State bans multi-household gatherings
The state of Vermont has banned all multi-household gatherings, as part of a series of new efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19.
A view of the Ottauquechee River near the Mill Road bridge in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
The state of Vermont has banned all multi-household gatherings, as part of a series of new efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Effective today, all social gatherings — whether public or private, indoor or outdoor — must be limited to a single household. That includes gatherings in private homes. Individuals who live alone, however, are allowed to gather with members of their immediate family residing in a different household.
A host of other new measures take effect Saturday at 10 p.m., including the closure of bars for in-person service and the suspension of all recreational sports leagues.
Despite the state's recent attempts to limit the spread of infections, daily case counts keep going up, including a record-breaking 109 reported on Thursday. Friday came in with 84 new cases, and hospitalizations are also rising. Since Oct. 1, Vermont officials said, 71% of the cases associated with an outbreak are associated with an outbreak from a private party or social gathering.
Gov. Phil Scott announced the new restrictions at a press conference on Friday, as he encouraged Vermonters to "double down" on public health protocols, like mask-wearing and social distancing. But he also expressed sympathy.
"I know this is incredibly discouraging, especially since many of you have worked so hard and we've had much success," Scott said. Vermont continues to have one of the nation's lowest test positivity rates. "But the fact is, people getting together, not being careful and letting their guard down, is why we're in this position today."
All that said, Health Commissioner Mark Levine noted Vermont’s public health infrastructure is well prepared to deal with the situation. He said the state has sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE), and also "abundant" testing and contact tracing operations. The state is currently expanding its testing and tracing capabilities, Levine added.
Speaking at Friday's press briefing, the health commissioner also said college students returning home in Vermont (from in-state and out-of-state schools) must quarantine for 14 days or seven days with a negative COVID-19 test, and testing is strongly encouraged. In accordance with existing travel guidance, any traveler entering Vermont is subject to those same quarantine requirements.
The following restrictions take effect Saturday at 10 p.m. in Vermont:
Restaurants must close in-person dining at 10 p.m., but may provide curbside and delivery service after 10 p.m. For in-person dining, restaurants must seat only one household per table, in accordance with existing capacity limits and the new restriction on multi-household gatherings.
Bars and social clubs will be closed for in-person service until further notice. Curbside and delivery service is allowed.
Youth and adult recreational sports activities, not related to Vermont Principals Association-sanctioned school sports, are suspended until further notice.
All businesses, nonprofits and government entities shall reinstitute telework policies for all employees to the maximum extent possible. In person meetings are strongly discouraged and should be held by telephone or video conference whenever possible.
All restaurants and other businesses hosting non-essential activities shall maintain a 30-day log of employee and guest names and contact information in case contact tracing is required by the Health Department. These individuals are consenting to be contacted by the Health Department Contact Tracing Team. Further, all Vermonters are directed to comply with requests made by the Contact Tracing Team.
— Gareth Henderson