Health Department Data Shows Delta Variant In NEK, Across The State

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Health Department Data Shows Delta Variant In NEK, Across
The State
mcgregora@caledonian-record.com Staff Writer
Jul 30, 2021

Vermont Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine speaks during a media briefing in Montpelier. (File Photo)

The Vermont Health Department reported this week that the Delta variant has been confirmed in
the Northeast Kingdom, a worrisome development for local health officials.

According to the Health Department, the COVID-19 Delta variant has now been confirmed as the
cause of at least 5 recent cases in Orleans County and 2 cases in Caledonia County. The latest
data released Wednesday afternoon also shows the Delta variant has been confirmed in 8
Vermont counties (Chittenden 23, Washington 8, Windham 7, Orleans 5, Caledonia 2, Addison,
Orange and Rutland each 1).

The report that is updated weekly last showed only 7 total confirmed Delta variant cases with 6
in Chittenden and 1 in Addison.

The prevalence of Delta could also be higher since the Health Department only has the capacity
to conduct the genomic sequencing necessary to identify variants on a portion of the state’s
positive test results. There is also a 1- to 3-week delay between when a test comes up positive
until the sequencing results are available. Vermont officials have said previously the Delta variant
could have been more widespread than known because of the limited follow-up testing to
identify the strain.

Recent developments about health experts’ understanding of the Delta variant and confirmation
that it is now in the region, though, have some concerned.

Dr. Michael Rousse, chief medical officer at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital, says late
breaking news about the Delta variant from the CDC suggests Northeast Kingdom residents
should remain cautious about COVID-19, keep their masks handy, and get vaccinated if not
already.

“I would come down on the side of cautious,” said Rousse. “What I’m reading today is our
concept of herd immunity is changing when it comes to COVID.”

Rousse said even 84 percent of eligible Vermonters may not be enough when the latest data
suggests a higher percentage of vaccinated people than previously thought can become a
breakthrough infection and spread COVID to others.

“Our active cases are not too bad yet,” said Rousse. “I just think we have to be ready for this to
change.”

Rousse suspects within a week or two, both nationally and even in Vermont, the virus landscape
may look significantly different.

Rousse said Vermont hospitals have been discussing issuing a joint statement urging mandated
vaccinations.

Rousse said Vermont certainly was in a good position several weeks ago when it crossed the 80
percent vaccinated level and we were only seeing single digits of new cases across the state,
but the Delta variant could change all that.

In the last 14 days there has been 1 new case in Caledonia County, 6 new cases in Essex
County, and 9 new cases in Orleans County.

Amy Kimball, RN and infection preventionist at North Country Hospital, said it is important to
note that while breakthrough infections can occur, and that the Delta variant was now the
dominant strain in the country and region, 97 percent of hospitalized COVID patients were un-
vaccinated.

“We are not ‘out of the woods’ yet as a country, but we are very fortunate to have low infection
rates and very few COVID hospitalizations in Vermont,” said Kimball. “The take away message
remains — vaccines save lives, healthy habits can prevent sickness.”

NCH officials said anyone that has not yet been vaccinated and still has concerns about doing
so should contact their health care provider.

“As long as there are people who are un-vaccinated, the risk of transmission remains in play,”
said Wendy Franklin, NCH director of communications. “‘We need to continue to make smart
choices – even if vaccinated, if you are in an inside and crowded situation, it doesn’t hurt to add
that extra protection by wearing a mask.”

Covid Vaccine and Testing clinics are at North Country Hospital at the drive-up unit in the east
employee parking lot: Monday, Thursday and Friday, noon to 4 p.m.; Tuesday, 2 to 6 p.m.; or
Wednesday, by physician appointment.

Register online for testing through the state website: https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-
19/testing/where-get-tested or walk-ins Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday are welcome.

There is no preregistration necessary for the NCH Covid vaccine clinic, which offers Moderna
vaccine only for individuals 18 or older, first or second doses.

Vaccinations in the Newport area are also available at Walgreens, Kinney Drugs and Walmart.

In the St. Johnsbury area NVRH hosts a drive up vaccination clinic, as well in the parking lot
near the Emergency Room entrance on Thursdays. Vaccines are also available at Walgreens and
Kinney Drugs in St. Johnsbury.

A number of pop-up clinics can be found on the Health Department website and include
upcoming farmers markets, fairs, concerts and other community locations and events across the
NEK.

Ben Truman, public health information officer with the Vermont Health Department, said anyone
who has or is concerned about symptoms should consider getting tested.

“We are especially encouraging testing for people who have traveled to or been in close contact
with people who have been to areas of substantial or high COVID-19 transmission,” said
Truman.

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Andrew McGregor