COVID-19 in Communities

What information is shown on this map?

The map reflects the rate of cases of COVID-19 among Vermont residents per 10,000 people, by town of residence, from the past two weeks.

The table shows cumulative cases by town since March. 

Some cases may be reflected in the town of their mailing address, if their physical address is not available to us. When we contact the person, we confirm their physical address and update the record and the map when necessary.
 

Why are rates used on the map, and how are they calculated?

Rates are commonly used because they allow us to compare the number of cases across towns that have different population sizes.

To calculate the rate by town in the last two weeks, we take the number of cases reported in the last two weeks in a town and divide it by that town’s population. That number is multiplied by 10,000 people. This is the rate, or number of cases per 10,000 people.

Use the map to compare how prevalent COVID-19 is in a town over the past two weeks, relative to other towns. The map may help communities assess how their town is doing and take additional actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 when necessary.

When looking at the town rates, please remember that having a lower rate of recent cases is not the same as “safer.” We know the virus is in our communities, and we should continue to follow health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 – no matter where we live or where we visit. The data reflect the rate of people who had a positive test. There may be people in your town that have COVID-19 but have not been tested.
 

Why isn’t the number of cases in a town over the last two weeks reported?

Using the number of cases alone (instead of rates) in each town does not show how the cases are affecting that population size. For example, 15 cases within a town that has 2,000 people has more impact on that population than 15 cases in a town that has 12,000 people.

Rates are used because they allow us to compare recent activity across towns with different populations. By adjusting for population, we can better understand the impact of COVID-19 across towns.

These numbers may also be so small that they cannot be provided under federal and state laws that protect an individual’s privacy. This is a common practice with all of protected health information data, not just with COVID-19 data.
 

Why doesn’t my town show up on the map?

You may live in an unincorporated village. Please check a map of Vermont to find out which town your village is in.
 

Why isn’t my town included in the table? 

Towns that are not listed in the table have had fewer than 6 cases of COVID-19 since March. Federal and State Laws are in place to protect an individual’s privacy. This is a common practice with all of protected health information data, not just with COVID-19 data.


When I compare the county map to the town map, the numbers don’t match. Why is that? 

The town map reflects the rate of Vermont residents who tested positive for COVID-19. The county map reflects the number of Vermont residents and non-Vermont residents who tested positive for COVID-19 while visiting or seeking care in Vermont. 

Who is considered a Vermont resident?  

Anyone who provided the Health Department a Vermont address as their current address when they were identified as a case. 
 

Are people with second homes in Vermont included?

If someone provided their second home as their current address, they are reflected in the map. However, we often don’t know if the address they provided is their first or second home. 
 

My town has had no cases or a low number of cases since March. Does that mean I’m safer?

No. We know the virus is in our communities and we should continue to follow health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 – no matter what town we live in. 
 

Should I avoid towns with high numbers of cases?

The virus is in our communities and we should continue to follow health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 – no matter what town we live in. 
 

How are residents of long-term care facilities or inmates at correctional facilities counted?

Residents of a long-term care facility or inmates at a correctional facility are counted in the town where the facility they were residing in at the time of testing is located.