Cavendish Update 7/31/20: Internet/News/Events

Six months into the pandemic, lonely fish welcome drop-ins. Jane Hart

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

Depot St. Bridge is Open. Recognizing there is an adjustment period for all involved, please watch your speeds. There are children who’ve nearly been hit, and residents aren’t happy with people speeding by their homes. Parents, please remind children that the road is open, to look both ways and not ride bikes, scooters etc. in the middle of the road.

7/31/20

1. Telecommunications Update

2. Cavendish Info

3. Latest Spigot Turn: Covid-19 Update

4. Events

1 .TELECOMMUNICATIONS UPDATE: As many residents in the northwest part of Cavendish know, Comcast has been laying cable all summer. We contacted Comcast for an update and was told, We expect to complete the Cavendish project within the next few weeks.  There was a bit of a delay due to the COVID-19 emergency but our construction team has been diligently working to complete the project. 

As Gov. Phil Scott has delayed the start of the school year until after Labor Day, there should be sufficient time for residents to have service installed before the school year begins.  Comcast has provided information on pricing as well as channel line up. If you are interested in obtaining either of these, please e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com 

The Vermont Department of Public Service has launched a Line Extension Customer Assistance Program (LECAP), which will provide up to $3,000 in assistance to help consumers extend telecommunications lines to their homes, with $2 million in total funds available.

The LECAP program is available to Vermonters who can demonstrate a COVID-19–related need, such as remote learning/telehealth/telework, lack of a minimum of 25/3 broadband internet service, and are “near net” for a cable video provider or other Internet Service Provider.  Consumers must request the line extension from the appropriate service provider and also apply for the line extension financial assistance program from the Department of Public Service.  Approval will be based on need, cost-effectiveness, and site-appropriateness of the line extension.  Payments from this program will be made by the Department directly to the service provider on behalf of the consumer. To apply or learn more about the program, go to the state’s website.

2. CAVENDISH INFO

• Black River Water Test Results: This week’s water samples were drawn on July 29. The EPAs limit for safe swimming is 235 Cfu. It is recommended to stay out of the water when it appears cloudy and within 24 hours of a heavy rain. With the exception of Little Ascutney Rd, which continues to test unsafe levels, Cavendish Gorge, Greven Field, Buttermilk Falls, Ludlow, Tolles Power Dam, Perkinsville, Twenty Foot Hole, Reading, and West Hill Road Rec Pond Ludlow, all tested fine and should be good for recreating this weekend. Black River Action Team (BRAT) continues to look into why Little Ascutney continues to test at unsafe levels. Thank you BRAT and volunteers for helping us stay safe this summer.

• TDS Service Interrupted by Construction Mishap: On Monday, a number of TDS subscribers in the area found that they did not have Internet and/or landline service. According to TDS, A construction crew South of White River Jct installed a new guardrail through a fairly large fiber cable that our partner is in that get us to the Consolidated’s tandem switch in White River that then sends our traffic to the rest of the world. Fiber splicing was completed by 7:45 that night, with full service being restored.

• Michigan man indicted for 2019 threat against GMUHS

• State fines energy company $57,500 for violations at Ludlow solar project: Coolidge Solar — a subsidiary of NextEra that operates a 20-megawatt solar electric generation facility in Ludlow and Cavendish — was cited for three violations of its certificate of public good, including installing above-ground power cables, conducting drilling and using unapproved equipment. VT Digger

• Unsolicited Seeds in VT: The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) has been notified that several Vermont residents have received unsolicited packages containing seeds that appear to have originated from China. The types of seeds in the packages have not yet been identified. Unsolicited seeds could be invasive species, could introduce diseases to local plants, or could be harmful to livestock. DO NOT plant them. Report it to the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets at 802-828-5050 or fill out a complaint form at https://agriculture.vermont.gov/form/environmental-complaint-form. Maintain the seeds and packaging and VAAFM staff will contact you. The seeds may be needed as evidence.

• What VT and Its History Might Teach the Nation About Handling the Coronavirus from The New Yorker

• Single-use bags are no longer required at stores in NH.

• VT Tax Security Threat If you filed a property transfer tax return through the Vermont Department of Tax’s online filing site, there’s a security threat that could leave you vulnerable to identity theft. WCAX

3. THE LATEST SPIGOT TURN: Covid Related Info: On Friday, Governor Scott announced mandatory masking will begin in VT starting Aug. 1 (that’s tomorrow). Scott said, But looking at the situation in the South and West, and with modeling showing outbreaks may be spreading back toward the Northeast, we need to protect our hard-won gains. This is a much better approach than having to roll things back, like they’ve done in states like California. I’ve said all along, mandating masks doesn’t necessarily make it so. That’s why we’ll continue to move forward with our education campaign, because reducing the spread of the virus, and keeping Vermont healthy and open is the ultimate goal. The modeling for July 24, that is used for setting policies for VT, is available at the Dept. of Financial Regulation website.  

The statewide mandate   requires all people over 2 years old, with some exceptions, to wear facial coverings in public areas when physical distancing is not possible. Nose and mouth need to be covered-no nose peaking or chin strapping. Nothing in this Order or any other State health and safety guidance shall require the use of a mask or cloth facial covering when someone is engaged in strenuous exercise or activity, for anyone under the age of 2, any child or adult with a medical or developmental issue or challenge that is complicated or irritated by a facial covering, anyone with difficulty breathing or as further set forth in guidance issued by VDH.

Education: On Tuesday, the Governor announced that schools will be reopening after Labor Day on Sept. 8. The TRSU has announced its plan. In a letter sent to families and staff Monday, TRSU Superintendent Fierman announced that the five schools in the supervisory union, including CTES and GMUHS will be open for in-person instruction four days a week with a remote learning day on Wednesday. Remote Only will be available to any students who would prefer it. Plans for this are being finalized. Some families in our area are considering a home school option and there is now a closed Facebook group called “Homeschooling resource and support group.”  : For those with middle school and high school students, and are checking out various options for the fall, Green Mountain Union High School is a participating school in the VT Virtual Learning Cooperative, which means there is no tuition. Check out their website to learn more.

To read more on schools, check out: TRSU moves toward hybrid reopen Sept. 8 or TRSU superintendent revises plan for reopening schools

• Outbreaks/Numbers: There has been 30 new cases of Covid since last Friday’s Update, bringing the total number of VT cases to 1,407. Sadly, VT had its first Covid death since June 16, yesterday bringing the state total of deaths to 57. Six inmates have tested positive upon returning to VT from Mississippi. They are currently in quarantine at the Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility.

4. UPCOMING EVENTS:

AUGUST 5 (WEDNESDAY): Gypsy Reel, 6 pm Svec Park. Social distancing and masks required. Free and open to the public

AUGUST 10 (MONDAY): Absentee voter ballots due

• Cavendish Select Board Meeting, 6:30 pm.

AUGUST 11 (TUESDAY): VOTE! Primary Election

AUGUST 18-21 (WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY): Route 131 closed for culvert repair near Glimmerstone

CA❤︎ENDSH-A SAFER SIX COMMUNITY

Covers mouth & nose
   Always masks in public
     Vermonters keep each other safe
       Elbow coughs
         Never forgets to wash hands
          Disinfects common surfaces
            Is alert for symptoms
             Stays 6 feet apart
               Has respect for personal space

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 7/24/20: SB Mtg/Market Rpt/News/Events

In the pandemic, the Hutchins’ cat seemed a little more confused than usual. Jane Hart

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

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ROUTE 131 AND DEPOT STREET BRIDGE PROJECTS ARE STATE, NOT TOWN. Therefore, direct your comments to the state. Weather permitting, the Depot St. Bridge should be striped today. Do not have an opening date yet. There will be no dedication at this time due to Covid.

7/24/20

1. Cavendish SB Mtg 7/13/20

2. Cavendish Info

3. Latest Spigot Turn: Covid-19 Update

4. Market Update by Mark Huntley

5. Events

1.CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 7/13/20: Minutes from the Select Board Meeting are available at the town website. This meeting was held via Zoom

At the recent meeting, the following actions/discussions took place:

• Town office continues to operate by appointment only but could change with an executive order from the Governor. Transfer Station & Highway Dept operate with Covid protocols in place

• Approved lowering speed limit to 25 on Tierney Rd

• Approved the request for termination of utility service at 143 Greven Road

• Adopted the “Local Emergency Management Plan”

• Discussed the formation of a Cavendish Village Revitalization Committee

• Depot St construction should be completed very soon-Note, today they are supposed to be painting the strips on the roadway.

• Culvert near Glimmerstone will be replaced in August, causing the road to be closed for several days. Note that will be Aug. 8-11

2. CAVENDISH INFO

Black River Water Test Results: This week’s water samples were drawn on July 22. The EPAs limit for safe swimming is 235 Cfu. It is recommended to stay out of the water when it appears cloudy and within 24 hours of a heavy rain.

• Cavendish Gorge: 11 CFU

• Greven Field Proctorsville 57 CFU

• Buttermilk Falls, Ludlow 11 CFU

• Little Ascutney RD, Weathersfield 490 CFU Unsafe

• Tolles Power Dam, Perkinsville 31 CFU

• Twenty Foot Hole, Reading VT:16 CFU

• West Hill Road Rec Pond Ludlow, VT 6 CFU

Thank you Black River Action Team and volunteers.

• Town Wide Tag Sale: The Tag Sale is tomorrow.  All vendors and shoppers are required to wear masks, social distance of six feet or more, make frequent use of hand sanitizer stations and stay home if sick. Please observe the rules and help keep Cavendish safe. For list of vendors, check out the Tag Sale webpage

• Aug. 5 Concert: Gypsy Reel will be playing the 6 pm concert in Svec Park (Proctorsville Green).  Please observe social distancing and mask requirements.

• Cavendish Municipal Water Report is now available at the town website.

• GMUSD Board Discusses Re opening Schools Most of the Green Mountain Unified School District board meeting on Thursday, July 17 was taken up with discussing how district schools will reopen for face-to-face learning late next month. Efforts being considered include outdoor classrooms, which take an interesting twist in Cavendish due to the Cavendish Library. After an incident, it was agreed that the front of the school would not be used by students for safety reasons. However, there is now a new principal and superintendent (Lauren Fierman), plus Covid, which could change this discussion, particularly since the Library has had a tent set up outside for their summer program. Chester Telegraph

• Epidemics/Pandemics: What they have in common: As a follow up to the recent Cavendish Historical Society talk on Epidemics/Pandemics, an article has been posted to the CHS blog on the common characteristics to these events.

• Utilities, including GMP, and Internet Providers Team Up to Potentially Bid for Federal Broadband Aid VPR

• Construction underway on $150M Expansion at DHMC

• Vt. health insurers ask state regulators for rate hikes: Blue Cross Blue Shield and MVP, two of Vermont's largest private health insurance companies, are looking to raise premiums next year,

• Vermont's primary election is Tuesday, August 11! Here's what you need to know.

3. THE LATEST SPIGOT TURN: Covid Related Info: There is some good news

            - No outbreak in Manchester: The “outbreak” in Manchester turns out to be a problem with the antigen test being used. Maine has dealt with similar issues. Part of this could be where you are in the infection cycle as a delay between initial antigen test and PCR could create differences. The research for antigen testing has been on symptomatic patients and many at the Manchester Medical Center (MMC) were asymptomatic. At the end of the day, Commissioner Mark Levine, M.D. reported on Tuesday 1,613 people were tested through various sites in the area last week by the state. All but 5 were negative. A PCR test, which is recommended to confirm the antigen result, has been conducted for 52 of the 65 individuals so far. Of those 52 people, 48 tested negative. Four people tested positive and are considered confirmed COVID-19 cases. VDH is working with the CDC to help determine why there were so many false-positives.

            - Chester pool visitor retested and confirmed negative for Covid

            -  A vaccine is possible for the spring of 2021: Two vaccines are in phase 3 trials (if successful the drug will go to the FDA for final approval and then distribution) and eight are in phase 2 (more volunteers than a phase 1 trial but if successful allows phase 3 to occur), with more than 100 in the pipelines

            - There have been no deaths from Covid in VT for over a month. Deaths have slowed down due to better understanding of how to treat Covid, availability of new treatments for those who are sickest and better monitoring and intervention in those newly diagnosed. There have been few hospitalizations and those that are don’t need ICU and ventilator level care.

            - An inhaled coronavirus drug has shown promise at preventing mild cases of COVID-19 from becoming more severe, according to a small new clinical trial. The interferon beta medication reportedly decreased patient’s chances of becoming severely ill by 79%.

         - Several studies suggest that past exposure to common-cold coronaviruses may help protect some people from COVID-19 infection. Six reasons to be optimistic amid COVID-19

            - Younger children are unlikely to spread the virus according to a growing body of research. NYT Two pediatric infectious disease specialists at UVM answer questions on this topic. They conclude, “Therefore, serious consideration should be paid toward strategies that allow schools to remain open, even during periods of COVID-19 spread.  That noted, data out of South Korea shows that children 10-19 appear to spread the coronavirus as much as adults.

Now for the news to make sure we continue to follow prevention protocols

-       People infected with COVID-19 who went undetected or were asymptomatic, presymptomatic, or had only mild symptoms were significant spreaders of the disease. Harvard Gazette

-       Immunity in those infected is questionable. While most seem to develop immunity for a few months at least, there are those who don’t mount a very robust response and some have been infected more than once.

Finally, this was Tuesday’s message from the Governor: We’re always keeping a close eye on what’s going on around the country and the numbers we’re seeing are concerning. As we show you each week, our trends in Vermont have held pretty steady. And while, as expected, we’ve seen more cases as we’ve methodically opened back up, we still have a lot to be proud of. The Governor went on to discuss how VT has the lowest, if not the lowest rates in the country.

But looking across the country, we continue to see a forest fire spreading in the south and west and things could shift back towards us. So we have to keep our guard up, because I know every Vermonter wants to move forward, not backward. In order to strengthen VT’s ability to suppress the virus, the state is looking at several strategies, putting a pause on re opening and the possibility of mandatory masking depending on data. More information will be discussed at today’s press conference.

What we’re seeing in some states is a cautionary tale for us here in Vermont. But the smarter we are, the better off we’ll be. That means continuing to follow Department of Health guidelines.

• Outbreaks/Numbers:. As of July 23, VT has had a total of 1,377 cases of Covid with 2 people in hospital. That’s an increase of 59 cases since last week’s report. Since the first cases were reported, 134 people required hospitalization. Of that group, 34% needed ICU care with 16% needing a ventilator. The average length of stay was 9 days. Those 80 and older are more likely to be hospitalized.  

• Masks Required: Market Basket. According to VDH’s mask survey, 85% reported always or often to wearing masks indoors and in public 

4. MARKET UPDATE BY MARK HUNTLEY: Mark is a Cavendish Vt resident who owns Huntley Financial Services in Ludlow

If you've been watching the market lately, perhaps the first question on your mind is, "Should I make a big change in my investments?" In reality, a volatile market isn't the best time to do a complete makeover of your portfolio, especially if you have long-term financial goals you're trying to address. Even if you feel that your portfolio needs adjusting, maintaining a firm grasp on your fundamental investment strategy can help you be more thoughtful about making any changes.

Think of each investment as a tool in your investing tool kit, and your asset allocation strategy as your blueprint. Some investments are generally designed to pursue long-term growth, others to provide income, and still others to represent stability. Each is valuable in its own way, but it doesn't make sense to use a hammer to remake your portfolio if what you really need is a screwdriver to make minor adjustments. Don't randomly abandon one investment for another unless you know its intended role in your portfolio, whether that role is still appropriate, and the pros and cons of any replacement you're considering.

Remember that diversification can help offset the risks of certain holdings with those of others. When one type of investment is losing ground, another may be gaining or holding steady.

5. UPCOMING EVENTS:

JULY 25 (SATURDAY): TOWN WIDE TAG SALE 9-2

JULY 29 (WEDNESDAY): Gully Boys, 6 pm Svec Park. Social distancing and masks required. Free and open to the public

AUGUST 5 (WEDNESDAY): Gypsy Reel, 6 pm Svec Park. Social distancing and masks required. Free and open to the public

AUGUST 10 (MONDAY): Absentee voter ballots due

AUGUST 11 (TUESDAY): VOTE! Primary Election

CA❤︎ENDSH-A SAFER SIX COMMUNITY

Covers mouth & nose
   Always masks in public
     Vermonters keep each other safe
       Elbow coughs
         Never forgets to wash hands
          Disinfects common surfaces
            Is alert for symptoms
             Stays 6 feet apart
               Has respect for personal space

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 7/17/20: 131 construction/News/Events

Even with no live sports in the pandemic, the Hellmans maintained a commitment to fries. Jane Harte

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

7/17/20

1. Cavendish  Info

2. Construction Report on 131

3. Latest Spigot Turn: Covid-19 Update

4. Events

1. CAVENDISH INFO

• Town Wide Tag Sale: If you would like a Facebook album for items you plan to sell at the Town Wide Tag Sale, please e-mail photographs to cavendishconnects@gmail.com. All vendors and shoppers are required to wear masks, social distance of six feet or more, make frequent use of hand sanitizer stations and stay home if sick. Please observe the rules and help keep Cavendish safe. For more information, check out the Tag Sale webpage. This will be updated as new vendors are added.

• July 29 Concert: The Gully Boys concert, cancelled on July 8 due to weather, has been rescheduled for July 29. Please observe social distancing and mask requirements.

• Summer Camp-Camp Go Wild- Closes Temporarily: The outdoor summer camp run by the After School program of the Green Mountain and Ludlow Mount Holly school districts-Camp Go Wild- has closed for the rest of this week after a parent reported that a child was running a temperature. Chester Telegraph

• A Complex Equation: Schools, Tech Center Prepare for Return of Students: Administrators work to minimize in-person risk but prep remote learning if needed. Chester Telegraph

• Scott Signs Police Reform Bill Banning Chokeholds and Mandating Body Camera 

• American Pickers to film in New England

2. CONSTRUCTION REPORT ON 131: The following report was provided by VTrans on July 16 and includes information about 131 closing for a culvert replacement by Glimmerstone. The closure period will begin at 12:01 AM on Tuesday August 18th and reopen at midnight on Friday August 21st

Remote Public Information Meeting: Tuesday, July 28, 2020 6:00 PM This meeting will be conducted using Zoom. The meeting link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89986953266#success. The meeting will be open at approximately 5:50 PM on 7/28, and will begin at 6:00 PM. The closure period will begin at 12:01 AM on Tuesday August 18th and reopen at midnight on Friday August 21st

The purpose of this meeting is to present the public with information on a culvert replacement and associated full road closure on Vermont Route 131 in Cavendish, VT. The purpose of this project is to remove and replace the existing laid up stone culvert with a concrete reinforced box culvert. 

 Discussion of the scope of work necessitating the closure will be addressed. This meeting will provide information on the construction schedule, detour route, and sources of information during construction. VTrans staff and the contractor will be present to address any questions or concerns in regard to the work being performed for this project.

Construction Activities, Week of 7/20: It is anticipated that soil nail installation will continue until mid-August. This work will be completed behind the barriers located within the signalized portion of the project between Lindberg Drive and Brook Road.

 Cross pipe work has resumed and completed crossings will be left as a gravel surface for several weeks until paving is scheduled. This work will continue for several weeks. The traveling public is urged to use caution when traveling on gravel surfaces.

 The contractor has also begun to install catch basins (storm drains) and crews are currently working on the west side of the project and progressing to the east. The majority of the basins will be brand new (not replacements) and are located in ditch lines and will get attached to the cross pipes that crews are replacing.

  The traveling public should expect one-way alternating traffic in the location of this operation. Minor delays may occur.

 Temporary Traffic Signal: Please note that the phasing of the temporary signal is approximately 5 minutes. The signal is functioning properly and motorists are urged to not proceed until the light turns green. The need for the signal at this location of the construction zone is due to the narrowing of the lane in order that construction activities can be performed safely. "Jumping" the red light may result in meeting oncoming traffic from the other direction. There is no room to maneuver cars side by side in order to alleviate this situation, and this results in traffic delays and potential hazards. Please observe the timing of the signal.

Tree Flagging: The contractor has flagged some trees in Cavendish and Proctorsville with pink ribbon. These trees have been marked as having low-hanging branches over/near the roadway and are being looked at to determine if they need to be trimmed. The contractor (Pike Industries) has marked these trees now in order to allow time for landowners to ask questions. The intent is not to cut the trees down, but to possibly trim off some low limbs. Please contact Natalie Boyle if you have any questions or concerns or would like to speak with someone in regard to any flagged trees.

Traffic Impacts : One-way alternating traffic patterns should be expected at various locations along the project during work hours (approximately 6:00 am to 6:00 pm). Minor delays may occur at these locations.

3. THE LATEST SPIGOT TURN: Covid Related Info: It’s been a very confusing week due to the evolving situation in Manchester. As Uncle Tony (Fauci) continues to say, follow the data and science and avoid the politics. Yet, science can pose its own set of challenges, as even the experts disagree. Right now we’re seeing this play out with the Manchester outbreak.

Included in Tuesday’s special post was information about the use of the Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) by the Manchester Medical Center (MMC). RAT provides test results within 15 minutes, while the PCR (polymer chain reaction) test can take days for results. While both tests are considered to have good accuracy for those that test positive, the differences lies in the “false negatives”-those people who test negative but are in fact positive. There is an error rate of approximately 12% for the RAT and 6% of the PCR. This means, depending on the test used, 12% or 6% of the time those that test negative are actually positive.

VT Department of Health (VDH) considers anyone who tests positive for a RAT a presumptive case and needs to be given a PCR test to confirm findings. Unfortunately, if there is a time delay of even a few days, the PCR can show a negative when in fact the person was truly positive when tested using RAT.

The physicians at MMC had a number of patients coming in for testing this past weekend as they either had symptoms and/or were around someone who tested positive. Between July 10 to July 14, MMC had 58 people test positive on the RAT and suspected 30 more as actually being positive but they tested negative.

Now that considerable PCR testing is being done, some of those initial RAT positive tests will be negative on the PCR due to time delay. Will they follow up with antibody tests for these individuals?

Yesterday, the state had a private press conference. Regardless of limited results, contact tracing and other public safety measures are being administered for those who initially tested positive. Dr. Mark Levine is urging Vermonters to take the potential outbreak seriously.  "This is not a false alarm," he said. "There are going to be cases in this geographic part of the state. We want people to take seriously the advice we've given them on their prior test result."

You can read more on this at Manchester Health Clinics Reports 59 Covid Cases in a Growing Outbreak (VT Digger) Virus hits home: Positive tests nears 60; caution advised (Manchester Journal).

 The important take home message from this situation is that the virus is in VT, whether VDH includes the numbers or not in their daily counts. Remember test results are counted in the state of legal residence, not where you are staying, tested or being cared for. With the Okemo Valley having a large 2nd home owner and tourist community, we know the virus has been here and most likely is around. Therefore it’s imperative that we all do what we can to protect ourselves and each other.

There has been a lot of discussion on the Cavendish VT Facebook page. So a few facts:

• Most people in our area have not been infected

• We don’t know the long term health impacts of having had Covid as it will be decades before that is known. Whether it was a mild, severe or asymptomatic case, you only get shingles if you had chicken pox. Children who had the 1918 flu ended up with more illness and complications as they aged versus their counterparts who didn’t have it. Interestingly, it appears that flu survivors had less risk of cancer and were more likely to die from heart and other types of diseases.

• Masking and social distancing reduce risk of infection and virus spread.

 Call your health care provider if you have any of these symptoms: Cough, fever, shortness of breath, chills, fatigue, muscle pain or body aches, headache, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, congestion or runny nose, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately: Trouble breathing; Persistent pain or pressure in the chest; New confusion; Inability to wake or stay awake; Bluish lips or face

Outbreaks/Numbers:  As of July 16, VT has 1,325 cases, 5 people are in a VT Hospital and 79,040 have been tested.

• Masks Required: Walmart (starts on Monday); Shaw’s (starts July 21) Target (starts Aug. 1), CVS, Walgreens, Safeway, Starbucks, Best Buy, Kohl's. have also announced mandatory masks

• Closed: Dorset Quarry, much of Manchester is closed so call ahead if you are heading in that direction.

• Reopening: Cavendish Library, Depot Street Bridge (next week-no specific date), VT Technical College (mix of in-person, online), Castleton University (dorms open, online classes only)

• Cancelled: Cavendish Rec’s Monday night baseball and softball; Springfield Apple Festival & Craft Show

• State Issues Guidelines for Reopening Schools

3. UPCOMING EVENTS:

JULY 20 (MONDAY): Blood Drive: American Legion, Monday July 20 12-5. To register or FMI: 800-733-2767 or www.redcrossblood.org

JULY 22 (WEDNESDAY): Deb Brisson and the Hay Burners on the Svec Memorial Green in Proctorsville, Wednesday, July 22nd at 6:00 pm. Covid protocols required. Concerts are free and open to the public.

JULY 23 (THURSDAY): Compost Workshop, 6:30 at CTES auditorium. Masking and social distancing required.  Plastic composters for sale at this event.

JULY 25 (SATURDAY): TOWN WIDE TAG SALE 9-2

JULY 29 (WEDNESDAY): Gully Boys, 6 pm Svec Park. Social distancing and masks required. Free and open to the public

AUGUST 10 (MONDAY): Absentee voter ballots due

AUGUST 11 (TUESDAY): VOTE! Primary Election

CA❤︎ENDSH-A SAFER SIX COMMUNITY

Covers mouth & nose
   Always masks in public
     Vermonters keep each other safe
       Elbow coughs
         Never forgets to wash hands
          Disinfects common surfaces
            Is alert for symptoms
             Stays 6 feet apart
               Has respect for personal space

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

7/14/20 Covid Special Report

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

7/14/20: Special Covid Post

Covid is going to be with us for quite a while. There are going to be outbreaks and clusters, which we will alert you to if they are relevant to our community.

If you have been following the Cavendish VT Facebook page, you will know there is an outbreak underway in Manchester VT and surrounding towns. In addition, a child tested positive who was at the Chester pool on July 9 from 6-6:45. If you or a member of your family was at the pool at that time, please contact your medical provider for follow up care as well as the Chester Town Office (802-875-2173) to confirm contact information

There have been reports of baseball games where a player has tested positive and as a result, Springfield and Bellows Falls have placed their practices on hold for the week. Chester recently held a softball tournament where masking and social distancing were not being regularly observed.

Finally, the Londonderry Town Office is now closed with staff in quarantine as a result of a person visiting the town office who tested positive.

This morning Manchester Medical Center (MMC) posted to their Facebook page an explanation of what’s happening at their facility. The issues they describe-high tourism and 2nd homeowner communities- are just as relevant for the Okemo Valley.

I will confirm that over the past 72 hours, we have had 42 positive cases and likely 30+ false negative tests, at least (meaning folks may be contagious, but the test doesn’t detect it). This general report does not indicate which town/county/state that these cases came from, in order to protect privacy. I provide you with this information for the reminder that VT is not excluded during this pandemic. I want our community safe.

The VT Department of Health (VDH) publishes new case numbers daily. Are they an actual reflection of what’s taking place in our community? No. Positive cases are counted in the person’s residency state. So if you live part of the year in VT and the other half somewhere else, if you test positive, the result will be counted in which ever state you declared as your primary residency.

Understanding Testing and Reporting: MMC uses an “antigen” test, also called the “rapid test,” which gives you immediate results. Anyone testing positive is positive. However, there is a 12% error rate for false tests. In other words, you test negative but are in fact positive. This is known as a “false positive.”

Anyone who tests positive on the antigen test is considered “presumptive positive” by VDH and will need a PCR test for the state to include them in their statistics. Note that if their primary residence is not VT, they still aren’t going to be reflected in VT’s report.

The preferred test is the PCR test, which is what VDH uses. Accuracy for positive tests, like the antigen test, is high. However, it too has a false negative rate, about half that of the antigen test-6%.

Today’s statistics from VDH for Covid reporting, indicate that there were only 4 new cases in VT, with none being from Windham County.

No information is provided on presumptive cases. According to Dr. Mark Levine, at today’s Governor’s press conference, there are only two places in the state (MMC and UVMC) to his knowledge that do antigen testing and this is the first time something like this has happened.

It’s a bit of a head scratcher when MMC is reporting they most likely have about 70 cases of Covid and yet VDH reports 0. However, VDH has begun contact tracing everyone who has tested positive and is encouraging those that tested antigen positive, as well as those that are suspected of being positive but tested negative, to participate in tomorrow’s pop up testing at Flood Brook. A number of those going to MMC are showing symptoms of infection.

Particularly emphasized at today’s press conference was the need for Vermonters traveling out of state to areas that are not deemed “safe” and returning home and not quarantining. Indications are that this is part of the reason for the outbreak in the greater Manchester/Londonderry area.

Where to get testing: Anyone can get a free PCR Covid test. Use the state’s testing locations website to learn about available Pop Up testing. On July 15, there will be pop up testing at Flood Brook School, Brattleboro District and in Rutland. There will be testing in White River Junction on July 16. While there are walk in slots, the Flood Brook site is already booked solid tomorrow and expect a long wait for walk ins.

Know the symptoms: There isn’t any flu in Vermont, so if you are experiencing any of the following, please consider being tested: Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

• Fever or chills

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Fatigue

• Muscle or body aches

• Headache

• New loss of taste or smell

• Sore throat

• Congestion or runny nose

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Younger people with less severe COVID-19 might develop painful, itchy lesions on their hands and feet that resemble chilblains, an inflammatory skin condition. Sometimes called COVID toes, this symptom typically lasts about 12 days. COVID-19 also has been reported to cause small, itchy blisters, more commonly appearing before other symptoms and lasting about 10 days. Others might develop hives or a rash with flat and raised lesions. These skin changes might last a week, appear at the same time as other symptoms and are associated with more severe infections.

• Eye problems. COVID-19 might cause eye problems such as enlarged, red blood vessels, swollen eyelids, excessive watering and increased discharge. The infection also might cause light sensitivity and irritation. These symptoms are more common in people with severe infections.

If you experience any of the following seek emergency help immediately. If you are going to your local emergency room, call ahead:

• Trouble breathing

• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

• New confusion

• Inability to wake or stay awake

• Bluish lips or face

What does this mean for Cavendish?: Covid is here and even if the state continues to report we’ve had no cases that’s probably not true since there are bound to be asymptomatic individuals as well as non-residents testing positive but not counted .

Cavendish is trying to bring some normalcy to our summer by continuing the Concert series and the Town Wide Tag sale. For these to be safe and fun places it is required that everyone wears a mask and stays six feet apart. At the Town Wide Tag Sale please make use of the hand sanitizing and mask distribution points-Gazebo Proctorsville Green and the Cavendish Baptist Church in Cavendish village. Vendors should consider one way signs and if anyone shows up without a mask, please direct them to places where they can pick up free ones.

Covid is not going to suddenly disappear and we can expect masks and “safer six” to be part of our life for the next 12-18 months. We need to find ways to enjoy where we live without jeopardizing one another.

And please, a nose over the mask is as obnoxious as pants wearers sporting butt cracks. Pull the mask over your nose and use a mask that has a clamp to keep your nose covered

If you are in quarantine:. If you need assistance, and we do not care about your residency status, we just want you safe and healthy please e-mail cavendishconnects@gmail.com or call the 802-226-7291 (M-F).

CA❤︎ENDSH IS A S©FER SIX COMMUNITY

Covers mouth & nose
   Always masks in public
     Vermonters keep each other safe
       Elbow coughs
         Never forgets to wash hands
          Disinfects common surfaces
            Is alert for symptoms
             Stays 6 feet apart
               Has respect for personal space

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS