Dear Central Vermont Community Members,
Last week, the State of Vermont made two announcements about COVID-19 that are relevant to our community.
On April 2nd, the state released COVID-19 modeling indicating that cases will peak in mid-April under “likely scenarios.” This aligns closely with CVMC’s planning timeline, and we stand ready to respond to that surge in patient volumes. As part of CVMC’s Incident Command Center structure, Matt Choate, RN, our Chief Nursing Officer and VP of Patient Care Services has been leading a multidisciplinary team developing CVMC’s comprehensive surge plan.
The plan articulates locations, staff, and equipment needed to care safely for increases in COVID-19 patient volumes. I am grateful to the team of providers, nurses, support and ancillary staff who have been working diligently to ensure our capacity meets projected community need.
On April 3rd, the Vermont Department of Health Commissioner, Mark Levine, MD recommended that all Vermonters use cloth masks when in public. Both Commissioner Levine and Governor Scott emphasized that the “stay home and stay safe” order is still in effect, and these masks should be used when engaged in essential trips outside the home.
With this masking recommendation, CVMC is actively looking for volunteers to sew cloth masks for staff without close patient contact. Use of cloth masks for our employees who are not in contact with patients will support conserving our personal protective equipment (PPE) for members of our team engaging in direct patient care. Click here for CVMC’s mask making directions, and drop off locations.
We continue to accept donations of N95 masks, face shields, and more. You may view ways you can help here.
Staying home remains the best way to protect yourself, family members, and health care professionals. Please know how grateful we are to everyone who is doing their part to slow the spread of COVID-19.
We are all in this together and we will continue to support each other as we prepare for what lies ahead.
With gratitude,
Anna Tempesta Noonan, RN, BSN, MS
President and Chief Operating Officer
Central Vermont Medical Center