It is our goal to remain open to serve our community while doing our best to prevent illness and limit exposures. We need everyone’s help and cooperation to realize this goal.  Symptoms can be as mild as a runny nose, a headache, or fatigue. If you have any potential COVID-19 or flu symptoms, please stay home. Rapid test kits are available at The Thompson.

At The Thompson:  

• People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask and not return to The Thompson until symptoms are resolved and they have negative test results.
• Opening windows is encouraged for ventilation during exercise classes & programs; please make sure to close windows after class.
• Commonly touched surfaces are regularly disinfected, and you should frequently wash or sanitize your hands while visiting.
• Reservations are required for all meals and programs. Sign up for dining room meals by 10:30 am (sooner if you’re able, as we are filling up regularly, and meals are on a first-come-first-serve basis).
• If you are at high risk of getting very sick, talk with a healthcare provider about additional prevention actions.
• While masks are not required, anyone is welcome to wear one at The Thompson. Outside dining options and program spaces are available, as weather allows.
• We follow CDC current recommendations and adjust our procedures accordingly.

Exposure or symptoms:

• Because we serve a higher-risk community, if you have been in close contact or exposed to someone who is confirmed positive for COVID-19, please wear a mask or avoid coming to the Center for lunch until you have been tested 3-5 days after exposure, even if you do not have any symptoms.
• Follow Vermont Health Department’s recommendations after exposure.
• No one should come to the Center if they have tested positive for COVID-19 within 5 days, are feeling sick, or have any symptoms of respiratory illness. Please stay home and get well – if you let us know, we can help arrange delivery of meals, groceries or other necessities.
• If you have been at The Thompson and come down with any symptoms, test positive for COVID-19, or learn about a confirmed positive exposure, please let Deanna Jones, Executive Director, know right away so that our exposure contingency planning can begin. Confidentiality will be maintained but we need to know so that we can work to keep other guests and staff safe and aware if they were potentially exposed.
• We strongly encourage you to keep up-to-date with your booster shots to provide maximum protection against infection. If you have not been vaccinated, we encourage you to contact your health provider to schedule a free vaccine appointment, or consult the state Health Department’s website for information. If you have any questions or need assistance, let us know! 802-457-3277

Testing

The Vermont Health Department maintains information on testing and local sites on their website. We can help you find test sites. If you are concerned about a recent Covid exposure, or are feeling sick,  we have home testing rapid kits available for participants, staff, and volunteers.  You can order additional free test kits here: https://special.usps.com/testkits

Vaccination

Vaccines are the best tool to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Vaccines help your body fight off the virus. When you are vaccinated you are much less likely to get sick and less likely to transmit the virus to others. Anyone who is not vaccinated is still vulnerable to experiencing the worst of COVID-19. The more people who get vaccinated, the fewer chances for transmission and mutations, and the faster we can end the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines >>

Find COVID-19 Vaccines

Questions

If you have any questions or concerns, please give us a call. Below are some helpful links related to the ongoing pandemic from our local health departments. We recommend using these resources to verify other information you may encounter online or through other media outlets.

• Vermont Department of Health
• New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Last updated: September 5, 2023