Vermont eases mask rule again; speeds up reopening

A mountain view from Cox District Road in Bridgewater, Vt. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Vermont is no longer requiring fully vaccinated people to wear masks or adhere to social distancing, following a Thursday update to CDC guidance. This applies to indoor and outdoor spaces.

A second change also took effect Friday: Vermont moved up its statewide reopening schedule, as the state is hitting its COVID-19 vaccination targets over two weeks early. That means further relaxing capacity limits for gatherings and events, and there is now no COVID test required due to any travel.

For indoor gatherings and events, capacity limits were lowered to 1 unvaccinated person per 50 square feet or up to 300 people (whichever is lower), plus any number of vaccinated people. Outdoors, the limit is 900 people, plus any number of vaccinated individuals. For more details, check out the state's Vermont Forward web page.

Announcing the big news, Gov. Phil Scott thanked Vermonters for aiding this important progress.

"Because of you stepping up for the greater good, doing your part in getting vaccinated, we're able to do this," he said at Friday's press briefing.

Those who are not fully vaccinated must still follow the state's mask rule — which allows people to un-mask outdoors as long as they can maintain a social distance of six feet. Masks are still required in indoor public spaces. "Fully vaccinated" means that two weeks have passed since your final vaccine dose, the governor emphasized. Several settings will still require masking and social distancing, such as schools, public transportation, healthcare settings, long-term care facilities, and prisons.

Some Vermont municipalities still have their own mask policies. Earlier this week, prompted by the state’s May 1 update, Woodstock Village altered its mask ordinance and no longer requires face coverings to be worn outdoors in the village limits, as long as six feet of social distance can be maintained. The local ordinance still requires masking for indoor public spaces and businesses. There is no mention of vaccination status. On Friday, Woodstock Village Trustees Chair Jeff Kahn said the board will discuss the state's latest update. This will take place at a special meeting Monday, May 17, at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Connection information is on the town’s website.

At the state press conference, officials acknowledged that some vaccinated individuals might still choose to mask up, even after this latest change.

"Now, I understand there might be some who are still uncomfortable, a little hesitant, and that's OK. That's their choice, and I sincerely hope Vermonters can show understanding," Scott said. "But the fact is, if you're fully vaccinated, the health experts at the CDC have determined there is very little risk, and it's time to reward all the hard work you've done over the past 14 months to help make Vermont's pandemic response the best in the country."

State Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine said it may feel weird for some people to not wear a mask, even after being immunized.

"But know that when you do feel ready, vaccines work, and you are protected," he said.

Vermont still leads the nation in per-capita administration of the COVID vaccine, and over 61% of Vermonters have received at least one dose. On Thursday, for the first time since November, the University of Vermont Medical Center had no COVID in-patients.

The vaccination numbers continue to rise, as more than 7,300 Vermonters ages 12-15 had signed up for vaccine appointments as of Friday morning, after their age group became eligible on Thursday. Only the Pfizer vaccine is approved for 12-15-year-olds, who must have the consent of their parents or guardians to be immunized. To accelerate these vaccinations, Vermont will receive 5,000 additional Pfizer doses next week, as part of a federal program allowing states to request more than their usual weekly allotment.

In his remarks Friday, Human Services Secretary Mike Smith announced that the Vermont chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics is holding a series of online forums in the coming weeks about the COVID vaccine and adolescents. The list of forums is available at aapvt.org.

Smith encouraged parents to reach out to their pediatricians with any specific questions.

"Pediatricians are thrilled that more of their patients and family members are ready to be vaccinated, and they are willing to help in any way that they can," he said.

The state continues to add vaccination clinics, including walk-in opportunities. Visit healthvermont.gov/myvaccine for more information or call 855-722-7878.

— Gareth Henderson