Staff report
The state of Vermont released new data on Monday, April 27, showing the number of coronavirus cases by the cities and towns in which patients reside. The data reflects lab-confirmed cases of Covid-19 among Vermont residents only. Residents of a long-term care facility or inmates at a correctional facility are reflected in the town of their facility when they were tested.
In compliance with both federal and Vermont law, to prevent disclosure of an individual’s protected health information, a range is used for towns that have fewer than six cases—which is the vast majority of the towns in Vermont. But the newly released data does show 29 cities and towns that have had at least six cases of Covid-19. Agency of Human Services Secretary Mike Smith said he had consulted with the Department of Health to figure out the best way to publish the data without identifying anyone. “I’ve been very careful with this, in what we’re doing and how we’re reporting,” Smith said. “I don’t want to put a scarlet letter on people.”
The data shows Burlington to have the highest number of cases, 157, and a case rate nearly three times the state average. Essex and Swanton were next on the list with 47 and 44 cases, respectively.
Four other Chittenden County towns followed close behind: Colchester, South Burlington, Milton and Williston.
In Rutland and Windsor counties, Rutland City had 13, Hartford had 10 and Woodstock had 7. The other 49 towns between the two counties had 0-5 cases. Rutland County as a whole had 44 cases, while Windsor County had 40.
As of Tuesday, April 28, there have been 862 confirmed cases statewide.
There have been outbreaks of cases at several facilities where elderly residents live, including two in Burlington, Burlington Health and Rehab and Birchwood Terrace, but none thus far in Rutland or Windsor Counties. Strict protocols for visitation remain in place to protect these populations.
This map was updated on April 27 to reflect new cases. The map is updated weekly at healthvermont.gov.
