The number of people who have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Vermont rose to 158, an increase of nearly three dozen since Wednesday and the largest one-day spike in new cases since the first positive test was reported March 7. .
One more person in Vermont has died, according to the latest figures from the Vermont Department of Health, bringing the total number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 in the state to nine. No information was immediately available about the person who died.
At least six of the deaths were residents or patients of Burlington Health & Rehab, and officials say at least 14 residents and one staff member at the long-term care facility have tested positive.
Statewide, the number of people tested has topped 2,000.
The Health Department issued an advisory Thursday cautioning Vermonters against using non-approved drugs to treat COVID-19. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not t approved any drugs specifically for the treatment of patients with COVID-19.
Also on Thursday, Sen. Patrick Leahy announced that Vermont will receive nearly $2 billion in support from a federal coronavirus relief package passed by the U.S. Senate.
Coronavirus Tracker: Charting the outbreak in Vermont and New Hampshire
This story will be updated when more information becomes available.
