Traditions keep returning

People enjoy the Thompson Senior Center’s first in-person lunch in over a year on Tuesday. (Deanna Jones Photo)

A good meal and conversation is one of the favorite pastimes at the Thompson Senior Center in Woodstock, Vermont, and that tradition returned Tuesday after more than a year of no dining inside at the community hub. 

It was reopening day for the center, and the daily lunch in the dining room started up again, by reservation. Ten guests and four staff members enjoyed the meal together. 

"It was just nice to see people again," said Deanna Jones, the center's executive director. "They've been waiting. 'Finally, the day has come', is what I kept hearing." 

New tables and chairs graced the room, thanks to recent fundraising, and fresh paint and a new floor completed the dining room's new look. Through the month of June, lunch is Monday-Thursday 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Curbside lunch pick-up is still available this month.

Also through June, people will be asked to wear masks into the senior center, which they can then remove once they sit down to their meal or activity. There's a hand sanitizing station at the door, and health-screening questions will be asked via computer. 

Some people, especially if they live far away, may continue to take part in bingo or other events by phone — and that option will be there in a hybrid model.

"We'll still keep these things virtual so that people are engaged," Jones said. 

In Woodstock, this reopening was further proof of a state's progress toward normalcy. At nearly 78% of eligible Vermonters vaccinated against COVID-19, the state is that much closer to meeting its goal of 80%, at which time the state will lift all pandemic restrictions. Gov. Phil Scott said Vermont is “days away” from hitting that mark. 

Also at Tuesday’s press conference, Scott noted the many positive impacts of the vaccine, including the fact that Vermont is the only state with no COVID-related deaths reported in the past two weeks. Also, the state had three hospitalizations due to the virus as of Tuesday morning — a six-month low for Vermont. 

But the governor emphasized “we’re not resting on our laurels,” saying the state continues to make efforts to get the vaccine to as many people as possible. This week, there are over 100 walk-in vaccine clinics statewide, one of them taking place in Woodstock this Thursday, June 3. That clinic, which offers the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, is at the Woodstock Inn’s administrative building parking lot, located at 9 Cross Street from 1 to 3 p.m. 

On Tuesday, Courtney Lowe, vice president of marketing and business development at the Woodstock Inn & Resort, said the inn hosted a clinic on May 14 and asked for — and received — this chance to hold another one. Walk-in opportunities have been a key part of improving access to the vaccine, officials have said. 

“The convenience factor has proven effective in the state, so we are delighted to make it easier for our employees and community to be able to access the vaccine right here in the Village,” Lowe said. 

Check out this link for the latest on Vermont’s vaccination progress.

— Gareth Henderson

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

Senior center eyes reopening

The Thompson Senior Center in Woodstock. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

The Thompson Senior Center in Woodstock, Vermont, has been holding bingo by phone for some time now, and one of the big topics of late, not surprisingly, has been getting vaccinated for COVID-19. 

Deanna Jones, the center’s executive director, remembered a recent discussion in one of the bingo calls, with one of the ladies who had just gotten her second shot. At the site where she got her second dose, others had done so, as well. A great sense of relief was in the air.

“She said people were jumping, high-fiving and so glad; it was like a celebration as people were coming out of the vaccination site,” Jones said. “It was really clear who had been vaccinated already.” 

Like senior centers throughout the region, The Thompson has been closed to in-person activities due to the pandemic, while holding some activities or events over the phone or online. The state of Vermont recently announced senior centers can start reopening for group activities, but The Thompson Senior Center is waiting until all staff are fully vaccinated. Another key factor is the spacing requirement for such organizations in Vermont: one person per 100 square feet. 

Right now, Jones said the goal is to reopen for in-person activities around June 1, with some capacity restrictions. 

“We'll be opening our tent for outside group programs at that time as well as activities indoors that meet capacity guidelines,” Jones said. 

Looking forward into May, The Thompson Senior Center will continue its curbside meals, online programs, and will still do one-on-one services, such as foot care (the nurse administering that program has been vaccinated). Virtual programs planned for May include the spring tea, intergenerational programs, and a private tour with Art in Bloom from the Museum of Fine Art, arranged through the Woodstock Garden Club.

Per the state’s reopening plan, senior centers will switch to the state’s “universal guidance” after July 4. That guidance has no capacity limits and requires basic precautions like masks and six-foot social distancing. 

No senior center in the state has opened yet for congregate dining, according to Jones, who is also co-chair of the Vermont Association for Senior Centers and Meal Providers. Jones said she and her staff at The Thompson are also keeping a close eye on case numbers.

“We will continue to proceed with caution and monitor the current active cases in our area, even as restrictions ease,” Jones said.   

As of Friday, the state’s overall COVID-19 caseload remained steady, while the 7-day case average continued to trend downward. That daily average was 140 at the end of last week. On Monday, the state reported 93 new cases. Vermonter’s positivity rate has remained at 1.9%, one of the lowest in the country. 

On the vaccine front, the state recently surpassed 50% of its adult population having received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine. Over one-third of adult Vermonters are fully vaccinated.

It’s been a very long year, Jones said, but the community has gotten the senior center through these tough times, with lots of volunteering and other support. For example, the Woodstock Farmers’ Market raised $8,700 for the senior center through its “Round Up” campaign. Whenever things were particularly discouraging, something wonderful would happen that lifted their spirits, Jones recalled.

“In so many ways, our community stepped up to support us and keep us going,” she said.

— Gareth Henderson

Vt. plans to lift all pandemic restrictions by July 4

After over a year of statewide restrictions, Vermont’s governor has unveiled a plan to ease those limits over the next three months and have the Green Mountain State fully reopened by July 4.

But Gov. Phil Scott said this roadmap depends on the state hitting certain COVID-19 vaccination milestones, and is subject to change.

“Our goal with this plan is to give Vermonters a transparent look at how we’ll be able to work our way out of this pandemic, moving forward together at a time when we can manage this virus like we do the flu, with simple, every-day measures, rather than the state of emergency we’ve been in for over a year,” Scott said at Tuesday’s press conference.

He said Vermont’s in a strong position to meet the July 4 goal, with a robust testing and contact tracing, and one of the most successful vaccination programs in the U.S. 

“We’re in the last laps of this very long and difficult race, and this plan shows how we’ll finish strong,” Scott said. However, for that reopening effort to work, the governor noted people must continue to get vaccinated when their age band becomes eligible. 

The newly announced “Vermont Forward” plan includes three steps, and in each of those steps, it focuses on moving more businesses and organizations into “universal guidance,” instead of the sector-specific rules that have been in place. State officials hope this will provide more flexibility and predictability for sectors in Vermont. 

This universal guidance includes five main tenets that employers, workers and customers should follow: stay home when sick; wear a mask; ensure six-foot social distancing; practice good hygiene; know the travel restrictions. The social distancing and mask requirements will remain in place until July 4.

In Step 1 of the plan, “Group A” moves to universal guidance on Friday, which includes mainly low-contact businesses, such as outdoor businesses, outdoor recreation, farmers markets, campgrounds and others.

Also beginning Friday, the state will use COVID-19 testing instead of quarantining as the main requirement of its travel guidance. This means people will need to be tested within three days of returning to Vermont, and visitors will need to have a negative COVID test within three days of their arrival. Fully vaccinated people can continue to travel freely. 

In Step 2, “Group B” moves to universal guidance on May 1. This will eliminate capacity restrictions on all businesses, including restaurants and bars, and also takes away those restrictions for houses of worship and art centers.

In discussing the plan, Secretary of Commerce Lindsay Kurrle said businesses have the right to enact rules that go further than the universal guidance or address specific safety needs. 

“We hope all Vermonters will continue to honor and practice the mitigation measures that we have in place,” Kurrle said. “We all need to work together with our business community to ensure interactions are respectful and understanding of the changing dynamics we will see in the months ahead as Vermonters are vaccinated.” 

Additionally, indoor and outdoor gathering sizes will be relaxed in May and June as Steps 2 and 3 go into effect, and events and gatherings must also follow the universal guidance until July 4. State officials are hoping this can allow for high school and college graduations to take place in some form, and will allow for event planners and organizations to plan further into the year.

— Gareth Henderson

Vermont unveils changes to school guidelines

The American flag moves in the breeze on the Woodstock Union High School & Middle School campus in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Just under a month away from the restart of school, the state of Vermont on Tuesday announced some changes to its guidelines for reopening. 

The adjustments were based on feedback received from local districts and the latest recommendations from health experts, according to Education Secretary Dan French, who spoke at a Tuesday press conference. He also noted the state’s guidance is still based on Vermont's COVID-19 data remaining favorable to reopening. Currently, Vermont has the lowest caseload of any state in the U.S., as it has for some weeks now.

In one change, the statewide guidance now includes a strong recommendation for in-person instruction for younger students, especially grades K-5. French noted there were strong educational reasons for making this change, as "schools play a critical role in (these students') healthy development." Many Vermont school districts are adopting hybrid learning models that blend in-person and remote learning.

Also announced on Tuesday, the required health-check process has seen some adjustments. Previously, health checks — including a health questionnaire and a temperature check — had to be done daily at the first point of contact, and administered by school personnel. Now the rule is more flexible, to allow parents and students to complete the health questionnaire at the first point of contact, or prior to entering the school building. Also, temperature checks are still required to be administered by school personnel, but they too are now allowed to be done at the first point of contact, or prior to entering the building.  

French said the health-check change was spurred by updated CDC guidance, and also by feedback from districts. 

"We heard from many districts that it was going to be difficult to implement health checks by school personnel at the first point of contact, especially when we consider the first point of contact is often a school bus," French said. "We think the revisions we're announcing today provide a more doable approach, while also preserving the utility of these screening measures from a safety perspective."   

Additionally, the state changed the social distancing requirement for younger students who are less than 10 years old, making the rule 3 to 6 feet, instead of the usual 6 feet. French said this added flexibility is due to scientific evidence continuing to show that children at those younger ages are the least likely to transmit the coronavirus, even in close quarters. The social distancing guideline for older students remains at six feet.

Going forward, French said, the state will review its school reopening guidance at least on a monthly basis, to ensure it is following the latest health recommendations. Education officials will also continue to consider changes based on feedback from school districts. 

Gov. Phil Scott said his team will update Vermonters each week about this ongoing work to reopen schools safely. Though concerns continue about reopening amid the pandemic, officials were confident in Vermont's strong contact-tracing program, which has proven itself capable of containing outbreaks.

"We've been building our contact-tracing capacity since March, and we have a robust team that's ready. We can open schools safely," said State Epidemiologist Patsy Kelso. "I've been reassured time and time again with each new case that's been reported, that our containment strategies are working. It's mission-critical to open schools, and we have to try. There may be no safer place to do it than in Vermont." 

— Gareth Henderson