Vermont lifts all statewide pandemic restrictions
Vermont has lifted all remaining statewide pandemic restrictions, after reaching its COVID-19 vaccination goal. This means the Woodstock Village mask ordinance is now suspended.
A view from Fletcher Hill Road in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
Effective immediately, Vermont has lifted all remaining statewide pandemic restrictions, as over 80% of eligible Vermonters are now vaccinated against COVID-19.
Gov. Phil Scott made the announcement Monday morning, noting Vermont is the first state in the nation to vaccinate over 80% of its 12-and-over population. He said lifting the statewide rules is now safe to do, because Vermonters have consistently worked hard to limit spread of the virus, including getting immunized.
“Again, not only do we lead the United States, but Vermont is now a global leader in vaccinations to defeat COVID-19,” Scott said. “Our state has shown the world what’s possible when you have a group of people with the right attitude following the data and trusting medical science.”
Due to this change at the state level, the Woodstock Village mask ordinance is now suspended.
Across the state, Vermont businesses that wish to do so can maintain rules such as mask-wearing within their stores. The governor also noted that some individuals may have “their own legitimate reasons to remain cautious.”
"As I’ve said, that’s natural, and it’s OK,” he said. “I hope all Vermonters show compassion and respect for one another, including businesses choosing to keep some requirements in place, while they wait for all their employees to do the right thing and get vaccinated.”
The state of emergency expires at midnight, but on Tuesday Scott plans to sign off on some changes to the executive order, to maintain several related programs that are still needed. More details will be released Tuesday.
Going forward, Vermont will continue to make the COVID-19 vaccine available at different sites around the state. At Monday’s press conference, Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine said there is still much work to be done to maintain the high level of protection Vermont has achieved against the virus.
“We will continue getting as many Vermonters vaccinated as possible, to keep this protection as strong as we can,” Levine said. “We will continue to keep watching our data closely and act accordingly.”
He added that the state and its partners will continue to work hard to help and provide guidance to those who can’t get vaccinated for health reasons.
Levine also pointed out that the state is preparing for the time a vaccine is approved for use in children under age 12, which may be as soon as this fall.
“I’m already collaborating with my pediatric colleagues, so that we will be ready to get parents and caregivers the information they need, and to deliver the vaccine in as many appropriate settings as possible,” he said.
Scott closed his remarks by noting the state’s response to COVID-19 continues a tradition of leading the nation in tough times.
“On the first day of the Battle in Gettysburg, General Sedgwick knew enough about our character and courage to send the order, ‘Put the Vermonters ahead,’” Scott said. “157 years later, we again showed that when the nation is in need of leadership and hope; when America needs to find its path forward to solve problems and help people; when in dark times, and our country needs a state to light the way; Vermonters will always step forward and lead the charge.”
— Gareth Henderson
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