Current News

by University of Vermont Health Network CEO John R. Brumsted, MD For nearly two months, teams across the UVM Health Network have been planning for our clinical and operational response to what is now designated as a pandemic by the World Health Organization and declared a State of Emergency in both Vermont and New York.

It is essential that all of us now move with an abundance of caution and take important measures to slow and ultimately stop the spread of COVID-19. From across the globe, and now in the United States, we are seeing examples of how important it is to act responsibly and swiftly, and we must, too.

Vermont Business Magazine The University of Vermont Health Network is directing clinical leadership across all of its Vermont and Northern New York affiliates to immediately work toward eliminating “non-urgent elective” encounters with the health system. These steps are being taken to protect patients and staff from exposure to the COVID-19 virus, as well to conserve critical equipment and supplies. Non-urgent elective encounters are defined as any surgery, procedure, diagnostic test or clinic visit that can be safely delayed or deferred, without threat to the immediate health and safety of the patient.

Vermont Business Magazine State and national governments are taking steps to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on peoples’ budgets, but how those measures will help Vermont’s self-employed workers isn’t yet clear.

Beginning Wednesday, NorthCountry Federal Credit Union make available a COVID-19 Financial Relief Program that includes help for the self-employed. Qualified accountholders are eligible to borrow up to $5,000 interest-free and repay it over the next two years. Certain restrictions apply

Vermont Business Magazine Vail Resorts announced today that all of its North American resorts and retail stores will remain closed for the 2019-20 winter ski season amidst the continued challenges associated with the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Vail owns Stowe, Mount Snow and Okemo in Vermont. The decision follows the company's previously announced closure of its resorts from Sunday, March 15 through Sunday, March 22.

Green Mountain Transit Due to the rapidly changing COVID-19 pandemic, the Burlington area public bus system, GMT, is offering the following updates to its passengers. To begin, if passengers are able to stay home, please do so. We’re here to get nurses, doctors, child care workers, first responders, transit workers, and anyone else who needs us where they need to go, safely. Effective immediately until at least April 1, 2020, GMT will operate bus service fare free.

Vermont Business Magazine Several of the state's utilities have suspended collections and disconnections in wake of the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic and the economic disruption it is wreaking. These include Green Mountain Power, Vermont Gas and Burlington Electric. They have also changed their office hours, but of course will maintain service. Click on the links below to get further information.

Green Mountain Power: "We recognize that certain customers may experience financial difficulty as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, whether they or a family member fall ill, are required to quarantine, or because their income is otherwise affected. We hope to alleviate our affected customers’ concerns about their electricity service during this time.

Michael S Pieciak, Commissioner, Vermont Department of Financial Regulation The Vermont Department of Financial Regulation, along with other state regulators, the FDIC (see March 9, 2020 press release), the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (see OCC Bulletin 2020-15), and others, recognizes the potential for the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) to adversely affect the customers and operations of financial institutions. The Department encourages financial institutions to take steps to meet the financial services needs of affected customers and communities. The Department will provide appropriate regulatory assistance to affected financial institutions subject to their supervision, as warranted.

Vermont Business Magazine Attorney General TJ Donovan announced today that, in light of the COVID-19 crisis, the employees of the Attorney General’s Office are working remotely. This will facilitate social distancing and allow parents to be at home with their children while Vermont schools are closed. There is no anticipated disruption of service. The AGO’s remote worker program will continue until at least April 6^th.

“Our first priority is the safety of Vermonters, including our team at the Attorney General’s Office and their families,” said Attorney General Donovan. “Through this crisis, we will continue to do our job.”

Vermont Business Magazine The University of Vermont Robert Larner College of Medicine invites the public to a free, informational webinar on Thursday, March 19, from 3 to 4 p.m., facilitated by

Tom Leavitt, President & CEO, Northfield Savings Bank After carefully monitoring the rapid evolution of the novel coronavirus in past weeks and preparing for contingencies, we are taking immediate actions to protect you, our staff, and our communities from greater risk of COVID-19. Beginning Wednesday, March 18, we are changing our branch lobby hours. We will be offering interior branch access to customers during three separate 90-minute intervals each day Monday through Friday.

by Dr Joshua White, CMO, Gifford Medical Center Now, understand that right here and now, the virus is the fire and we are the trees. It is here, my friends. We cannot see it, but it is among us as I write. We may choose to space ourselves, or we may not. Our vulnerable and our elderly may die, or they may not. We as a community and a society are making this choice, consciously or not.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced the appointment of David J Fox to become Rutland County sheriff, replacing outgoing Sheriff Stephen P Benard. Fox has served in the Rutland County sheriff’s office since 2004, joining after he graduated from the Vermont Police Academy.