Health Commissioner Mark Levine, M.D. said at Friday’s press conference that it’s now been about two weeks since Thanksgiving, but so far, we have not seen a “surge on a surge” of COVID-19 cases.

“None of our recent contact tracing efforts have revealed clusters of cases coming from this holiday,” Dr. Levine said. “We hope this means that Vermonters either avoided Thanksgiving gatherings or kept them small … and we truly appreciate that.” However, said Dr. Levine, “These numbers are not something we should develop a new comfort level around.”

Our neighbors in the region continue to experience rising cases and positivity rates. Notably, the death this week from COVID-19 of the newly elected Speaker of the New Hampshire House of Representatives. In Vermont, we are still seeing more than 100 cases each day, affecting our schools, work sites and health care facilities, including long-term care facilities.

“There are simply more people with COVID-19 in our communities right now, and more potential for exposure,” Dr. Levine said. “We need to take that into account as we plan for and celebrate the holidays. As the CDC, and our current guidance says, staying home is still the best way to protect ourselves, our families and others right now.”

The Health Department has launched a new text notification system for certain people who have been identified as close contacts by someone who has COVID-19.

“This will help us get information out as quickly as possible, so these close contacts can quarantine right away and access other important information on our website,” Dr. Levine said at a press conference. “Please know that the texts do not replace our expert contact tracing work – everyone identified as a close contact will still get a phone call from a contact tracer.”

The phone numbers we use to text people will be provided by the person who has COVID-19.

Determination of who get these texts will be made by the contact tracing team based on the situation, Dr. Levine said, adding “Not everyone will get a text, but if you do, please know it is a legitimate and important message from the Vermont Department of Health.”

People who receive the Health Department text will see two short messages from the number 89361.

The text will tell them:

“We hope that by using this new communication tool, Vermonters can start preparing quickly to take steps to protect themselves and others around them,” Dr. Levine said. “Thank you in advance for answering the call and helping slow the spread of COVID-19 in Vermont.”

To help Vermonters stay up-to-date on the latest COVID guidance and information, Governor Scott today encouraged Vermonters to register for Vermont Alert (VT-ALERT), the state’s emergency notification system.

“As COVID-19 continues to be prevalent in the state, Vermonters need convenient access to the information that will help keep themselves and their neighbors safe, and VT-ALERT is a great way to use existing infrastructure to get it out there,” said Governor Scott. 

Since 2012, VT-ALERT has warned Vermonters of potential and imminent hazards. Vermonters can now use the system to receive important COVID-related updates, though VT-ALERT will not replace more comprehensive resources like healthvermont.gov or accd.vermont.gov.

Human Services Secretary Mike Smith announced Friday a new website where Vermonters can step up and help with the COVID-19 response in long-term care facilities and other areas.

Clinicians with additional capacity are especially needed – in either paid or volunteer roles, he said. But anyone including part-time workers, retirees, unemployed individuals, college students can help fill short-term gaps in the system caused by COVID-19 outbreaks. 

During Hanukkah – the Jewish holiday also known as the Festival of Lights – take a moment to remember that there are brighter days ahead.

Governor Phil Scott has encouraged Vermonters to share photos of seasonal displays — or favorites from around the community — on social media using the hashtag #VTLightsTheWay.