This article's factual accuracy may be compromised due to out-of-date information. (July 2022) |
The COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. state of Vermont is part of an ongoing worldwide viral pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a novel infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
| COVID-19 pandemic in Vermont | |
|---|---|
| Disease | COVID-19 |
| Virus strain | SARS-CoV-2 |
| Location | Vermont, U.S. |
| Index case | Bennington[1] |
| Arrival date | March 7, 2020 (4 years, 8 months and 6 days) |
| Confirmed cases | 149,298 |
| Hospitalized cases | 25 (current) |
| Recovered | 106,430 |
Deaths | 881 |
| Government website | |
| www | |
As of February 24, 2022[update], Vermont has administered 1,300,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses. 517,100 people have received at least one dose, and 480,500 people have received a second dose.[2]
Timeline
editThis section needs to be updated. (July 2021) |
| County[a] | Cases[b][c] | Deaths[d] | Population[e] | Cases / 100k |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 / 14 | 129,854 | 654 | 626,299 | 20,733.5 |
| Addison | 6,000 | 18 | 36,973 | 16,228.1 |
| Bennington | 10,280 | 71 | 35,631 | 28,851.3 |
| Caledonia | 5,888 | 26 | 30,302 | 19,431.1 |
| Chittenden | 34,978 | 177 | 164,572 | 21,253.9 |
| Essex | 1,307 | 3 | 6,250 | 20,912.0 |
| Franklin | 10,385 | 68 | 49,421 | 21,013.3 |
| Grand Isle | 1,142 | 5 | 7,090 | 16,107.2 |
| Lamoille | 3,974 | 17 | 25,300 | 15,707.5 |
| Orange | 4,449 | 14 | 28,999 | 15,341.9 |
| Orleans | 6,667 | 38 | 26,907 | 24,777.9 |
| Rutland | 13,821 | 74 | 58,672 | 23,556.4 |
| Washington | 12,563 | 51 | 58,140 | 21,608.2 |
| Windham | 7,087 | 37 | 42,756 | 16,575.5 |
| Windsor | 9,740 | 53 | 55,286 | 17,617.5 |
| Final update May 18, 2022, with data through the previous day Data is publicly reported by Vermont Department of Health[3] | ||||
| ||||
The Vermont Department of Health announced the state's first case of COVID-19 on March 7, 2020,[4] in a patient who had arrived at a hospital emergency department in Bennington, Vermont two days prior.[1]
On March 19, the first two deaths from COVID-19 were announced, one a male in White River Junction and the other a female in Burlington. Both were over 80 years old.[5]
On April 7, the Vermont Department of Health released a new COVID-19 data dashboard with more detailed statistics about the spread of COVID-19 in Vermont.[6]
On July 16, 2020, Vermont become the first state nationwide to not report any COVID-19 deaths in the span of a 30-day period.[7]
On November 11, 2020, Vermont reported its highest number of cases, 72, since the pandemic began.[8]
Economic and social effects
edit
Many businesses were ordered to close in mid-March 2020.[9] Starting on Monday, April 20, certain businesses were allowed to reopen.[10]
On May 11, Governor Scott announced that Vermont retail stores can begin reopening on Monday, May 18. Businesses were required to limit customers to 25 percent of the legal capacity. Employees were required to wear masks and maintain appropriate distance from co-workers and customers.[11]
Schools closed
editAll schools were ordered to be closed for in-person classes as of Wednesday, March 18, until at least April 6, 2020.[12] On March 26, this closure was extended through the rest of the academic year.[13]
On March 23, the University of Vermont declared that all students must leave the UVM campus by March 30, except for those approved for emergency housing. Courses will be taught online for the remainder of the semester. UVM officials also indicated they will make a decision about canceling UVM's commencement ceremony by the end of March 2020.[14]
Closure of restaurants and bars
editBars and restaurants were ordered to close by 2:00pm on Tuesday, March 17, and to remain closed until April 6. Restaurants were allowed to continue providing takeout and delivery service.[9] All gyms, spas, hair salons, and tattoo parlors were ordered closed as of 8:00pm on March 23, 2020.[15]
Impact on media
editOn March 17, 2020, the publisher of three newspapers in southern Vermont, Brattleboro Reformer, Bennington Banner and Manchester Journal indicated that all full-time staff members would be furloughed for one of the next five weeks.[16]
On March 20, 2020, the Barre Montpelier Times Argus and Rutland Herald newspapers announced that due to the financial impact of the pandemic they would be reducing their print publishing to three days a week and temporarily laying off 20 staffers.[17]
On March 23, 2020, Seven Days indicated they would lay off seven employees.[18]
On March 26, 2020, the Waterbury Record published its final issue after 13 years of publishing in Waterbury, VT. The weekly community newspaper had never been profitable but was trying to survive. Publisher Greg Popa indicated that the coronavirus crisis made this no longer possible.[19]
The Burlington Free Press announced on April 3, 2020, that all Free Press journalists will have a temporary reduction of 25% in time and hours for the next three months.[20]
Government response
editThis section may contain an excessive amount of intricate detail that may interest only a particular audience. (August 2020) |
On March 10, the Vermont State Emergency Operations Center was activated.[21] On March 13, a COVID-19 task force was set up[22] and Governor Phil Scott issued Executive Order 01-20 which declared a State of Emergency until April 15.[23] The Executive Order limited visitors to nursing homes, assisted living residences, residential care homes, and specific care facilities. It also suspended traveling by state employees for non-essential government business and prohibited most mass gatherings, excluding transit, most offices, and grocery and commercial stores. The National Guard was also activated.[24] Additionally, the Vermont General Assembly voted to adjourn until March 24 to prepare for the virus.[25][26]
On March 15, Governor Scott ordered all schools in Vermont to be closed and all school activities to be cancelled no later than Wednesday, March 18, and lasting through at least April 6.[12][27] On March 16, Governor Scott announced his emergency declaration would be amended to limit public gatherings to either 50 people or 50% occupancy.[28] Also on March 16, Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger declared a state of emergency for Burlington and ordered all bars and restaurants to close Tuesday starting at 6:00am and continuing for at least 24 hours. All nonessential city services will also be suspended from Wednesday, March 18, through at least April 6.[29][30]
On March 17, Governor Scott ordered the closure of all Vermont child care programs, except for those that serve people "essential" to responding to the pandemic, through April 6.[31] Essential persons included healthcare providers, criminal justice personnel; public health employees; firefighters; Vermont National Guard personnel; other first responders and state employees; and staff and providers of necessary childcare services.[32]
On March 20, Governor Scott announced that he would be working with the state legislature to develop a loan program through the Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) for businesses impacted economically by the pandemic.[33] He also announced that Vermont businesses could apply for economic injury disaster loans through the Small Business Administration (SBA).[34] The Vermont Department of Public Service released a "Public Wi-Fi Hot Spot Map" to enable people in Vermont to find places to access the Internet for free.[35][36] Vermont state officials also stated that the number of available beds statewide had increased to 500 and the number of available ventilators had increased to 240.[37]
On March 21, Governor Scott ordered the closure of gyms and similar exercise facilities, hair salons, spas and tattoo parlors by 8 pm on March 23. He also extended his earlier executive order to restrict gatherings to no more than 10 people.[15] On March 23, Governor Scott ordered the Vermont National Guard and the Vermont Emergency Operations Center to set up a medical "surge site" to respond to COVID-19 cases.[38]
On March 24, Governor Scott issued a "Stay Home, Stay Safe" order directing all residents of Vermont to stay home "leaving only for essential reasons, critical to health and safety." The order directed that all businesses and not-for-profit entities suspend all in-person business operations, except for specific exemptions. The order would remain in effect until April 15, 2020, unless extended or shortened.[39][40] On March 26, Governor Scott ordered all schools in Vermont to remain closed for in-person classes for the rest of the academic year.[41][13]
On March 30, Governor Scott imposed quarantine restrictions on travelers arriving in Vermont.[42] On March 31, the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development ordered large retailers "to cease in-person sales of non-essential items in order to reduce the number of people coming into the stores." The agency also ordered stores to close showrooms and garden sections of home improvement centers.[43] Also, Governor Phil Scott announced the launch of a new website where Vermonters could sign up to volunteer to help in the state's response to COVID-19.[44][45]
On April 2, Governor Scott announced that the state, in anticipation of a surge in COVID-19 cases, was preparing two additional medical surge locations in partnership with the Vermont National Guard: a 400-bed location at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction, and a 150-bed location in Rutland County. Additional rapid reaction medical surge trailers, each containing materials for 50 additional beds, had been prepositioned throughout the state to facilitate rapid deployment. Additional assets, including two state portable hospitals, were also being prepared to prevent hospitals from exceeding their capacities in the event of a surge.[46]
On April 3, the Vermont Department of Health recommended that all Vermonters should wear face masks when in public.[47] Health officials in Vermont had previously advised against the general public wearing masks if they were not showing any symptoms,[48] but the new recommendation cited a 48-hour, pre-symptomatic infectious phase in individuals with COVID-19 where face masks would be beneficial.[47] Governor Scott stated in a media briefing that he was planning to extend the state's stay-at-home order beyond its original ending date in mid-April, warning Vermonters that they should expect to remain at home for several more weeks.[49]
An April 3 directive from Vermont Attorney General T.J. Donovan provided police with guidelines on how to enforce the state's stay-at-home order. Law enforcement officers were directed to provide education and request voluntary compliance when encountering businesses and individuals in violation of the order, while civil and criminal penalties were outlined for instances of continued non-compliance.[50] Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger additionally announced that the Burlington Police Department would begin issuing tickets to people who violated the stay-at-home order, with fines ranging from $100–$500.[51]
On April 4, the Vermont National Guard started building a 400-bed overflow hospital inside the Champlain Valley Exposition center.[52]
Vermont's Agency of Transportation stationed staff at 28 "high-priority border crossings" with neighboring states and Canada where they monitored traffic to determine how many people were entering Vermont.[53]
On April 10, Governor Scott extended the state of emergency until May 15.[54]
On April 14, the Vermont Economic Mitigation and Recovery Task Force was established by Governor Scott under the Agency of Commerce and Community Development. This task force was charged with helping the economy of Vermont recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.[55][56]
On April 16, Governor Scott and the Vermont Department of Public Service announced a partnership with Microsoft, RTO Wireless, and Up And Running I.T to deploy public WiFi access points in communities around Vermont that lacked Internet access.[57]
On April 17, Governor Phil Scott announced that starting on Monday, April 20, 2020, certain businesses would be allowed to re-open, including outdoor businesses and "low-contact" services. Farmers markets were also allowed to open starting on May 1.[10]
On April 20, the Vermont Department of Health announced a partnership with The King Repairs to deploy public hotlines for support dealing with the pandemic, and future support outreach.[58]
On April 21, Governor Phil Scott and Vermont Department of Financial Regulation Commissioner Michael Pieciak announced a new program to provide financial assistance to Vermonters with privately held student loans.[59] On the same day, the Vermont National Guard announced they would be distributing Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs) to Vermonters from five airports around the state between April 22 and April 29.[60]
On April 24, Governor Scott issued guidance about the continued re-opening of businesses in Vermont. The order required any businesses opening to implement specific measures including requiring employees to wear coverings over their mouth and nose. Outdoor businesses including construction could resume with a maximum of five total workers per location.[61][62]
On April 29, Governor Scott announced that the state would be expanding the COVID-19 testing program to scale up to performing 7,500 tests per week (from the current 2,000 / week). The state would also expand its contact tracing program to help identify who else may be in contact with a person who tested positive.[63]
On May 6, Governor Scott announced that some forms of outdoor recreation could resume, as well as gatherings between households, as long as the gatherings consisted of 10 people or fewer, and appropriate protections were put in place. The order also allowed businesses, government entities, and non-profit organizations to resume outdoor recreation or fitness activities that involve low or no direct physical contact.[64]
On August 14, Governor Scott extended the state of emergency through September 15. His order also allowed cities and towns to enact stricter local limits if necessary.[65]
Transition to endemic stage
editOn June 14, 2022, Vermont's Health Commissioner Mark Levine described COVID-19 as endemic and stated that "COVID-19 is still with us and will continue to evolve, but so has our knowledge of the virus and how to respond," and went on to encourage the use of at-home tests. Acknowledging declining positivity rates, Governor Scott stressed the importance of socialization and strengthening communities.[66][67]
See also
edit- Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States
- COVID-19 pandemic in the United States – for impact on the country
- COVID-19 pandemic – for impact on other countries
References
edit- ^ a b Walters, John (March 7, 2020). "Bennington patient Vermont's first 'presumptive positive' coronavirus case". VTDigger. Retrieved March 22, 2020.
- ^ "Vermont COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard". Vermont Department of Health. December 22, 2020. Retrieved February 24, 2022.
- ^ "Case Dashboard". Vermont Department of Health. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
- ^ Lamdin, Courtney (March 20, 2020). "Vermont Health Department Reports the State's First Coronavirus Case". SevenDays VT. Retrieved March 20, 2020.
- ^ Landen, Xander; Jickling, Katie (March 19, 2020). "Two die from coronavirus infections in Vermont". VTDigger. Retrieved March 20, 2020.
- ^ "Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont". Health Vermont COVID-19 Data. State of Vermont. Retrieved April 8, 2020.
- ^ Board, Riley (July 17, 2020). "Vermont becomes the only state in the nation without a death from COVID-19 in the past 30 days". Burlington Free Press.
- ^ Flanders, Colin (November 11, 2020). "Vermont Reports Record-High 72 New Coronavirus Cases". Seven Days VT. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
- ^ a b Wallace Allen, Anne (March 16, 2020). "Bars and restaurants in Vermont will be ordered closed at 2 p.m. Tuesday: Scott admin". VTDigger. Retrieved March 22, 2020.
- ^ a b Flanders, Colin (April 17, 2020). "In First Turn of 'Spigot,' Scott to Allow Some Vermont Businesses to Reopen". SevenDays VT. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
- ^ Lamdin, Courtney (May 11, 2020). "Vermont Retail Stores Can Reopen With Capacity Limits on May 18". SevenDays VT. Retrieved May 12, 2020.
- ^ a b Duffort, Lola; Galloway, Anne (March 15, 2020). "Scott orders schools to close". VTDigger. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
- ^ a b "Directive 5 – Continuity of Learning Planning (Pursuant to EO 01-20)". Office of Governor Phil Scott. State of Vermont. Retrieved March 27, 2020.
- ^ Galloway, Anne (March 23, 2020). "UVM sends students home". VTDigger. Retrieved March 23, 2020.
- ^ a b Allen, Anne Wallace (March 21, 2020). "Scott orders gyms, salons closed; limits gatherings to no more than 10". VTDigger. Retrieved March 22, 2020.
- ^ Heintz, Paul (March 19, 2020). "Media Note: Vermont News Outlets Ramp Up as Outbreak Threatens Business". Seven Days VT. Retrieved March 27, 2020.
- ^ Pappas, Steve (March 20, 2020). "City Room: COVID-19's effects on us". Times Argus. Brunswick Publishing LLC. Retrieved March 23, 2020.
- ^ Heintz, Paul (March 23, 2020). "Media Note: Seven Days Lays Off Seven Employees". Seven Days. Retrieved March 24, 2020.
- ^ "Waterbury Record publishes its last issue". Waterbury Record. Vermont Community Newspaper Group. March 26, 2020. Retrieved April 8, 2020.
- ^ Stigliani, Emilie Teresa (April 3, 2020). "Free Press editor: How our journalists are affected by advertising losses due to COVID-19". Burlington Free Press. Gannett. Retrieved April 8, 2020.
- ^ "Governor Phil Scott Orders Activation of State Emergency Operations Center". Vermont Emergency Management (Press release). March 10, 2020.
- ^ "Governor Phil Scott Details Development of COVID-19 Task Force". Vermont Emergency Management (Press release). March 2, 2020.
- ^ Flanders, Colin (March 13, 2020). "Scott Declares State of Emergency in Vermont". Seven Days.
- ^ "DECLARATION OF STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 AND NATIONAL GUARD CALL-OUT (EXECUTIVE ORDER 01-20)". Office of Governor Phil Scott (Press release). Archived from the original on March 18, 2020. Retrieved March 20, 2020.
- ^ Vermont Statehouse to temporarily shut down next week WCAX
- ^ Xander Landen, Kit Norten (March 20, 2020). "Senate to return to the Statehouse next week to pass COVID-19 measures". VTDigger. Retrieved March 20, 2020.
- ^ "Gov. Scott Orders Orderly Closure of Vermont preK-12 Schools This Week". Office of Governor Phil Scott. State of Vermont. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
- ^ Katie Jickling, Lola Duffort (March 16, 2020). "Update: Vermont now up to 12 cases as Scott limits gatherings to 50". VT Digger. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
- ^ "Burlington restaurants, bars to close for 24 hours". WCAX. March 16, 2020. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
- ^ "Mayor Miro Weinberger Declares Emergency and Announces New City Actions in Response to COVID-19". City of Burlington. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
- ^ McCullum, April (March 17, 2020). "Gov. Scott orders closure of child care programs not serving 'essential' workers". Burlington Free Press. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
- ^ "Governor Phil Scott Orders Implementation Of Child Care System For Personnel Essential To Covid-19 Response – Childcare Centers Closed; Urged to Provide Care for Children of Vermonters Responding to Crisis". Office of Governor Phil Scott. State of Vermont. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
- ^ Landen, Xander (March 20, 2020). "Scott says he's not considering shelter in place order at this time". VTDigger. Retrieved March 20, 2020.
- ^ "Governor Phil Scott Announces Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to Small Businesses Affected by COVID-19". Office of Governor Phil Scott. State of Vermont. Retrieved March 20, 2020.
- ^ "Governor Phil Scott Announces Public Service Department Wi-Fi Hot Spot Map to Help Vermonters Access Internet During COVID-19". State of Vermont – Office of Governor Phil Scott (Press release). March 23, 2020.
- ^ "Public WiFi Hotspots in Vermont". March 20, 2020.
- ^ Flanders, Colin (March 20, 2020). "Bracing for Coronavirus Spread, Vermont Frees Up Hospital Beds". SevenDays VT. Retrieved March 20, 2020.
- ^ Galloway, Anne (March 23, 2020). "Three more die at Burlington Health and Rehab of COVID-19". VTDigger. Archived from the original on March 23, 2020. Retrieved March 23, 2020.
- ^ "GOVERNOR PHIL SCOTT ISSUES A "STAY HOME, STAY SAFE" ORDER, DIRECTS ADDITIONAL CLOSURES". Office of Governor Phil Scott (Press release).
- ^ Meyn, Colin (March 24, 2020). ""Stay home," Scott orders in response to COVID-19 outbreak in Vermont". VTDigger. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
- ^ Reed, Elodie; Elder-Connors, Liam (March 26, 2020). "Gov. Closes Vermont Schools For Rest Of Academic Year". Vermont Public Radio. Retrieved March 27, 2020.
- ^ Giles, Mark Davis, Abagael (March 30, 2020). "Governor Orders 14-Day Quarantine For Out-Of-State Travelers". www.vpr.org. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Asch, Sarah (March 31, 2020). "Vermont orders big retailers to cease in-person sales on non-essential items". VTDigger. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
- ^ Asch, Sarah (March 31, 2020). "Governor calls on Vermonters to pitch in with COVID-19 response". VTDigger. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
- ^ "Governor Scott Calls on Vermonters to Support COVID-19 Response". Office of Governor Phil Scott. State of Vermont. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
- ^ "Governor Phil Scott Announces Additional Medical Surge Locations". Office of Governor Phil Scott. State of Vermont. Retrieved April 3, 2020.
- ^ a b "Vt. health officials now encouraging face masks for all". WCAX. April 3, 2020. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^ "Do you need to wear a mask in public?". WCAX. April 1, 2020. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^ "Vermont stay-at-home order to be extended beyond mid-April". WCAX. April 3, 2020. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^ Allen, Anne Wallace; Quigley, Aidan (April 3, 2020). [hprttps://vtdigger.org/2020/04/03/state-outlines-penalties-for-covid-19-distancing-scofflaws/ "State, Burlington outline penalties for COVID-19 scofflaws"]. VTDigger. Retrieved April 5, 2020.
- ^ Brouwer, Derek (April 3, 2020). "Burlington Police to Ticket People Who Violate Stay-At-Home Order". Seven Days VT. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^ Roy, Matthew (April 4, 2020). "The Vermont National Guard is Building a 400-Bed Hospital at the Champlain Valley Expo". Seven Days VT. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
- ^ Landen, Xander (April 6, 2020). "Vermont stations officials along borders to monitor traffic during Covid-19". VTDigger. Retrieved April 7, 2020.
- ^ "Governor Phil Scott Extends State of Emergency in Vermont". Office of Governor Phil Scott. Retrieved April 14, 2020.
- ^ Asch, Sarah (April 14, 2020). "Administration establishes Economic Mitigation & Recovery Task Force". VTDigger. Retrieved April 15, 2020.
- ^ "Agency of Commerce and Community Development Establishes Economic Mitigation & Recovery Task Force". Vermont Office of Governor Phil Scott (Press release). April 14, 2020.
- ^ "Businesses Partnering with the State of Vermont to Address Rural Broadband Gap". Vermont Office of Governor Phil Scott (Press release). April 16, 2020.
- ^ "Computer Repair Near Me". Computer Repair Vermont (Press release). April 20, 2020.
- ^ "Student Loan Relief Secured for Borrowers Not Covered by Federal CARES Act". Vermont Office of Governor Phil Scott (Press release). April 21, 2020.
- ^ Pollak, Sally (April 21, 2020). "Vermont National Guard to Distribute MREs to Vermonters". SevenDaysVT. Retrieved April 22, 2020.
- ^ "New Order from Governor Phil Scott Continues Phased Re-Opening; Expands Health & Safety Measures, Including Mandatory Training". Vermont Office of Governor Phil Scott (Press release). April 24, 2020.
- ^ Barry, Jordan (April 24, 2020). "State Issues Guidance for Farmers Markets to Open May 1". SevenDays VT. Retrieved April 26, 2020.
- ^ "Governor Phil Scott Announces Enhanced Testing and Contact Tracing Programs". Vermont Office of Governor Phil Scott (Press release). April 29, 2020.
- ^ "Governor Phil Scott Announces Re-Opening of Some Outdoor Recreation and Limited Social Interactions in Latest Restart Phase". Vermont Office of Governor Phil Scott (Press release). May 6, 2020.
- ^ Fleury, Alek (August 14, 2020). "Coronavirus: State of emergency extended for Vermont until September 15". Burlington Free Press. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
- ^ "Vermont's state-run COVID-19 testing sites to close next week". June 16, 2022.
- ^ "With endemic virus, Scott administration looks ahead to pandemic recovery". June 16, 2022.
External links
edit
- Information from the State of Vermont Department of Health
- List of Wi-Fi Internet hot spots in Vermont open during COVID-19 pandemic
- Volunteer site – Help Support Vermonters Affected by COVID-19
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