by Rachel Feldman, Vermont Business Magazine The wellbeing of Vermonters, students, Vermont businesses and employees in the face of COVID-19 was apparent in both the words and actions at Governor Phil Scott’s Friday press conference in Montpelier.
Joined with Scott at 6-foot intervals were Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, Agency of Human Services Secretary Mike Smith, Agency of Commerce and Community Development Secretary Lindsay Kurrle, and other state officials, making it clear that all were respecting “social distancing” while presenting a united front during this pandemic.
“People are hurting and businesses are at risk,” Scott said. “We will pull every lever and turn every dial we possibly can to support folks through this time, and look toward economic recovery even as we close in on the eye of the storm.”
As additional measures will likely be taken, Scott assured Vermonters that “we will take those steps together, we will take each challenge as it comes, calmly, with the best interests of all Vermonters in mind.”
The state’s increased response includes multiple actions to support Vermont businesses, impacted employees and families:
- Scott recently requested a disaster declaration from the Small Business Administration, which would make emergency loans available to businesses impacted by the evolving response;
- The Department of Public Service is currently building a map of free WiFi hotspots for employees and students now working remotely, so all can access the tools they need to be productive;
- The Scott Administration is working with the Vermont Economic Development Authority and the Legislature on small-business loans, similar to those offered in 2011 and 2012 in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene;
- The Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development is providing a comprehensive list of up-to-date information and resources for Vermont businesses at https://accd.vermont.gov;
- Unemployment services have been expanded, to include Saturday hours, and the work search requirement has been suspended for the time being;
- The Department of Financial Regulation and the Department of Vermont Health Access are working in tandem to reduce financial pressure from health care costs;
- And the Department of Motor Vehicles has shifted to mail, phone and online services only. The Department is granting a 90-day extension for licenses and other renewals.
SEE RELATED STORY: Governor Scott announces economic injury disaster loans available to small businesses affected by Covid-19
While this is a lot, the governor acknowledged, “We know this is not nearly enough.”
With new questions emerging about income tax payment deadlines, potential financial relief for homeowners and renters, and the availability of test kits, Scott and officials assured Vermonters that more information will be provided in the coming days.
Dr Levine encouraged all Vermonters to use this time of social distancing to “reconnect with family, friends, and communities in responsible ways,” such as volunteering, chatting remotely or learning a new hobby.
In closing, Scott thanked Vermonters by saying “how proud I am of the people of our state and how encouraged I am by what I’ve seen as we pull together.”
Click HERE for transcript of Governor Scott's Friday Address.
*Includes testing conducted at the Vermont Department of Health Laboratory, commercial labs, and other public health labs.
+Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.
Note: With the quickly changing situation, we continue to adjust reporting, looking for the best ways to communicate with the public. It is important to remember that as the number of people testing positive increases, we need to assume that we are all at risk, whatever our location. Now is the time when social distancing can make an enormous difference.
This table is updated daily by 2:00 p.m. Last updated: March 20, 2020
Source: Vermont Department of Health. 3.20.2020. Click HERE for the VDH COVID-19 Website