

-       Safe Space Vermont (for LGBTQ people)

-       The Vermont Coalition of Supervised Visitation Programs (VCSVP)

-       VT Helplink: Alcohol & Drug Support Center-Free. Specialists offer caring and expert support to navigate the VT Treatment & Recovery System 802-565-5465. 8 am-10pm, M-F and 8 am-6pm on weekends and holidays.

-       HCRS: Offers a 24/7 Crisis Line, 1-800-622-4235 and serves children, youth and adults.

-       Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-8255

• CHS Cares Closet: Located next to the steps of the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) Museum (1951 Main St-131, Cavendish Village), Open the doors and pick up a mask (KN95s), hand sanitizer, DVDs, CDs and information. Lift the chest lid for puzzles, games, hands on history projects, craft supplies, toys and more. Everything is free for the taking. If you would like some Closet items but are home bound, call 226-7807 or e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com to arrange for delivery services. If you have something you wish to donate, please e-mail margocaulfield@icloud.com or call 802-226-7807. Do not leave anything there.

•  WIFI: Free Wi-Fi is available at: libraries in Proctorsville & Ludlow; Cavendish and Proctorsville Village Greens; and the Cavendish Baptist Church. The latter is password protected. You can obtain this by calling the church at 802-226-7131.

• Transfer Station: Normal hours-W & Sat 8-5; Sun 10-5.  

• Library Resources:

-       Cavendish Library: Open regular hours. . FMI: 226-7503, Facebpok

-       Ludlow Public Library: Open regular hours. Curbside service available. FMI:  802-228-8921,

• Food/Stores: Ludlow Shaw’s offers online shopping 802-228-8468. Drive Up and Go services are available 8 am-8 pm. WalMart in Claremont  offers curbside and in-store pick up. Call 603-542-2703.

• Post Office: Normal hours.. Proctorsville 226-7268; Cavendish 226-7238.

• Health Care: If you are feeling sick, please call your primary care provider or any of the local emergency rooms before going in. They will advise you how to proceed. CALL 911 FOR ALL EMERGENCIES 

Contact numbers are as follows:

-       Ludlow Health Center 802-228-8867

-       Springfield Hospital 802-885-7540

-       Rutland Regional Medical Center 802-775-7111

-       Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center 603-650-7000

-        Mt. Ascutney Hospital 802-674-6711

• Special programs for Covid patients

-        Rutland Regional Medical Center’s Covid-19 U-Turn Program

-       Mt. Ascutney Heads Up: Coping through Covid-19

• Long Covid Resources: Programs for those whose Covid symptoms continue after 4 weeks from initial infection

-       Dartmouth Hitchcock Post Acute Covid Syndrome (PACS) Clinic. Patient Resources page

-       University of Vermont

- COVID-19 Recovery Support Booklet (PDF)

- COVD Support VT

Call 211 for Covid-19 Information

For up to date information, check the Cavendish VT Facebook page. You don’t have to be a Facebook subscriber to use it.

How to Notify Contacts if you Test Positive for Covid-19

Early notification can make the difference in effective treatments being administered, thereby avoiding hospitalization and death. It can also help slow the spread of the virus. Therefore, if you test positive, notify close contacts as quickly as possible. Don’t wait for a contact tracer as the high volume of positive cases is limiting what the Vermont Department of Health (VDH) can do.

If you wish to remain anonymous, there is an online tool called “Tell Your Contacts” that allows for anonymous e-mail or text notifications.

Who is a close contact Anyone you were within 6 feet of for a combined total of 15 minutes or more over a 24 hour period. People are still considered a close contact regardless of masking and/or if one or both of you are fully vaccinated.

Determining your Infectious Period: The infectious period is when you can spread the virus to others. It starts two days before you noticed any symptoms or 2 days before the date of the positive test if you had no symptoms. It continues until you have met the following conditions:

If you had symptoms, you can leave home and be with others when all three of these have happened (unless otherwise instructed by your health care provider):

• you have had no fever for at least 24 hours without the use of medicine that reduces fevers, and

• other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved), and

• at least 10 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.

If you never had symptoms, you can leave home and be with others after 10 days have passed since the date you had your positive test (unless otherwise instructed by your health care provider). 

Who to notify: Use your planner, calendar, social media or photos to help remember who you may have interacted with during your infectious period. Things to consider:

 • People who live with you, may have visited your home or provided some type of home service

• Work with or go to school with

• Gatherings e.g., went to a party, ate at a restaurant, went out for drinks, went to a gym, had a play date, volunteered, chatted with neighbors

• Visited a long term facility such as a nursing home, correctional facility

• Had an in person appointment e.g. medical, dental, hair, massage, accountant 

• Rode with others e.g., carpooling, public transportation

• In store shopping

• Attended church, synagogue, mosque or other places of worship

• Attended a large event (e.g. concert, wedding, funeral)

How to notify your close contacts: If you have their contact information, call, text or email them. If you were somewhere where you could have potentially exposed people you don’t know, call the location and let them know. You may want to familiarize yourself with the state’s what to do if you are a close contact web page as it may be helpful in answering questions, particularly if a contact doesn’t have access to a computer.

What to tell close contacts: Provide this information to your close contacts: the date you got tested, the date you were last in contact with them, the dates when you most likely were infectious and the link to the Vermont  what to do if you are a close contact web page.

Use this example to cut and paste into an email or text message, or to say over the phone: I have something important to share with you. I tested positive for COVID-19 on [insert date]. We spent time together on [insert date]. I wanted to let you know so you can take steps to protect yourself, and to prevent the virus from spreading any further. You can find out what you need to do at What to do if you are a close contact.

For More Information

• Vermont Department of Health Covid-19 page

• Vermont Department of Health What to do if you test positive for Covid-19