MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - The state of Vermont is activating its emergency operations center to help experts prepare for the potential widespread transmission of the coronavirus, the state said Tuesday.
Republican Gov. Phil Scott issued the order to activate the Vermont State Emergency Operations Center beginning Wednesday morning as part of the state’s emergency management plan.
The center will organize efforts to fight the spread of the virus and share information with state and local officials.
For most people, the coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. In mainland China, where the virus first exploded, more than 80,000 people have been diagnosed and more than 58,000 have so far recovered.
THE NUMBERS:
Vermont health officials say one person has been diagnosed with coronavirus in the state. That person, whose age, gender and hometown have not been released, is hospitalized at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington.
SCHOOLS IMPACTED:
A number of local Vermont schools canceled classes. On Tuesday, Middlebury College announced it was moving up the beginning of spring break to this Friday. When classes resume March 30, they will be conducted remotely with most students studying from home.
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