AP PHOTO/CHARLES KRUPA
WHITE RIVER JUNCTION, Vt. (AP) — Vermont is home to three new presumptive cases of the coronavirus, health authorities said Saturday.
There are now four presumptive positive cases and one confirmed case of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, in Vermont, the Department of Health said.
The department said the new cases involves a Windsor County man over the age of 80, a Washington County man in his 50s and a resident of Westchester County, New York, who is in his 50s.
The Windsor County man is hospitalized at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in White River Junction, and the Washington County man was treated at Central Vermont Medical Center before being sent home for isolation, authorities said. The Westchester County man was evaluated and tested at Springfield Hospital in Springfield and is self isolating.
“We expected that Vermont would see more cases, and that there likely will be more,” said state Health Commissioner Mark Levine.
The Health Department said it has been working to investigate the patients’ travel histories and identify anyone who may have been in close contact with them.
SKI RESORT SHUTDOWN
Jay Peak Resort, which typically keeps slopes open until early May, announced Saturday it will shut down due to the virus.
The closure also applies to the resort’s indoor water park, climbing gym and other facilities, WMUR-TV reported. The resort said one of the factors behind the closure was an announcement by the provincial government of Quebec to limit entry into the U.S. Jay Peak is very popular with Canadian visitors.
ABOUT THE VIRUS
For most people, the new virus 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, or death. The vast majority of people recover.
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