Rules loosen for dining, travel
Scenic vistas like this one along High Pastures Road in Pomfret draw visitors to Vermont every summer. The state is loosening travel restrictions. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
It's been a long way up the coronavirus mountain, and Vermont continues to make progress on reopening while heading down the other side of it.
Starting Monday, restaurants get the go-ahead for indoor dining with restrictions, Gov. Phil Scott announced at a press briefing. The rules install a 25-percent capacity limit and six-foot distancing between tables. Bars will remain closed, reservations are required, and cleaning protocols are outlined in the governor’s order.
Despite this expected good news, many restaurants remain in dire financial straits amid the pandemic.
"I know we've still got a long way to go to get our restaurants back on their feet, and I know they can't make it on 25-percent capacity, but we've got to start somewhere, and we'll be able to build on this if the numbers move in the right direction," Scott said.
Along with the dining announcement, the state also said travel restrictions will be eased as of Monday. The state will allow people living in counties in New England and upstate New York, that have 400 or fewer active COVID-19 cases per one million residents, to come to Vermont without a quarantine requirement. Vermonters will also be able to travel to those places without a quarantine. That said, Vermonters must still follow the rules of other states when traveling to those areas. Also in Friday’s update, the capacity limit on lodging establishments and campgrounds was raised from 25 to 50 percent.
The governor also said health officials are confident that, with the state's solid testing capacity, they can contain a recent outbreak in Winooski and stop it from spreading to the rest of the city or state. Vermont on Thursday confirmed 34 new COVID-19 cases in that city after weeks of seeing few new cases. Outside of Winooski, the same day saw a total of two other confirmed cases statewide.
Scott acknowledged that some will be worried about loosening these restrictions at the same time as the situation in Winooski.
“I recognize this is a lot to absorb ... but I want to be clear, each of these steps is done working with the guidance of our health experts,” Scott said. He noted that firmer restrictions earlier in the spring gave the state time to build up its testing capacity, which it did.
Indeed, it was a difficult time to take in the news of a spike in cases, but it appears cautious leadership is paying off for Vermont, not only health-wise but also in downtowns. With the beautiful weather and the gradual loosening of restrictions, for example, Woodstock Village was busier on Friday than I’ve seen it in some time. As more retail shops and restaurants open, we will see that activity increase statewide as customers see the economic ecosystem beginning to revive. Tourism will gradually trickle in as word gets out about the relaxed restrictions. As economic activity increases, positive signs of community and solidarity around progress will have the opportunity to flourish. Let’s take those steps together while being kind, compassionate and loving — in other words, while being Vermont Strong.
— Gareth Henderson
