Stay Home, Stay Safe Order Extended to May 15

Today Governor Scott issued Addendum 9 to the Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order, which extends the original state of emergency to remain in effect until May 15. This extension applies to all directives and addenda issued previously. Governor Scott and the Department of Health continue to use data and trend analysis to determine the length of the order. Today, the latest trend data was released.

Lodging Reservations OK after June 15

Addendum 9 allows lodging establishments to begin taking future reservations again. Effective immediately, lodging operators can accept reservations for stays and events occurring on June 15 or later, although they could be cancelled at a future date, pending any extension or amendment to the Stay Home, Stay Safe order.

Reservations for arrivals between now and May 15 need to be cancelled. Existing reservations for arrivals between May 15 and June 15 may remain, pending any extension or amendment to the Stay Home, Stay Safe order.

New Real Estate Sector Guidance

Addendum 9 also clarifies that existing real estate sales and brokerage guidance applies to all real estate sales, including those for sale by owner. Online real estate sites are required to post a prominent notice on their web platforms advising potential sellers and purchasers that all in-person real estate transactions are temporarily suspended. Real estate functions that can be conducted online, by phone or email may continue.

Motor Vehicle Inspection Deadline Extended

New guidance from the Governor today directs the Department of Motor Vehicles to extend motor vehicle inspections due in April—those with a green 4 sticker—for up to 60 days.

New Unemployment Insurance Virtual Town Halls Announced

Today the Vermont Department of Labor announced that it will hold daily virtual town hall events. Town halls for employers will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2 pm. Town halls for employees will be on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 2 pm. For a listing of all events visit the Department of Labor calendar. All virtual events will be recorded and accessible on the VDOL website, as well as on their YouTube Channel.

Outdoor Recreation and COVID-19

State and municipal agencies are working to balance the requirements of the Stay Home, Stay Safe order with Vermonters’ need for exercise and stress relief by keeping trails, parks, and other public outdoor spaces open for appropriate public use. The Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation has developed tips for how to locally and stay safe outdoors during this public health emergency.

Vermont Qualifies for Federal Public Assistance

Gov. Phil Scott’s request for federal public assistance for the state and all towns for costs incurred in the response to and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic has been approved.

State and local governments and some nonprofits, including hospitals, rehab centers, nursing homes, and laboratories, will get 75% reimbursement for emergency spending, such as emergency medical care, emergency sheltering, medical supplies, security and law enforcement for temporary facilities, and communications of general health and safety information to the public.

Business Impact

ACCD wants to hear from all Vermont businesses impacted by the response to the COVID-19 virus. Please share these impacts via the ACCD Business Impact Form, which will help us assess the full impact as we work toward solutions.