Dr. Genereaux delivered a baby this weekend!

Last week we had a total of 469 patient visits including 51 televisits and 225 phone visits. Our overall visit count is about 60 to 65% of our pre-pandemic visit rate, and behavioral health visits are at the same rate as the pre-pandemic rate. Our East Corinth Clinic continues in-person care tomorrow and again on Friday. Due to a decrease in patients with symptoms of respiratory illness, the Bradford clinic is decreasing the respiratory care only hours to 2:30 to 5PM daily (and as a result increasing customary appointment hours). Please call first, and we will coordinate a visit for you in a safe manner and regardless of your ability to pay. If you need a primary care provider, we will happily help you establish at Little Rivers. 

The Vermont Department of Health reported that, based on data in the medical literature, almost 100% of individuals develop symptoms within 11 ½ days after exposure to an individual with COVID-19. Therefore, the recommended period of quarantine is being changed to 12 days. Individuals who are in quarantine can be tested on or after day 7; if the results are negative and they are asymptomatic, they can end quarantine (they should remain in quarantine while awaiting test results). 

We are strategically planning for an increase of in-person visits and for warmer weather. We are (1) considering alternating provider appointments of in-person and televisit to minimize waiting room occupancy, (2) researching patient pager systems to allow patients to wait for appointments outside, (3) setting up more spaces outside for patients to sit, and (4) preparing for pre-visit planning calls to remind patients to come along when possible and to review instructions for arrival at the clinic. We are researching special filters and air treatment devices for our air handling systems and air conditioning units to prepare for warmer weather. We look forward to sharing our plans for continued safe access to health care. 

VT COVID-19 Cases (as of midday today):
Total cases: 926, New Cases: 7 (since Friday), Deaths: 53 (no new deaths since Friday). Vermont has 5 patients currently hospitalized for COVID-19 and 9 hospitalized under investigation. Windsor County has 45 cases, Washington County has 38 cases, Caledonia County remains at 14 cases and Orange County at 8 cases. Windsor has 2 deaths so far, Washington 1, and none in Caledonia and Orange Counties. Orange County Vermont remains at 2 cases per 10,000 people. In our region, there are confirmed cases in Lyndon, Kirby, St. Johnsbury, Waterford, Marshfield, Groton, Orange and Fairlee.