State officials all test negative for COVID-19

Vermont Business Magazine There is no change in status for Governor Phil Scott, who tested negative Wednesday. He continues to work while in quarantine and will be tested again on Tuesday, January 26.

Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, Human Services Secretary Mike Smith and Public Safety Commissioner Mike Schirling – who were all tested yesterday – have tested negative for COVID-19. Smith and Schirling, whose last exposure was on January 15, will take their day 7 test tomorrow.

Scott, Levine and Financial Regulation Commissioner Mike Pieciak, whose last exposure was January 19, will get their day 7 test on Tuesday, January 26.

All Administration officials in quarantine are experiencing no symptoms.

***Update #3, 4:46 p.m., Wednesday, January 20, 2021***

Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott has tested negative for COVID-19. As his most recent potential exposure occurred at Tuesday’s briefing, in accordance with Vermont Department of Health guidance, he will continue to fulfill his duties while in quarantine and will be tested again on Tuesday, January 26.

“Everyone from the Administration currently in quarantine is feeling good and remains focused on our pandemic response,” the Governor said. “We appreciate the expressions of support and we will keep everyone updated, every step of the way.”

The Governor’s Office will provide another update tomorrow.

*** Update #2, 1:51 p.m., Wednesday, January 20, 2021***

Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott will be tested for COVID-19 today, and again on Tuesday – day seven of his quarantine – based on guidance from the Vermont Department of Health. The Governor’s Office will release the results of each test.

Governor Scott, Health Commissioner Mark Levine, M.D., and Financial Services Commissioner Mike Pieciak, who participated in Tuesday’s press conference, are all quarantining due to their close proximity to the COVID-positive individual. Human Services Secretary Mike Smith and Public Safety Commissioner Mike Schirling are also quarantining due to their proximity to the positive case on Friday, January 15. Communications Director Rebecca Kelley, and former Barre Mayor Thom Lauzon are also quarantining as a precaution. Lauzon was a guest speaker at Tuesday’s briefing. None are experiencing symptoms and will continue to work remotely. Others not connected to the Administration may also be quarantining, per contact tracing recommendations.

There has been no impact on daily operations of the Governor’s office or the ability of the Governor to perform his duties. Governor Scott is completing his quarantine in his Montpelier office, which includes a small apartment.

17 individuals were in attendance at each of the media briefings, with a total of 21 impacted. All have been reached by the Department of Health’s contact tracing team, and the standard contact tracing process is underway. Given the distancing and masking protocols in place, most participants are not considered a close contact.

Friday’s coronavirus briefing, which will focus on the next phase of Vermont’s COVID-19 vaccine roll out, will proceed at the normal time and place, though all officials still in quarantine will participate by video.

The Governor’s Office will provide an update by noon tomorrow, Thursday, January 21 or when the Governor’s test results become available – whichever comes first.

***Initial release, 5:51 p.m., Tuesday, January 19, 2021***

Montpelier, Vt. - This afternoon Governor Phil Scott, Department of Health Commissioner Mark Levine, M.D. and other administration officials were informed that a contractor who provided services at the Governor’s coronavirus briefings on Friday, January 15 and Tuesday, January 19 has tested positive for COVID-19.

The briefings are conducted under state guidance, with safety protocols, including physical distancing, in place.

However, out of an abundance of caution, because they speak at the podium for extended periods of time, Governor Scott, Dr. Levine, and other administration officials in attendance will quarantine and be tested based on guidance from the Vermont Department of Health.

State contact tracers have begun their investigation and will provide guidance to all those who are identified as close contacts. Close contacts are defined as anyone who has been in close proximity (generally 6-feet or less) of the positive case for 15 minutes or more.

The Governor’s Office has reached out to those in attendance at the briefings. They will also receive a call from the Department of Health.

Until further notice, Governor Scott will continue to fulfill all of his duties, including leading Vermont’s pandemic response, while working remotely.

1.21.2021 Montpelier, VT www.vermont.gov