December 14, 2020
Community Update #11
Dear Community Member,
I am pleased to report that we have reached a major milestone in our fight against COVID-19! Beginning this week (assuming state-wide vaccine distribution is operational) we will begin vaccinating BMH staff as well as our community partners’ heath care providers such EMS (Rescue) and Home Health Care agencies. Nursing Homes will be initiating their own vaccination programs thru their Federal pharmacy partners (Walgreens, CVS and Kinney Drugs). Vermont’s state-wide vaccination program consists of multiple phases:
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Phase 1A: Healthcare Providers and Long-Term Care residents
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Phase 1B: Essential workers (Education sector, Food & Agriculture, Utilities, Corrections Officers, Transportation)
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Phase 1C: Adults with high risk medical conditions and adults over 65 years old
At this time, we only have information about Phase 1. We will share information about additional phases as we learn of them.
The University of Vermont Medical Center has published answers to various questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. Click here to read the article.
In regards to COVID-19 testing, we continue to provide testing under the canopy at the rear of the Richards Building for asymptomatic community members. The testing is a partnership with Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC), the Broad Institute, and the Vermont Department of Health. Testing does not require a clinician order and is open Monday-Friday 5:00pm-8:00pm and Saturday-Sunday 9:00am-2:00pm. Please register in advance by clicking here. If you have had contact with someone with COVID-19 or who recently attended a gathering with people outside your immediate household, you are encouraged to get tested. It is simple, quick, and free. No one should delay getting a test if you have any concerns that you were exposed. The more positives identified in our community the sooner contact tracing can begin which will help to slow the spread.
During this pandemic, BMH continues to be here to care for your medical needs. We are taking every precaution to ensure your safety and our priority remains to protect the well-being of our patients and staff members. You can feel comfortable you are in a safe and clean environment when receiving care at BMH. We continue to have strict infection control precautions in place to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19 with our Environmental Services team working 24/7 to thoroughly clean and disinfect all of our facilities. We also have an adequate supply of PPE so that staff is fully-protected when working with patients.
BMH plays a critical role in containing and ultimately eliminating COVID-19 in the communities we serve. Our vaccination program is a major and monumental step in this effort. I hope you will join me in being vaccinated when offered.
Happy Holidays!
