MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) Vermont Governor Phil Scott Friday extended the state's emergency order to June 15. He amended his 'Stay Home, Stay Safe' policy to 'Stay Smart, Stay Safe.' It means that Vermonters can get out more and allows for opening the spigot a little more, allowing for the reopening of businesses including private campgrounds, marinas and lodging facilities.
Vermont is among states that lead the country in the low rate of new COVID-19 infections, Scott said. As of Friday, health officials reported 933 coronavirus cases in the state and 53 deaths, numbers that have remained relatively flat over the past week.
There is just one Vermonter with COVID-19 in a hospital ICU right now. DFR commissioner Mike Pieciak says the previous turns of the spigot didn't adversely affect Vermont and officials say that data allows for the state to move forward with reopening more parts of the economy.
Overnight rentals will be available for people who met the 14-day quarantine requirement. Hotels can only be at 20 percent capacity. short term rentals, cottages and camps are exempt from that.
Reservations should be made by phone. The state wants to limit contact with guests. Food service is only available for take out or delivery. And lodging establishments must keep a 30-day log of guests so the state can contact trace if need be.
Reservations at Vermont State Parks remain canceled through June 25th.
Scott says with continued improvements, he hopes to reopen businesses including hair salons and outdoor restaurants before June 1. He says he expects to increase the maximum crowd size to 25 in the coming days from its current level of 10.
The drug Remdesivir was shipped to Vermont this week to give to people who are most sick. The health commissioner says the quantity received is far greater than what's needed right now, but another shipment is on the way too. It has showed some promise in shortening the length of illness. The state plans to distribute it to medical facilities so it's at the ready when a patient needs it.
Vermont has promised $6 million in grants for child care centers trying to meeting guidelines to reopen June 1. AHS Secretary Mike Smith says that's on top of millions already allocated for child care. He says right now it looks sufficient, but they will continue to monitor that pot of money to see if more is needed.
Gov. Scott also defended a proposal floated this week by his administration that calls for towns to revote on budgets later this year. State analysts are projecting a $167 million deficit in next year’s education fund which will trigger a steep rise in property taxes. Scott said with federal aid to municipalities unclear, it was only fair that Vermonters be able to weigh in.
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May 16, 2020 at 12:15AM
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Vt. emergency order extended to June 15; lowest virus growth rate in US - WCAX
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