GOVERNOR SCOTT COVID-19 PRESS CONFERENCE 11/23/2021

Innkeepers are a busy bunch. To save you time, VLA attends Governor Scott’s Covid-19 Press Conferences and takes notes for you. Below is the summary from 11.23.21.

The administration continued to urge Vermonters to test and get boosters at today’s press conference. Close to 40% of children age 5-11 have received a first vaccine dose or signed up to receive one, but this age group is currently experiencing the highest case rate. Case rates across the U.S. are up 15%, and up 4% from last week’s high case rate in Vermont. Despite the high case rate, the positivity rate has decreased due to a large number of people getting tested last week Secretary Mike Smith reported that the state is increasing testing capacity on Wednesday in advance of Thanksgiving gatherings and will be testing new rapid LAMP tests at testing sites. Smith said that if you get tested on Wednesday, the goal is for you to receive your results on Thursday.

NOTES:

  • Governor Phil Scott:
    • Dr. Fauci said that a study in Israel shows that protection from booster is 11 times higher against infection and 20 times higher against severe illness.
    • Supply of rapid test – hope to quadruple supply by December.
    • Signed mask bill.
    • Masking inside is a good idea right now – mandates won’t work. No need to implement broad mandate. This was a compromise. Same power was given to municipalities last year.
    • Senate Resolution calling on him to implement all public health measures available (closures, banning gatherings…) – I will not move us backwards, frankly – sends wrong message and snatches hope from the hands of Vermonters. Know more about this virus than months ago – in  a different place now.
    • For Thanksgiving – make sure everyone is vaccinated. Use tests. If you’re sick stay home.
    • We will probably see a higher number of cases next week.
  • Commissioner Mike Pieciak:
    • Covid cases on rise across U.S. – up 15%.
    • Stable in NE.
    • Positivity rate in VT has gone down – case rate up 4%.
    • 4.4 times greater rate for those who are not vaccinated.
    • 5-11 age group high rate. But highest rate of vaccination for this group in the U.S.
    • 65 and older cases have gone down.
    • Cases still high in NEK and Bennington counties.
    • Stable across college campuses.
    • Long-term care facility cases down. Many are cases among staff.
    • ICU numbers up 12%. 78% not vaccinated.
    • Availability of ICU beds has increased.
    • Lost another 11 people this past week – 40 deaths in November.
    • Vaccinations- at the top in many of the metrics in the nation.
  • Secretary Mike Smith:
    • 40% of children 5-11 have received first dose or have made first appointment.
    • Boosters – 152,600 people in Vermont have received boosters.
    • 80 additional sub-acute beds added. Freed up hospital capacity. But additional beds needed – will add 47 more.
    • Vermont leads nation in testing. Increasing testing sites throughout holiday season. If you get tested on Wednesday – goal is to get results to you by Thanksgiving – appointments and sites added. Some locations using LAMP tests – just as reliable as PCR tests, but more rapid turnaround.
    • Self-service kits will also be used.
    • Many pharmacies and hospitals have tests – and pharmacies sell at-home antigen tests.
  • Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine:
    • Boosters – anyone 18 and over 6 months or 2 months out. Data shows boosters are working. Case rates in older Vermonters who have received boosters are down.
    • Need for booster does not mean that the vaccine has not done its job – protection from vaccine can wear off over time – very common. Booster can increase protection.
    • Schedule tests after Thanksgiving as well.
    • Will have a flu season in Vermont – behind vaccine rate from last year. Ages 18-64 well behind. Get it as soon as possible.
  • Questions:
    • How many people have not been infected? 50k unvaccinated. Dr. Levine- 40-50K have been infected. 60% of kids haven’t been vaccinated.
    • LAMP tests – what are they? Dr. Levine – Not like PCR (not antigen) – but quicker results. Same nasal swab. Not widely available. If there were more and they were cheaper – every state would be doing them.
    • Not increased side effects from booster than original series.
    • Won’t be testing Thursday. Testing LAMP technology on Wednesday.
    • What do you see the next session looking like? Scott – People, including White House have looked at us as gold standard – I don’t think the legislature has as many experts advising them as I do… I understand that they feel overwhelmed when they hear from a very vocal number of constituents. (Quotes Jeff Zein from White House on not heading towards shut downs – lock downs or economic restrictions – “White House feels the same that we do.”) Doesn’t mean that legislature won’t act in January. (Responding to the resolution that Senate passed yesterday).
    • Do you support Peter Welch? Scott – A long ways to go until the election – a number of candidates – I know that there will be a Republican or number of Republicans, or more Democrats. Or even an Independent – centrist business person…
    • Are you concerned about hitting gridlock this legislative session? Scott – I’m a bit concerned. Seeing who is going to run from the legislature (for Welch’s seat). We’re receiving so much federal money – we need to act quickly and efficiently and effectively as possible – need to put political posturing aside… We should be able to get through this in 90 days – and then they can go campaigning.
    • What was your understanding from VLCT on support for local mask mandate power? (re: VLCT not polling cities and towns on issue – legislators not happy). Scott – We never asked them how many towns supported it. Just assumed that they supported it – surprised that some didn’t. Saw Karen Horn on TV talking about this and it sparked my interest. They also sent me a letter. You should ask them.
    • Smith – Looking at adding testing site into the Mad River Valley after Thanksgiving.
    • Scott – Not running for Welch’s seat – “Would still be going to the same place.”
    • Scott – Unfortunate that this turned political early on (vaccination). We could have gotten through this a lot quicker. Concerned about what’s happening in Europe.
    • Re: Covid in correctional facilities – Smith – Virus does enter facilities. We’re seeing pockets of infection – but vaccine has controlled the spread.
    • State recently put out new PCB testing action levels – impact? Dr. Levine – Not new action levels – new program from legislation. New memo on website is part of larger program to support schools in achieving lowest levels. Beginning of framework from legislative directive.
    • Winter sports – should those who have to attend show proof of vaccine? Scott – Don’t have a state of authority – can just provide guidelines for schools. Good for people to be vaccinated. Decision that needs to be made locally. Young – Have been recommending masking for all indoor sports for athletes and spectators.
    • Re: Rep. Brian Savage’s resignation – search for replacement? Scott – Sorry to see him go – Republicans will send us three names to consider.
    • Marijuana in Brattleboro that tested positive for fentanyl. – Dr. Levine – Only one reported in Vermont. If you are buying products that aren’t part of legal marketplace – titrate it and use with others. Hopefully it’s a single event.
    • Numbers on state charts for schools not keeping up and being accurate? Dr. Levine – Some of it may be cases from contact cases that we don’t know about – other issues. Some that we might not attribute to schools.