New order allows small crews for outside construction or other outdoor trade jobs, and single-worker professional services
Clarifies guidance for retailers to allow additional operations using delivery and curbside service
Outlines safety requirements to ensure continued social distancing, hygiene and disinfection
by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Phil Scott today at his press briefing outlined an initial approach for the phased restart of Vermont’s economy, which includes allowing contractors up to two people and single-worker occupations like real estate agents to get back to work. These openings are effective April 20. He also said farmers' markets will re-open May 1, but in a very restricted way. Those restrictions likely will include curbside-type service. Those plans are being developed by the Agency of Agriculture.
Scott said that continue positive results from the data modeling the state has undertaking indicates initial steps can be taken while the Stay Home, Stay Safe order remains in effect.
To begin to execute this strategy, Scott today signed an addendum to Executive Order 01-20, which – in order to start getting more Vermonters back to work – institutes new health and safety requirements and encourages the public to wear cloth face coverings.
As for those who can now get back to work, they will be required to wear face masks when on the job.
The amended order directs the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) to issue guidance authorizing outdoor businesses and construction operations with crews of two or less and some single-person low contact professional services, such as appraisers, attorneys, real estate agents and others, to operate if specified safety requirements can be met.
The state’s latest modeling, presented today, shows the growth rate in new COVID-19 cases has averaged below 4% for the last 12 days, the rate at which cases double has slowed dramatically, and the number of people requiring hospitalizations remains stable.
“We’re seeing some promising results and continue to trend below even the best-case scenarios predicted in recent forecasting,” said Scott. “This is all a result of the hard work and sacrifice of Vermonters across the state, and I can’t thank you enough.”
“These forecasts show we can continue to slow the number of new COVID-19 cases if we continue to stay vigilant, meaning staying home, avoiding large gatherings, staying six feet away from others, using a cloth face covering when in public and washing our hands,” he said. “But what these trends also show is that with the right precautions, we can take small steps to get more Vermonters back to work and avoid a spike in cases that would put lives at risk.”
Financial Regulation Commissioner Michael Pieciak presented again the data tracking numbers. The mobility metrics indicate that Vermonters are following social distancing measures better than in any other state in New England. Data generally shows Vermont doing better than nearly every other state.
"It is now safe to say we have reached our peak for new cases," he said.
Pieciak also said the modeling indicates that upwards of 2,000 deaths could have occurred if the state had done nothing to mitigate the spread of the virus. As of today there are 35 confirmed deaths from COVID-19.
Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, said other vital indicators like hospitalizations are all well below the best-case scenarios.
Given that positive news, Scott outlined a measured, phased approach to reopen the economy - balancing the need to improve overall social and economic wellbeing with the need to prevent a resurgence of COVID-19 outbreaks.
The governor was quick to say that they are "not declaring victory."
"The threat remains," he said.
As for larger gathers, Scott would not venture when they might be allowed, not how someone should plan for a wedding. Now, the limit is a gather of 10 people. He said they will likely ratchet those numbers up the way the came down, in steps, depending on the health data.
A vaccine for the virus, which could come by next year, would help clarify that situation, Dr Levine said, but there is yet no vaccine for any coronavirus.
He said serological (blood) antibody testing will expand to first determine what percentage of the Vermont population that has been exposed to the virus and then to help determine what level, if any, immunity to it has developed.
The order, and a corresponding guidance memo from ACCD, detail specific measures for those businesses authorized to reopen to ensure continued social distancing. Applying these measures, it also clarifies guidance to allow more retail operations to operate through phone-in or online ordering, and curbside pickup or delivery.
As for farmers' markets, the governor was very clear they will not be the events we're used to.
"It won't look the same," he said. "It's not a time to gather and socialize."
Other business-related data included the results of the Paycheck Protection Program organized through the US Small Business Administration. Earlier this week the SBA announced that all $350 billion set aside for the program has been exhausted.
Pieciak said that 4,800 Vermont companies have received loan approvals for a total of $850 million, which is currently being distributed. The loans must be closed within 10 days of being approved. Vermont ranks third in the US per capita, he said. Congress is working to add more money to what would be a new program to help businesses.
The PPP aid comes as a 1 percent loan, but it will be turned into a grant which will not have to be repaid if it is used to retain at least 75 percent of employment.
The governor also outlined five principles, developed in collaboration with the Vermont Department of Health, the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC), ACCD and others, which will guide the state’s Restart Vermont planning and decision-making process. They are:
- Keep our eyes on the data: The administration will continue to be guided by data and modeling, and track any changes to case trends, infection and death rates.
- Maintain health care readiness: The administration will continue monitoring and maintaining the state stockpile and distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) and testing materials to ensure it continues meeting the needs of the healthcare system and workers. Additionally, the state will continue to monitor available beds and ventilators, and make purchases as necessary, to ensure capacity to treat COVID-19 patients.
- Increase testing and tracing: The state currently has a robust testing approach but will continue to work to make testing more widely available and strengthen the epidemiology and contact tracing rapid response teams.
- Work Smarter & Work Safer: ACCD’s RestartVT Team will work with the Health Department and the SEOC to help businesses develop “COVID-19 Operations Plans,” which will include sector strategies for phased opening, including worker and customer protections, and training and monitoring procedures.
- Play Smarter, Play Safer: The RestartVT Team will also evaluate how to reopen outdoor recreation, retail, restaurants and bars, travel and other activities, focusing on the conditions needed to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks.
“Preventing outbreaks and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is the only way to avoid future business and social disruption,” said Commerce Secretary Lindsay Kurrle in her memo to Vermont businesses. “The success of this phased restart will depend in large part on the ability of employers and employees to adhere to the public health, safety and social distancing measures essential to limiting the spread of illness.”
The administration will continue to update the public on the RestartVT planning process as details and next steps are determined.
Click here to view Addendum 10.
To view ACCD’s memo to business for specific safety guidelines and protocols for Phase 1 business openings, as well as additional resources, visit accd.vermont.gov.
For more information on the Governor’s actions, visit governor.vermont.gov/covid19response. For the latest information and guidance relating to COVID-19, visit www.healthvermont.gov/covid19.
Source: Montpelier, Vt. – Governor 4.17.2020