Vermont continues to ease business restrictions

MONTPELIER – Governor Phil Scott outlined some additional openings today as part of the phased restart of Vermont’s economy, introduced last week.

The Governor’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order remains in effect, but with modeling continuing to indicate Vermonters are significantly slowing the spread of the virus, the administration says they are taking a “cautious, incremental, and evidence-based approach” to put Vermonters back to work.

Governor Scott has emphasized the need for continued and expanded vigilance as the state implements its restart strategy.

The governor’s most recent order, signed Friday, directs any entity currently operating, or soon to be opened, to implement specified physical distancing, health, and sanitation measures, including requiring employees to wear face coverings for nose and mouth.

It also requires all employers to provide, and all employees to complete, training on these health and safety requirements by May 4.

VOSHA training is under development and will be released Monday, April 27.

If able to comply with the outlined safety measures, the Governor’s order allows the following operations to reopen effective April 27:

Outdoor businesses, construction operations, and recreation maintenance work may operate with a maximum of five total workers per location.

Manufacturing and distribution operations, and interior construction of uninhabited structures, may resume operations with a maximum of five employees in one location if they are low-density and ensure employees are always six feet apart.

Workers from out of state must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival, but lodging properties remain closed to guests, including non-essential out-of-state workers, except those previously exempted as essential workers.

Outdoor retail space, previously restricted to curbside or delivery service, can allow in-person shopping with a maximum of 10 total people.

Farmers Markets may open May 1 with strict alterations that focus on food distribution and prevent congregating.

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