State advises new limit on social gatherings
The Woodstock Village Green takes in the sunshine on a crisp Thursday morning. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
As the nation stayed transfixed on the election, Vermont released an advisory on private social gatherings amid its ongoing efforts to keep the pandemic in check.
The Friday announcement came after the U.S. recorded over 100,000 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday — the first time the nation passed that daily total. Thursday’s cases topped 120,000.
Vermont still has good news to be proud of, including one of the nation's lowest test positivity rates (0.5 percent as of Tuesday) and no COVID-19 deaths since July. But in response to case increases around the region and country, and with social gatherings as a major cause, state officials are now advising Vermonters to keep all private social gatherings to no more than 10 people, and with a very limited number of trusted households. Officials said Vermont has seen higher daily case totals in the fall as indoor gatherings increase, with Thursday bringing 24 new cases.
Speaking at a Friday press conference, Gov. Phil Scott strongly urged people to follow this new guidance. He emphasized the importance of keeping virus spread low, so schools can safely continue with in-person instruction — a critical need for students.
"By staying vigilant, and being smart, and limiting our gathering sizes and travel, even during the holidays, we can keep schools and our economy open, and we'll get through this pandemic faster and on better footing than just about any other state," Scott said.
The state continues to track 116 cases linked to a recent hockey arena outbreak in Montpelier, in which social gatherings were a factor. That primary outbreak is over, but the 116 cases come from smaller outbreaks due to that initial event; one of them includes 69 cases at St. Michael's College in Colchester, according to Dr. Mark Levine, the state's health commissioner.
Resolving those cases "will take some time, but the containment process is underway and very active, and we should remain optimistic regarding that," he told the media Friday.
Levine noted the newly announced guidance pertains to all social gatherings, including those at home, on campus or around town. Recent contact-tracing efforts in Vermont uncovered virus spread stemming from holiday parties, birthday parties, sleepovers and other private gatherings, he said. With the holidays coming up, Levine urged people to avoid large gatherings and adhere to the recommended gathering limit, while following rules like mask-wearing and social distancing.
"As you plan your holidays, have an open conversation about safety," he said. "Let your friends and family know what you need to feel comfortable."
Levine expressed sympathy with those who are eager to see loved ones during this very unique holiday season.
"For many it will be hard, for you, for me, everyone. We all have traditions we cherish and people we love to be with, but we all share responsibility to look out for one another," Levine said. "I ask you all to give this serious thought, and to please join me in taking some solace in knowing that, by making these sacrifices and finding ways to still make the holidays special and safe, we can all look forward to being together for a better year ahead."
— Gareth Henderson
