Current News

by Kenneth J Entenmann, CFA, NBT Bank The last few days in late March felt like a reprieve of sorts, with the equity markets showing better performance (As of mid-day March 31, the Dow was at about 22,000, up from a week ago when it was under 19,000, but down from mid-February of over 29,000). While rising numbers are a relief, it’s hardly a signal that all is back to normal.

Vermont Business Magazine On March 30, 2020, the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation issued a new emergency regulation regarding COVID-19 and Telehealth Services. The emergency rule requires health insurers and workers' compensation insurance carriers to provide coverage for clinically appropriate health care services delivered remotely through telehealth or audio-only telephone on the same basis as in-person consultations.

Vermont Business Magazine Students affected by school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic now have access to free high-speed wireless Internet and Google Chromebooks, thanks in part to collaborative efforts by Rutland City Public Schools, Vermont Telephone Company (VTel) and Ericsson.

Agency of Commerce & Community Development Governor Scott Monday ordered new restrictions on travelers arriving in Vermont and announced additional guidance for the lodging industry to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus and protect public health. Businesses should also be aware of financial assistance coming from the CARES Act soon.

Vermont Business Magazine The Southwestern Vermont Health Care Foundation, part of Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC), has established a special fund to meet needs that have emerged as a result of the health system’s response to COVID-19.

Vermont Business Magazine Green Up Vermont has been closely monitoring cornonavirus (COVID-19) communications and guidance from the Vermont Department of Health, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports, and daily news from Governor Scott and our federal government. The situation is fluid and our greatest priority is the health and well-being of our Green Up family of volunteers and event participants.

by Tim McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Travelers entering Vermont and lodging establishments are the latest groups called on to help fight the spread of COVID-19 in Vermont, according to Governor Phil Scott’s Monday order. As a governor whose core message often includes growing Vermont’s economy and population, this was a call for “public health and safety, which is our top priority.”

Vermont Business Magazine At a press conference Monday, March 30, Governor Phil Scott announced new restrictions on travelers arriving in Vermont. Residents and non-residents coming to Vermont from outside the state ­– for anything other than an essential purpose ­­– should home-quarantine for 14 days. Travel to Vermont by anyone from a COVID-19 “hot spot” is strongly discouraged at this time.

by Speaker Mitzi Johnson and Senate President Pro Tempore Tim Ashe Vermonters have always stepped up to do their part during hard times. We lend a helping hand, take care of neighbors, and look out for one another. The COVID-19 pandemic that’s testing our state and nation is an unprecedented challenge. As leaders of the legislative branch of government, we stand together with the Governor and our Congressional Delegation to protect Vermonters, aid those in need, and lead efforts to rebuild Vermont’s economy.

Vermont Business Magazine Today Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos announced a series of temporary changes to Vermont’s election laws passed by the Legislature and signed into law by the Governor, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that Vermont is prepared to safeguard the integrity of elections and the public’s health in the face of this global pandemic.

Vermont Business Magazine Burlington Mayor Weinberger: “Thank you to Superior Court Judge Helen Toor for recognizing that we are “facing unprecedented times” and taking swift action to protect Chittenden County residents from eviction and foreclosure for 90 days, with little exception. There will be complex financial and policy questions that we must still work through, and we will. For now, though, Judge Toor’s order is an important next step and reflects that our priority as a community is protecting health, life, and all of our neighbors.”

Vermont Business Magazine As of Monday afternoon, there were 21 new cases of COVID-19 reported by the Vermont Department of Health. The total number of cases is 256. The number of deaths from the novel coronavirus in Vermont remains at 12. Chittenden County has the most total cases with 155. Windsor County is next with 18 and Bennington County has 17.