The first Vermont patient with a confirmed case of COVID-19 has improved to stable at the Bennington hospital where he is being treated, officials said.
In a statement issued by the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, Chief Nursing Officer Pamela Duchene called the patient’s condition an improvement.
The Bennington hospital is now treating three cases of COVID-19. The hospital is also offering drive-up testing for the disease caused by the coronavirus.
The hospital has been conducting about 20 tests a day, Duchene said.
The Burlington-based University of Vermont Medical Center has also set up a pop-up testing site at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction.
All pre-K-12 schools in Vermont must close no later than Tuesday. Also, bars and restaurants across the state must close by 2 p.m. Tuesday, although takeout and delivery are still available.
For most people, the coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, results in 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, or death. The vast majority of people recover.
On Friday, Gov. Phil Scott declared a state of emergency to help the state cope with the pandemic. Among the details, Scott granted a 90-day extension for extensions of driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations.
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COURTS
State and federal courts in Vermont are scaling back operations to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
On Monday, the Vermont Supreme Court declared a judicial emergency due to the outbreak. All non-emergency Superior Court hearings in Vermont will be postponed through April 15. There are exceptions for high-priority cases.
Separately, Vermont’s U.S. District Court Chief Judge Geoffrey Crawford issued a similar order Monday postponing all civil and criminal matters scheduled for in-court appearances until further notice. Grand jury proceedings are postponed until at least April 23.
Criminal matters, such as initial appearances and arraignments before the magistrate judge and the issuance of search warrants, will continue as usual.
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