Vermont grocers report on-going shortages pg. 2
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SCOTT ORDERS ‘STAY AT HOME’ RULE
If leaving home, you should adhere to social distancing policies, including remaining 6 feet from others (except for those with whom they share a home), regularly washing their hands, and avoiding touching their faces. All businesses and nonprofits not expressly exempted in the order must suspend all in-person business operations. Operations that can be conducted online or by phone, or sales that can be facilitated with curbside pickup or delivery only, may continue. The order contains exemptions for businesses and entities that provide services or functions deemed critical to public health and safety, along with economic and national security. Leaving the home for exercise and outdoor activity is permitted, provided that people are adhering to appropriate social distancing.
No roadblocks, no road closings; hope for self regulation among citizens By Lou Varricchio EDITOR
MIDDLEBURY | A “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order by Vermont Gov. Phil Scott (R) went into effect on March 25. The order is in effect until April 15 though it may be extended or shortened. The executive order does not close roads, nor does it establish roadblocks, checkpoints or the authority to demand identification. Immediately following Scott’s rule, the Vermont Department of Public Safety issued guidance to local police departments regarding potential enforcement of the order. “I have tremendous faith in Vermonters’ shared ability to follow these directives in order to save lives, and to support each other and their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Scott said
Gov. Phil Scott: “When we tell people to stay home to save lives, I’m confident Vermonters will do the right thing.” Pictured: Scott in the State House before the pandemic. Photo courtesy Office of the Governor last week. “Vermont is a small state with close-knit communities known for looking out for the wellbeing of our neighbors. When we tell people to stay home to save
lives, I’m confident Vermonters will do the right thing.”
WHAT IS THE ORDER?
Scott’s order directs Vermont
residents to stay at home, leaving only for essential reasons, critical to health and safety, such as grocery shopping, seeking medical care, or exercising outside.
Hanley: “Light at the end of the tunnel” COVID-19 expected to peak in April; face mask collection underway By Lou Varricchio EDITOR
MIDDLEBURY | Vermont has increased COVID-19 testing, with Mayo Clinic now doing testing along with the Vermont Dept of Health (VDH), according to Middlebury
Police Chief and Local Emergency Management Director Tom Hanley. “ With this, physicians are encouraged to recommend those with mild or moderate systems to get tested,” Hanley reported last week. Hanley noted that, “VDH estimates that we will see the outbreak in Vermont peak in two to four weeks then begin to level off and diminish. It is clearly evident that community wide transmission is the basis for the widespread outbreak. It is important to continue the stay-at-home practice as well as maintaining social distance. Stay-at-home is not a lockdown or quarantine. The intent is to
reduce community wide transmission.” Hanley told residents to get outdoors and exercise. “Get out in the sunshine, take a walk, do yard work, exercise,” he said, “but maintain hygiene such as washing hands often and maintaining social distance. On the TAM (Trail Around Middlebury) and other trails, avoid close contact; follow the six-foot rule.” Hanley said he and other local emergency professionals are grateful for local support of Porter Medical Center in response to the Center for Disease Control’s guidance on face masks. See POLICE UPDATE » pg. 3
HOW THE ORDER IS BEING ENFORCED
In instances where police officers observe or are made aware of people operating in violation of the order law enforcement is encouraged to speak with the proprietor, staff, or group, provide a reminder of the new requirements, and assess voluntary compliance. Civil or regulatory mechanisms, specifically informing and educating those encountered in violation of the order about the mechanisms that may apply, could prove helpful. Officials expect the majority of compliance to be self-regulating. Motor-vehicle and pedestrian traffic will continue for permissible activities outdoors and travel to and from businesses and elsewhere under Scott’s order. The order does not establish cause to initiate a motor vehicle stop or detain people for questioning about their travel. Vermonters seeking additional information about the executive order should call 2-1-1, and visit the websites governor.vermont.gov andvem.vermont.gov. ■
Essential businesses remain open Middlebury Agway, other “essential” local retailers, open during crisis By Lou Varricchio EDITOR
MIDDLEBURY | A number of local retailers such as the Middlebury Agway store on Exchange Street have been designated as “essential” businesses during the COVID-10 crisis, according to the retailer. “This is due to our sale of animal feed, pet food, agricultural products, including seeds and veggie plants as well as hardware,” an Agway store official reported in a March 25 website public notice. The store, like others around the region, will continue curbside pick up. Customers are asked to telephone, order, and pay over the phone. “While many people are being asked to stay home, we still want to offer our products and customer service,” the March 25 notice added. “We have decided to do this in a way that is safer for those at risk but still need their pet food or other supplies.... (We’re) open for business as usual going forward unless we are otherwise instructed by the governor or the federal government. We are constantly monitoring the news and social media for the latest reports and updates.”
Downtown businesses
Vermont’s Agency of Commerce and Community Development is interested in hearing from all Addison County and Rutland County area businesses impacted by the response to the COVID-19 virus. Share these impacts via the Agency Business Impact Form, if you have not done so already, to help the agency continue to assess the full impact as Vermonters work toward solutions. If you have a specific coronavirus-related business question, use ACCD’s dedicated email address: commerce.covid19@ vermont.gov. To fill out the online survey form, see: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/vtcovid19. Pictured: Main Street in Bristol. File photo
Pandemic: School’s out in Vermont Scott dismisses school for the academic year By Lou Varricchio EDITOR
See BUSINESSES » pg. 3
MIDDLEBURY | Still maintaining social distancing at a televised and internet news conference held in Montpelier on March 27, Gov. Phil Scott and members of his administration provided an update on the latest executive directive to dismiss schools for “in-person instruction” for the remainder of the current school year. “The education of our kids, along with
the bonding and learning experiences they get at school, are incredibly important, so I fully understand and appreciate the impact this will have on our kids individually and families across Vermont,” Scott said. “But from my vantage point, I believe it’s the right decision because it’s for the health of our kids, communities and the entire state. See SCHOOL » pg. 3
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