Advancing into a new future

American flags wave in the breeze outside downtown shops in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Vermont remains under a state of emergency, but, as anticipated, Gov. Phil Scott announced more reopening plans on Friday.

As of June 1, fitness facilities and spas will be among several close-contact businesses allowed to reopen, though it will be under the 25-percent capacity limit that Vermont retail and lodging sectors are following. Also, the social gathering limit was moved from 10 to 25, effective immediately — which, Scott noted, does not tie into the interior capacity limits required at businesses.

Amid the rapid onslaught of summer, the governor also announced overnight summer camps will be allowed to operate as of June 7, though at a 75-percent bed capacity limit and under strict quarantine requirements. Scott called that provision a “pilot project” that will greatly inform the approach to reopening the travel and tourism industry, the backbone of the summer economy. 

The lack of spring tourism is weighing on businesses, and Vermont faces increasing pressure to more firmly hit the restart button for that reason. Particularly at issue is the 14-day quarantine requirement for anyone crossing into Vermont. The desire to visit the Green Mountains is there, as evidenced by 10,000 more motorists coming into Vermont the Friday before Memorial Day than the same day the previous week, as Scott said. 

The ecosystem that serves tourism traffic — including lodging, restaurants and retail — has been crucial to Vermont’s reopening efforts in the past two weeks. That said, not every business has been able to act on the loosened restrictions yet, and therefore, the broad economic impact of those reopenings is tough to measure. The next big step would be easing or lifting the 14-day quarantine requirement, but Vermont’s cautious approach will continue, with Scott saying Friday the state of emergency may be extended past June 15. 

Every passing week without a full reopening poses more challenges for already-strained budgets at businesses in Vermont and neighboring states. Nevertheless, we can all play a role in being supportive of our communities and guiding each other compassionately down the path of progress. As we wrap up another week, we can take solace in knowing that’s the path we’re on. 

— Gareth Henderson