The Department of Health reported 4 new cases of the coronavirus Friday, bringing the total cases confirmed in Vermont since the beginning of the pandemic to 1,541.

As of Friday, three people were reported to be in the hospital with confirmed cases of the virus. To date, 58 people have died with the illness. No new deaths were reported.

As of Friday, the state reported that 116,998 people had been tested for the illness in Vermont since mid-March, an increase of 1,539.

The number of new cases of Covid this week was the largest since mid-June, but several state officials said they aren’t worried about the rise at a press conference Friday. With college students returning and the number of tests at an all-time peak, the rise in cases is expected, said Mike Pieciak, commissioner of the Department of Financial Regulation.

The health department advises that those who think they may need to be tested to use the CDC’s Self-Checker tool.

Those who have symptoms consistent with Covid-19 should call their health care provider to schedule a test. Providers can also refer patients to testing sites. Testing is also available at many pharmacies and clinics.

Health department testing sites are open throughout the state for anyone who is asymptomatic and wants a test.

Testing sites can be found at https://humanresources.vermont.gov/popups.

The health department’s full update for August 21 is here.

—Mike Dougherty