Getting back to it

After two months of staying at home, we've all felt the urge to get out of the house, even if it's just a simple errand or needed task.

For me, that has usually meant either taking the dog for a walk, or occasionally going to the mail or the shopping market. But in the past two days, I ran three errands, including a quick shop for food. It seems mundane, but when it comes to daily-life errands outside of the house, that's a quarantine record for me. Not every weekend will require that of course, but I took it as a note of progress, that I felt comfortable with doing that level of activity outside the home if needed — while taking along my mask and following other precautions. Most places I went to had signage at least encouraging six feet of social distancing, a term we’re all familiar with now.

That said, comfort level will vary among shoppers and businesses during this reopening phase. This week in Vermont, that situation will be put to the test, as retail businesses open up under state restrictions. Not all retail shops will reopen on Monday, but some will, and others will take days until they are ready to open up safely. This will be gauged in several other sectors on Friday, when hotels, marinas and campgrounds will get the green light to reopen in Vermont.

The takeaway is that reopening the economy is unpredictable; we have never been here before. But if precautions are still followed by the public, and we continue to help one another in our communities, the way forward is lighted with progress. Even the smallest act of kindness carries great meaning for people, and Vermonters know how powerful we are together. We are likely headed into a different kind of future, but together, we are poised to rebuild this economy. 

— Gareth Henderson 

Message of strength

A message that rings true for Vermont came from one of our neighboring states today as it grapples with COVID-19.
Mayor Bill De Blasio of New York City spoke of NYC’s resilience after 9/11 and Hurricane Sandy as proof that it will come back from the pandemic “as a stronger and better city.” He noted their strength has been tested many times, and the city has persevered.
“What has been clear throughout is that what we have here is eternal,” De Blasio said. “What we have built in this city over generations is much bigger and much stronger than has ever been realized.”
Vermont is built with that same kind of fortitude and unshakable, enduring resolve. We have seen kindness shine through and sustain us, even in the darkest hours. The love and compassion that has steadied us through the COVID-19 crisis has been seen before — the response to Tropical Storm being the most recent example — and with our lasting strength as a people, we again rise to the challenge.
To be clear, this crisis is unmatched in its breadth and impact. No state has ever seen its equal. However, Vermont will also emerge “stronger and better” from the pandemic. The indomitable strength of our communities requires it, and we will persevere once again.

— Gareth Henderson