Navigating the path forward

Flags fly in the breeze outside downtown businesses in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson File Photo)

The governor has extended Vermont's state of emergency order to July 15, on the same day as he allowed campgrounds to fully open and anticipated taking other steps soon. 

While Gov. Phil Scott noted Vermont has made great progress in slowing the spread of COVID-19, the emergency order gives him the ability to slow the reopening process during the pandemic if needed. So far, the prospects for continuing that process look good. At his Monday press briefing, Scott said he anticipates allowing people to visit nursing homes and assisted living facilities later this week.

The full reopening of campgrounds comes on the heels of the relaxing of quarantine requirements for travelers, the partial reopening of indoor dining, and allowing hair salons, barber shops and gyms to partially reopen. On Monday, Scott reminded Vermonters that the state "is not an island" and must remain cautious on next steps. 

"We still have 130,000 active cases within a five-hour drive of us," Scott said. 

Vermont Health Commissioner Mark Levine on Monday said the recent outbreak in Winooski and Burlington was not the result of the state's reopening efforts. Actually, he said health officials have seen indications that this outbreak, which stands at 83 cases today, can be contained. Contact tracing efforts are ongoing, Levine said.

It seems almost incredible that the pandemic reached Vermont three months ago, mainly because it feels like much longer — six months at least. But throughout those very difficult 90 days, Vermont's cautious and poised leadership has benefitted the state, and the progress has been steady, despite the recent situation in Winooski and Burlington. 

Today, we stand with numerous sectors partially open, and efforts continue to pave the way for broader reopenings for tourism-related businesses, many of which are struggling mightily to stay alive. Hopefully, state aid will be able to supplement local programs and community support to keep these small businesses going. This moment, throughout the state, the words "shop local" ring true. Let's each do all we can to support our local economies, and help pave the way for more progress in these coming weeks. Vermont needs it.

— Gareth Henderson