Gaining ground

While cautious optimism continues, Vermont hit a milestone this week amid its efforts against COVID-19. On Wednesday, there were no new cases or deaths resulting from the virus — the first time that's happened since Vermont reported its first case of the coronavirus on March 7.

As the state continues to gradually loosen business restrictions, it will also boost efforts to track the virus. Vermont Department of Health officials said they will greatly increase their program for contact-tracing — which is identifying those who have been in contact with people who have tested positive. Vermont's government also plans to triple its testing capacity for COVID-19, since cases are likely to increase as the state gradually loosens restrictions on businesses. As this news came down, the University of Vermont announced its plans to have students return by fall, albeit with precautions in place.

These announcements are all good news for Vermont, where social distancing measures have been key to flattening the curve, according to officials. That collective, statewide effort on distancing shows what we can accomplish when we unite around one goal.

However, other challenges await, including the state facing a $430 million revenue shortfall for the coming fiscal year. That would be a three-fold increase in revenue losses. Many difficult, uncomfortable decisions will have to be made about the state budget, as lawmakers continue their work amid one of the toughest situations the state has ever seen. Innovative thinking will be key as the state moves forward to address this towering dilemma. Hopefully that can lead to the solutions the state needs. Vermont, which prides itself on innovation, is poised to meet this challenge.

— Gareth Henderson