The next big step

Downtown White River Junction, Vermont, is shown in early April. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

After nearly two months of no foot traffic, Vermont retail businesses got some good news on Monday.

Gov. Phil Scott announced that in-person retail would be allowed to reopen in Vermont on May 18, though initially with restrictions. All employees must wear a facial covering and use social distancing of six feet. Stores also may not have more than 25 percent of their legal occupancy. COVID-19 safety training is also required for workers.

Scott said even though the data shows the state is making headway, Vermonters should still keep up recommended precautions, especially as neighboring states grapple with far more cases.

“Even as we continue to reopen, I urge Vermonters not to let up on physical distancing, washing your hands, staying home when ill, limiting travel, wearing masks when around others, because it’s due to those types of precautions and the sacrifices Vermonters have made ... that we can continue to slowly reopen,” Scott said at a press conference Monday.

The pace of reopening is too fast for some, too slow for others, as the governor has often repeated. But nearly two months after the initial stay-at-home order, shop owners are hugely feeling the financial pinch of the shutdown, and officials are feeling an urgency to revive the economy. Today’s announcement was a logical next step in that direction.

Those stores that have done curb-side pick up already have sanitizing protocols in place, and other shops will make those arrangements in time. Though the comfort level among consumers may vary, most Vermonters will want to get out and support those able to reopen. This will be the next phase of the continued community effort to emerge from this crisis successfully. Let’s be there for our neighbors, as we’ve always been. Together, we can’t be overtaken. Our determination will lead us forward.

— Gareth Henderson