MONTPELIER — Governor Phil Scott today outlined an approach for the phased restart of Vermont’s economy, emphasizing the state’s modeling indicates initial steps can be taken while the Stay Home, Stay Safe order remains in effect.
To begin to execute this strategy, Governor Scott today signed an addendum to Executive Order 01-20, which, in order to start getting more Vermonters back to work, institutes new health and safety requirements and encourages the public to wear cloth face coverings.
The new order authorizes outdoor businesses and construction operations with crews of two or less and some single-person low contact professional services, such as appraisers, attorneys, realtors, and others, to operate if specified safety requirements can be met.
For commercial retail operations, including those that operate in an outdoor setting, they may resume operations with the minimum number of employees necessary to support curbside pick-up, delivery services, and warehouse or distribution operations.
All orders must occur over the phone or online and no in-store transactions are allowed at this time.
These openings are effective April 20.
Scott said today that most Vermonters should expect telecommuting and remote work to stay in place for the foreseeable future because there is still a need to reduce contact to contain the spread of the virus.
Farmer’s markets will be allowed to reopen on May 1, following guidance currently being drafted by the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets.
The state’s latest modeling, presented today, shows the growth rate in new COVID-19 cases has averaged below 4 percent for the last 12 days, the rate at which cases double have slowed dramatically, and the number of people requiring hospitalizations remains stable.
“These forecasts show we can continue to slow the number of new COVID-19 cases if we continue to stay vigilant, meaning staying home, avoiding large gatherings, staying six feet away from others, using a cloth face covering when in public and washing our hands,” said Governor Scott. “But what these trends also show is that with the right precautions, we can take small steps to get more Vermonters back to work and avoid a spike in cases that would put lives at risk.”
