Vermont lifts all statewide pandemic restrictions
A view from Fletcher Hill Road in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
Effective immediately, Vermont has lifted all remaining statewide pandemic restrictions, as over 80% of eligible Vermonters are now vaccinated against COVID-19.
Gov. Phil Scott made the announcement Monday morning, noting Vermont is the first state in the nation to vaccinate over 80% of its 12-and-over population. He said lifting the statewide rules is now safe to do, because Vermonters have consistently worked hard to limit spread of the virus, including getting immunized.
“Again, not only do we lead the United States, but Vermont is now a global leader in vaccinations to defeat COVID-19,” Scott said. “Our state has shown the world what’s possible when you have a group of people with the right attitude following the data and trusting medical science.”
Due to this change at the state level, the Woodstock Village mask ordinance is now suspended.
Across the state, Vermont businesses that wish to do so can maintain rules such as mask-wearing within their stores. The governor also noted that some individuals may have “their own legitimate reasons to remain cautious.”
"As I’ve said, that’s natural, and it’s OK,” he said. “I hope all Vermonters show compassion and respect for one another, including businesses choosing to keep some requirements in place, while they wait for all their employees to do the right thing and get vaccinated.”
The state of emergency expires at midnight, but on Tuesday Scott plans to sign off on some changes to the executive order, to maintain several related programs that are still needed. More details will be released Tuesday.
Going forward, Vermont will continue to make the COVID-19 vaccine available at different sites around the state. At Monday’s press conference, Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine said there is still much work to be done to maintain the high level of protection Vermont has achieved against the virus.
“We will continue getting as many Vermonters vaccinated as possible, to keep this protection as strong as we can,” Levine said. “We will continue to keep watching our data closely and act accordingly.”
He added that the state and its partners will continue to work hard to help and provide guidance to those who can’t get vaccinated for health reasons.
Levine also pointed out that the state is preparing for the time a vaccine is approved for use in children under age 12, which may be as soon as this fall.
“I’m already collaborating with my pediatric colleagues, so that we will be ready to get parents and caregivers the information they need, and to deliver the vaccine in as many appropriate settings as possible,” he said.
Scott closed his remarks by noting the state’s response to COVID-19 continues a tradition of leading the nation in tough times.
“On the first day of the Battle in Gettysburg, General Sedgwick knew enough about our character and courage to send the order, ‘Put the Vermonters ahead,’” Scott said. “157 years later, we again showed that when the nation is in need of leadership and hope; when America needs to find its path forward to solve problems and help people; when in dark times, and our country needs a state to light the way; Vermonters will always step forward and lead the charge.”
— Gareth Henderson
