Shut Down Again on February 15?

Table of Contents: Overview | Vaccine Threshold Progress| State of Emergency | COVID-19 Vaccine Roll-Out| RestartVT: Phased Re-Openings | Vermont Forward Plan| Relief for Individuals, Families and Businesses

(Updated June xiv, 2021)

Overview

COVID-xix is the communicable diseases caused by the virtually recently discovered coronavirus. Governor Scott and public health officials have set up a strategy to slow the spread in guild to protect those at swell risk, ensure capacity at healthcare facilities and minimize the run a risk to the public. The country is continually updating community mitigation measures and guidance in close consultation with the Vermont Section of Health and based on new information from the Centers for Disease Command and Prevention (CDC) and the World Wellness Organiztion (WHO).

For the most electric current information on COVID-19 in Vermont, visit healthvermont.gov/covid19.

TRANSLATED Resource

Click here to discover translated videos and other resources relating to COVID-19.

Click here to find translated resources and tips for preventing the spread of the flu.

Vaccine Threshold Progress:

On May 21, Governor Scott announced that when 80% of Vermont's eligible population (those 12 and older) have received at least i does of the COVID-19 vaccine, the state will motion to the last footstep of the Vermont Forwards plan, which means he will remove all remaining COVID-nineteen restrictions.

On June 14 we reached our goal of vaccinating 80% of eligible Vermonters.

If you haven't yet received your COVID-nineteen vaccine, you can assistance Vermont attain this of import goal. Getting your vaccine has never been easier, and nosotros continue to find ways to brand it more accessible to Vermonters across the state. Register for an engagement or observe upcoming walk-in clinics at healthvermont.gov/myvaccine.

State of Emergency

On March 13, 2020, Governor Phil Scott declared a state of emergency to assist ensure Vermont has all the necessary resources to answer to the COVID-19 public wellness emergency. Executive Order | Press Release | Governor'due south Video Message| Governor's Press Conference

Strategies are updated based on guidance from federal and land public health officials and include the following actions:

• On June 14, 2021, Governor Scott ended all COVID-nineteen Restrictions CovidRestrictionsLiftedDirective.PNG (799×901) (vermont.gov)
• On May 15, 2021, Governor Scott announced that the COVID-19 Country of Emergency had been extended to June 15, 2021 ADDENDUM xvi TO AMENDED AND RESTATED EXECUTIVE Social club NO. 01-20
• On April 30, 2021, Governor Scott announced an annex to the State of Emergency relating to outdoor masking, ADDENDUM xv TO AMENDED AND RESTATED EXECUTIVE Gild NO. 01-20
• On April 15, 2021, Governor Scott announced that the COVID-19 Land of Emergency had been extended to May 15, 2021. Annex 14 TO AMENDED AND RESTATED EXECUTIVE ORDER 01-twenty
• On March xv, 2021, Governor Scott announced that the COVID-nineteen Country of Emergency had been extended to Apr 15, 2021. Annex 12 TO AMENDED AND RESTATED EXECUTIVE ORDER 01-xx .pdf
• On February 15, 2021, Governor Scott appear that the COVID-19 State of Emergency had been extended to March 15, 2021.Annex 11 TO AMENDED AND RESTATED EXECUTIVE ORDER 01-20
• On January 15, 2021, Governor Scott appear that the COVID-xix State of Emergency had been extended to February 15, 2021. Annex 10 to Amended and Restated Executive Lodge No. 01-twenty
• On December 15, 2020, Governor Scott announced that the COVID-nineteen Country of Emergency had been extended to January 15, 2021. Addendum 9 to Amended and Restated Executive Club No. 01-20 | Press Release
• On November thirteen, 2020, Governor Scott implemented temporary restrictions on social gatherings and concern operations, including prohibition of individual multi-household social gatherings, limits on eating house hours and seating, closure of confined and clubs, pause on recreational sports, reinstitution of telework requirements, and additional contact tracing and testing requirements. On Nov xx, 2020, the Executive Club was updated to clarify allowable multi-household gatherings. Addendum 8 to Amended and Restated Executive Order No. 01-20 | Printing Release
  • On Dec 22, 2022 Governor Scott appear a small, temporary modification to the multi-household gathering restrictions for the holidays to let households to gather with ane other trusted household between December 23 and January 2. The guidance was also modified to permit youth sports to resume no-contact practices and to allow Vermonters to resume outdoor activities with those outside their household. Press Release
• On October 16, 2020, Governor Scott signed an executive order prohibiting skating rinks from accepting new reservation from October sixteen at 5:00 p.m. through midnight on October 30, 2022 to prevent an influx of new users from high risk areas into Vermont's ice rinks. Annex 7 to Amended and Restated Executive Order No. 01-20 | Printing Release
• On October 15, 2020, Governor Scott announced that the COVID-nineteen State of Emergency had been extended to November 15, 2020. Addendum 6 to Amended and Restated Executive Lodge No. 01-20 | Press Release
• On September 11, 2020, Governor Scott appear that the COVID-19 State of Emergency had been extended to October 15, 2020. Addendum v to Amended and Restated Executive Guild No. 01-twenty| Governor'southward Press Conference
• On August 14, 2020, Governor Scott announced that the COVID-19 Country of Emergency had been extended to September xv, 2020, as well as additional local discretion for gathering size limits and liquor sales. Addendum 3 to Amended and Restated Executive Club No. 01-xx | Printing Release | Governor's Press Conference
• On July 31,  2020, Governor Scott signed a directive setting September eight, 2022 every bit the universal reopening date for Vermont schools. Directive | Press Release
• On July 24, 2020, Governor Scott signed an executive social club requiring all Vermonters to wearable a mask or material facial covering any time it is not possible to maintain a concrete distance of at least six feet with others from outside their household. Annex iito Amended and Restated Executive Order No. 01-twenty | Press Release |Governor'south Press Briefing
  • Throughout the calendar month of August 2020, the Land distributed up to 300,000 free cloth face coverings to the public, emergency responders and select agencies.
• On July 15, 2020, Governor Scott announced that the COVID-19 Country of Emergency had been extended to August 15, 2020.Addendum ane to Amended and Restated Executive Gild No. 01-twenty
• On June 15, 2020, Governor Scott appear that the COVID-xix State of Emergency had been extended to July 15, 2020. The order reflected re-openings as of June fifteen, 2022 and connected to ease restrictions in response to Vermont'south low case counts and continued slow growth rate. Amended and Restated Executive Gild 01-20 | Printing Release | Governor'southward Press Conference
• On May 15, 2020, Governor Scott signed Annex fourteen, a Be Smart, Stay Prophylactic lodge to extend the Country of Emergency to June xv, 2022 and update previous emergency orders to reflect re-openings and eased restrictions. Addendum fourteen |Press Release |Governor's Press Conference
• On April 10,  2020, Governor Scott announced that the COVID-19 State of Emergency had been extended to May 15, 2020. Addendum 9 | Press Release | Governor'due south Press Conference
• On April seven, 2020, Governor Scott requested federal disaster funds to aid the state of Vermont in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The request asked for federal Public Help (PA) funds for the state and all towns for costs incurred in the response to and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, too every bit Individual Assistance, including Disaster Unemployment Aid and Crunch Counseling Assistance/Regular Services Program for all Vermont counties. Press Release
• On March xxx, 2020, Governor Scott ordered residents and non-residents coming from outside the state for any non-essential purpose to quarantine for 14 days and strongly discouraged travel to Vermont from any COVID-19  "hot spots" designated by the CDC. Addendum 7 | Press Release | Governor's Press Conference

• On March 26, 2020, Governor Scott directed schools to remain dismissed for in-person insutrction through the end of the 2019-2020 schoolhouse year and ordered districts to implement continuity of learning plans for remote learning. Directive five | Press Release | Guidance | Governor Scott's Remarks | Governor's Video Message | Governor's Press Conference 

• On March 24, 2020, Governor Scott issued a "Stay Habitation, Stay Safe" order and directed the closure of in-person operations for all non-essential businesses (constructive March 25-May 15, 2020). Addendum 6 | Press Release | Frequently Asked Questions for Businesses | ACCD Contact form for Businesses |Summary Document | Governor'southward Video Message | Governor'southward Printing Briefing

• On March 23, 2020, Governor Scott ordered telecommuting or work from home procedures for all businesses and not-for-turn a profit entities, to the maximum extent possible (constructive March 23-May 15, 2020). Addendum five | Press Release | Governor's Press Briefing

• On March 21, 2020, Governor Scott ordered the closure of close-contact businesses. Annex iv | Press Release

• On March 21, 2020, Governor Scott further restricted non-essential gatherings to x or less people (initial restrictions were put in place on March thirteen and reduced on March xvi). Annex 4 | Press Release | Governor's Video Message

• On March twenty, 2020, Governor Scott ordered the suspension of all non-essential developed elective surgery and medical surgical procedures. Annex 3

• On March 18, 2020, Governor Scott suspended in-person transactions at the Section of Motor Vehicles. Directive 3 | Press Release

• On March 17, 2020, Governor Scott directed childcare centers across Vermont to close normal operations but encouraged continued operation exclusively where needed to provide childcare services for workers who are essential to Vermont's ongoing effort in community mitigation of COVID-19. Directive ii | Guidance | Press Release |Governor'south Press Conference

• On March 16, 2020, Governor Scott ordered the closure of all bars and restaurants statewide. Addendum two | Press Release

  • Establishments can go on to offer takeout and delivery service and on March 19, Governor Scott authorized takeout and commitment of alcoholic beverages with food orders. Directive 4

• On March fifteen, 2020, Governor Scott directed the dismissal of PreK-12 schools and the development of a Continuity of Instruction Plan. Directive 1 | Guidance | Press Release |Governor'due south Video Message | Governor's Press Briefing

• On March 13, 2020, Governor Scott restricted visitor access at long-term care facilities. Guidance

COVID-19 Vaccination Whorl-Out

In Vermont, nosotros have had a team of talented experts working for months to prepare for what is an unprecedented attempt to deliver safe and constructive coronavirus vaccines.

There is no ameliorate, safer, or faster way to defeat this virus and revitalize our economy than a successful effort to make vaccinations available to every Vermonter. Nosotros are committed to working with our partners to get this done, and then we tin can get through the pandemic stronger and more resilient than ever before.

On Friday, March 19, the Governor outlined the historic period banding strategy to vaccinate every Vermonter. The age-banding arroyo has proven successful in lowering cases among those at greatest adventure of hospitalization and death and nosotros believe it is the well-nigh efficient and fastest way to get all Vermonters vaccinated.

It is of import to annotation, however, this schedule is dependent on receiving the doses the federal government has committed to deliver. But if they do, the remaining historic period bands will become eligible for registration on the following timeline:

Age Registration Starts
lx+      March 25
50+      March 29
40+      April five
30+      April 12
twenty+      April 19
16+      April 19

To be articulate, these are dates Vermonters tin sign upwards. Information technology does non mean anybody will be fully vaccinated by so. As a reminder, you are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after your final dose.

Appointments should be bachelor nearly two to iii weeks later the historic period band opens. Everyone in each age band will accept had the opportunity to exist fully vaccinated about 2 months subsequently their band opens. So, anybody in the final historic period band could be finished by June, which is why the Governor has used July iv equally a marking for when things will start to experience normal again.

Nosotros encourage everyone – even if they are not nevertheless eligible to be vaccinated – to prepare ahead of time for when it is their group'southward turn. Past going to healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine and creating an business relationship now, you volition be able to simply log in to make the engagement once you become eligible.

Restart Vermont: Phased Re-Openings

On April 17, Governor Phil Scott outlined an approach for the phased restart of Vermont'due south economy, emphasizing the country's modeling indicates initial steps can be taken to put some Vermonters back to work, while the Stay Home, Stay Safety lodge remains in effect. This process is existence done in close consultation with the experts at the Vermont Section of Health, and based on the state's modeling.

The Governor as well outlined five principles, developed in collaboration with the Vermont Department of Health, the State Emergency Operations Heart (SEOC), ACCD and others, which will guide the land's Restart Vermont planning and controlling process. They are:

• Keep our eyes on the data
• Maintain health intendance readiness
• Increase testing and tracing
• Work Smarter & Work Safer
• Play Smarter & Play Safer

Vermont Frontwards Plan

The Vermont Forward roadmap is t hree-footstep programme to methodically and safely ease mitigation measures  as more than Vermonters are vaccinate d. While information technology is field of study to change, offers Vermonters, municipalities, non-profits, and businesses the ability to programme with greater certainty for the months alee. Vermonters have been asking for insight into the long-term reopening strategy, and this is meant to provide a transparent look at the state's plans. The plan was adult  over months, with a team from the Department of Health, State Emergency Operations Center, Agency of Commerce and Community Development and Agency of Human being Services. It uses vaccination rates as the central milestones for transitioning to more full general, universal guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-xix; modifying travel guidance; and when gathering size can increase between now and July 4.

Vaccines make this possible :

Vermont has substantially completed  vaccination of its most at-gamble residents, including those over the age of 65 and those with certain high-risk health conditions, as well equally school employees, and workers in childcare , wellness care, long term care and public condom sectors. As a effect  cases, hospitalizations and deaths significantly decreasing amidst the 65+ age group .

Milestones & Steps:

Iii steps atomic number 82 to July 4, when the Land expects to transition universal guidance mandates into recommendations. The timeline is subject field to change, but given current vaccination uptake and supply projections, the State feels confident the milestones can exist met.

These steps  accept a phased approach to transition sector groups to "Universal Guidance." Rather than complicated sector-specific guidance, universal guidance requires businesses and other organizations to operate within 6 key public health practices:

• Vi-pes distancing required for all customers and employees

• Masks required for all customers and employees

• Minimize crowds

• Stay abode when ill  (educate  customers and employees  on this standard)

• Practice adept hygiene (ensure piece of cake access and regular use of handwashing, cleaning, etc.)

Sure sectors volition maintain their sector-specific guidance . Currently, this includes teaching ( childcare, g-12, higher ed, summertime camps), healthcare, ski areas  and issue venues/large gatherings .

Pace 1; Effective Apr 9, 2021

Vaccine milestone : 89% of those 65+ vaccinated; 4 v % started  or completed vaccination
Policy changes

• Group A sectors  move to "Universal Guidance "

• Group A  = Outdoor businesses;  Outdoor rec businesses;  Outdoor fitness;  Low/No -Contact Professional person Services; Far mer's Markets; Retail operations ; Lodging (notation restaurants and event spaces however operate under their sector  guidance)

• Cross State Travel – Vermonters returning from out-of-country travel or visitors entering the country are required to  obtain a negative examination within 3 days of render/arrival. Quarantine is no longer required.  Vaccinated individuals continue to travel with no restrictions.

Step two; Effective May 1, 2021
Vaccine milestone : threescore% started
Policy Changes:

• Grouping B  sectors  move to "Universal Guidance "

• Group B  = Manufacturing; Restaurants; Religious facilities; Gyms/Fitness Centers ; Organized sports; Hair Salons; Indoor arts and civilisation; meetings of public bodies

• Gatherings & Events  –

• Indoor: one  unvaccinated  person per 100sf with maximum 150 (plus whatever unvaccinated)

• Outdoor: 300 maximum  (plus any unvaccinated)

Step 3; Effective June i, 2021

Vaccine milestone : 85% started

• Travel Policy – no quarantine or testing required

• Gatherings & Events  –

• Indoor: 1 unvaccinated person per 5 0sf with maximum xxx 0 (plus any unvaccinated)

• Outdoor: 9 00 maximum  (plus whatever unvaccinated)

Estimated: July 4, 2021

Vaccine milestone : All Vermonters who want a vaccine will accept the opportunity to be fully vaccinated
Policy changes

• Business Operations – Universal guidance encouraged (not required) for all sectors

• Gatherings & Events  – No capacity restrictions

• Masks & Distancing – Encouraged but non required

Prior restart efforts under these principles include:

• On March nineteen, 2021 announced the opening of confined and clubs under eating house guidance, constructive March 24, 2021.
• On March 12, 2022 announced the changes allow ii unvaccinated households to get together at a time, and permitting restaurants to seat multiple households together, just no more than than six people tin exist seated at the same table. Masking, distancing, capacity limits, and other mitigation guidelines remain in identify.
• On February 23, announced changes to the COVID-xix travel policy. People who are fully vaccinated may travel to Vermont and return from out of state travel without quarantine restrictions, once 14 days have passed from when they received their concluding dose. Additionally, people who meet this vaccination criteria may now gather with i other household at time.
• On November 17, announced the opening of five new testing centers in Burlington, Middlebury, Waterbury, Rutland and Brattleboro, which will operate vii days a week so that ii-thirds of Vermonters will be within a xxx-minute drive of a testing site. Likewise announced that voluntary testing for all teachers and schoolhouse staff has begun (with about ane,700 tested on November 16) and will continue throughout the week, as well as increased contact tracing staff. Printing Release
• On Nov 12, joined Northeast governors in suspending interstate youth hockey competitions. This suspension was extended on December 30. Printing Release
• On November 10, as the number of counties eligible for quarantine-free travel has dropped, temporarily suspended the cross-state travel map effective immediately, requiring a xiv-day quarantine – or 7 days followed by a negative COVID-19 examination – following any not-essential out-of-land travel past Vermonters and for all travelers entering Vermont from some other state. Also appear an expansion of the Land'south testing program by developing a plan to offer testing every twenty-four hours of the calendar week at locations throughout the country, increasing surveillance testing of asymptomatic populations, and implementing a regular rotating testing schedule for Vermont teachers and school staff. Press Release
• On November six, issued an informational for individual social gatherings, strongly recommending they exist express to 10 or fewer people, in response to an increasing number of cases as a event of socializing and in apprehension of the holiday flavor. The Department of Wellness also released a Holiday Travel Toolkit for Schools in addition to existing resource to assistance Vermonters evaluate risk and talk with family unit and friends about COVID safety. Press Release
• On November 3, appear guidance for school-sponsored winter sports programs to allow practices and games with additional health and condom requirements, and appear guidance for ski areas to add extra layers of protection on height of existing business and recreation guidance. Winter Sports Guidance | Ski Surface area Guidance
• On September 18, updated guidance to allow bar seating at restaurants and bars (with six anxiety between patrons and a partition betwixt patrons and staff behind the bar), and lifted capacity restrictions to allow lodging establishments to book all available rooms (with mandatory safety measures, travel restrictions, quarantine requirements and dining and gathering limits in place). Printing Release
• On August 18, signed an Order modifying country regulations so that home-based providers tin can be reimbursed for more than iv hours of care on school days. This will add nearly 3,000 spots to help parents who are navigating different school schedules for in-person learning. Additionally, it will be develop regional childcare hubs for school-aged children on remote learning days. Addendum iv to Amended and Restated Executive Gild No. 01-20
• On June 26, as state data and expanded testing and tracing capacity continue to support reopening, Governor Phil Scott appear he volition expand the number of states covered nether Vermont's county-by-county quarantine-free travel policy, which allows direct travel from designated counties without a 14-day quarantine requirement. Press Release
• On June 19, announced that, effective June 26, occupancy limits for issue venues, arts, culture and entertainment venues, besides equally restaurantscan expand capacity for events and dining to fifty% of approved occupancy size or ane person per 100 foursquare feet of customer facing space. This modify will allow for indoor events of up to 75 people and outdoor organized events of upwardly to 150. Press Release | ACCD Guidance
• On June 17, announced several measures to gradually ease restrictions on Vermonters in long-term care facilities, hospitals and those over the historic period of 65. Press Release | Governor's Printing Briefing
• On June 15, signed an executive society to update and extend the State of Emergency in Vermont to July 15. Thelatest club reflects all current (June xv) re-openings and eased restrictions, which have been underway since late April to account for the State'due south low case counts and continued slow growth charge per unit.Amended and Restated Executive Order 01-20 |Press Release |Governor's Press Conference
• On June 5, as country data and expanded testing and tracing capacity proceed to support reopening, Governor Scott announced the resumption of express indoor seating at restaurants and bars and a data-driven approach to let travel to and from designated areas without a 14-mean solar day quarantine requirement. Addendum 17 | Press Release | Governor's Printing Conference | ACCD Guidance
• On June 1,appear a restart plan for resuming driver's license tests and a new service for Vermonters to receive their learner'southward permit online equally the state begins limited resumption of services paused due to COVID-19.Press Release
• On May 29, announced the resumption of additional close contact businesses, dental procedures, businesses that crave work in the home, and of limited overnight youth summer military camp programming. As state modeling continues to indicate a low number of COVID-nineteen cases, he also increased the size of social gatherings. Press Release | Governor's Press Conference |ACCD Guidance |Health Department Guidance
• On May 22, announced the resumption of additional business operations, including outdoor seating at restaurants and bars, hair salons and barber shops and some boosted health services. Addendum 15 | Press Release | Governor'southward Press Conference | ACCD Guidance | Health Department Guidance
• May 20, ACCD issued guidance enabling restaurants to offer limited outdoor service starting May 22nd. The guidance allows dining to occur in accordance with mandatory health and safety practices outlined in the Work Safe guidelines.
• On May 19, ACCD released new sector specific guidance, effective immediately. Low contact professional services, including only non limited to attorneys, accountants, realtors, not-profit workers, and municipal workers, will be able to resume in-person business operations in settings of 10 or fewer people. Pools, beaches, and swimming facilities may open in accordance with previously issued outdoor recreation and fitness guidance. Vermonters may hold yard sales and garage sales with 10 or fewer people; hosts and visitors must practice social distancing and it is recommended that they clothing fabric confront coverings. Those coming to Vermont from out-of-state must quarantine in Vermont before utilizing a lodging belongings, campground or short-term rental.
• On May fifteen, s igned Annex 14, a Be Smart, Stay Condom social club to extend the State of Emergency to June 15 and update previous emergency orders to reverberate re-openings and eased restrictions announced in recent weeks.Addendum 14 |Press Release |Governor's Press Briefing
• On May 6, announced that outdoor recreation and limited social interactions may resume under strict health and condom precautions, equally land modeling continues to indicate a wearisome in the spread of COVID-19. Addendum 13 | Printing Release | Governor'due south Press Conference
• On May 4, announced limited constituent procedures would resume, which had previously been put on hold as Vermont'southward health care system focused on preparing for, and responding to, COVID-xix. Ammendment to Addendum 3 | Press Release | Governor'southward Press Conference
• On May 1, announced a third incremental, evidence-based step forward to put Vermonters back to piece of work. Addendum 12 | Press Release | Governor'southward Press Conference
• On April 29, the country is significantly increasing and strengthening its testing and contact tracing programs in order to quickly place, incorporate and suppress outbreaks of COVID-nineteen.  Printing Release | Governor's Press Conference
• On April 24, outlined some additional openings as part of the phased restart of Vermont'south economic system. Addendum 11 | Press Release | Governor'due south Press Conference
• On Apr 17, outlined an approach for the phased restart of Vermont's economy, emphasizing the land's modeling indicates initial steps can be taken while the Stay Home/Stay Rubber order remains in effect. Addendum 10 | Press Release | Governor's Printing Conference

Relief for Individuals, Families and Businesses

"I want every Vermonter to know I sympathize fully the incredible economic and emotional toll coronavirus is having and will continue to have on each and every one of usa. Every bit we keep to work on our first mission to protect the health of Vermonters, we too know financial security is disquisitional for usa to recover from this pandemic as well… Allow me be articulate: my team and I are fully aware these initiatives are not plenty. People are hurting and businesses are at risk. Let me assure you: we will pull every lever and turn every dial we tin can to back up folks through this fourth dimension." – Governor Phil Scott, March twenty, 2020

On May 20, Governor Scott announced a $400 million economic relief and recovery package, using funds from the $ane.25 billion the state received from the Federal CARES Act. Press Release | Governor'southward Press Conference

On June 12, Governor Scott appear Stage Two a $400 million economical relief and recovery packet, using funds from the $1.25 billion the land received from the Federal CARES Act. Proposal | Press Briefing

On August 21, Governor Scott announced a $133 one thousand thousand economic relief and recovery parcel, using funds from the $1.25 billion the state received from the Federal CARES Act. Proposal | Press Release

Unemployment Benefits

** For details on unemployment benefits, please visit labor.vermont.gov/unemployment-insurance. **

• Made unemployment benefits available to all Vermonters who tin can't work because of COVID-19.
• Waived the work search requirement for all unemployment insurance claimants until further observe.
• Established an online form for initial unemployment insurance applications to help Vermonters submit claims more quickly.
• Implemented the federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (PUA) plan to provide unemployment benefits to Vermonters who are non traditionally eligible, every bit well as the federal Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) and Extended Benefits (EB) programs for claimants who exhausted their benefits and the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Bounty do good to provide an boosted weekly payment to all claimants. These programs were extended in December 2022 to go on providing benefits to claimants afflicted past COVID-19.
• Secured $35.8 million in federal Lost Wage Assistance (LWA) funds (plus a second round of LWA funding) to provide an additional $300 weekly benefit to eligible unemployment claimaints for a total of six weeks, and secured $17 million in Coronavirus Relief funding from the Vermont Legislature to provide an boosted $100 Short-Term Supplemental Do good for a total of four to 5 weeks.
• Made changes to reduce employers' unemployment insurance tax rates and increase the maximum weekly benefit amount for claimants.
• Worked with the Legislature to provide unemployment insurance feel rating relief to employers for employees who are laid off or unable to work due to COVID-19.

Healthcare

• Directed insurers to encompass any medically necessary COVID-19 testing without charging whatever out of pocket costs for the patient.
• Required commercial insurers to waive cost-sharing requirements, such as co-payments, coinsurance or deductible requirements, for the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. The emergency regulation is retroactive to March 13, 2020, when State of Emergency was declared.
• Directed insurers to make at to the lowest degree a thirty-day supply of prescription medication available and encouraged insurers to make a larger supply available when appropriate.
• The Department of Financial Regulation is working with MVP and Blueish Cantankerous Blue Shield to encourage the insurers to brand certain no one loses their healthcare coverage during this time.
• Approved a premium relief plan submitted by Northeast Delta Dental, Vermont's largest provider of dental benefits, to provide $ii.89 million in premium relief to approximately seventy,000 Vermonters after the pause of most dental services due to COVID-19.
• Urging insurers to expand coverage and reimbursement of telemedicine services, including for office services provided over the phone (audio-but) or by "store-and-forward" means that are currently appropriate for telemedicine, as well as for a broader telescopic of services, including mental health.
• Launched the Health Intendance Provider Stabilization Grant Program to employ up to $275 million in federal Coronavirus Relief funding to provide straight cash grants to eligible health care and human being service providers who take lost revenue and/or observed increased expenses due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The grants are administered in two application cycles: 1 beginning July 17, 2022 and one beginning October nineteen, 2020.

Utilities and Connectivity

• The Public Service Department worked with utilities to ensure that Vermonters are not disconnected during the State of Emergency due to inability to pay. On December 22, 2020, the utility disconnect moratorium was extended to March 31, 2021.
• The Public Service Department released an interactive Public Wi-Fi Hot Spot Map to help Vermonters connect to publicly available internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic likewise every bit a spider web folio detailing new connectivity resource.
• Volition piece of work with the Legislature to ease barriers to construction of essential communications facilities to ensure systems are not interrupted in this fourth dimension of critical demand.
• Worked with the Legislature to put in identify a temporary moratorium on disconnections from public drinking water and wastewater systems.
• Announced an innovative collaboration with several partners that will increase internet access with public Wi-Fi hotspots for dozens of rural towns in Vermont, and worked with Comcast to extend broadband service to more than than 430 addresses in seven Vermont communities.
• Announced $viii million in available grant funding to assist Vermonters with overdue utility bills as a effect of economical hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minor Business concern Support

** For details on available resources and funding for businesses, please visit accd.vermont.gov/covid-19**

• Practical for and secured a statewide disaster proclamation from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to help small business owners suffering economical injury due the COVID-19 pandemic utilise for SBA'due south Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), offering upwards to $2 meg in aid per concern.
• Launched the Vermont Emergency Economic Recovery Grant Plan, utilizing federal Coronavirus Relief funding to provide directly cash grants to Vermont businesses with revenue losses due to COVID-19.
  • Increased to the maximum grant award for Emergency Economical Recovery Grant Programme for businesses in the lodging, retail, hospitality, arts, travel and event affiliated sectors that have continued capacity constraints.
  • Working with the Legislature, allocated an additional $76 million to the Expanded Emergency Economic Recovery Grant Program for Vermont businesses and non-profits who demonstrate unmet need.
• Provided relief to Vermont businesses who owe Meals and Rooms Taxation or Sales and Use Tax until further find, waiving penalties and involvement for late submission of these taxes for taxpayers who are unable to run into the March 25, 2022 and April 25, 2022 filing deadlines.

• Working with the Legislature to provide funding to back up small business loans through the Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) to provide country fund disaster relief loans.

• Eased liquor laws to allow restaurants to sell alcoholic beverages as office of takeout service.
• Granted license extensions under the Section of Health's Nutrient and Lodging Plan to all businesses (including restaurants, hotels, caterers, etc.) that were due for renewal from March 1, 2022 - June 30, 2020.
• Granted license extensions under the Department of Liquor and Lottery'south liquor licensing and permitting program to all businesses that were due for renewal on Apr 30, 2020.
• Launched the Vermont COVID-19 Agronomics Assist Plan to provide $25 million in federal Coronavirus Relief funding to dairy producers and processors who accept experienced income loss, additional expenses and market place disruption as a result of the pandemic.
• Provided fiscal back up to child care providers during the COVID-xix Stay Dwelling, Stay Safe guild as well equally financial incentives for providers serving the children of essential workers.
• Launched the Operational Relief Grant (ORG) plan to provide $12 million in federal Coronavirus Relief funding to help mitigate operational expenses and losses for child intendance providers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Launched the Small Concern Recovery Technical Help Program to provide free technical assistance resources to businesses navigating the pandemic.

Flexibility and Relief

• Extended income tax filing due dates from Apr 15, 2022 to July 15, 2020, allowing taxpayers to file and pay income taxes on or before July 15, 2022 without any punishment or interest.
• Appear a multi-state initiative to secure student loan relief options for thousands of Vermonters with privately held educatee loans.
• Provided $xxx million in housing assistance to those affected past COVID-xix, including relief for tenants unable to pay rent, landlords suffering from a loss of rent payments and lower income homeowners needing assistance in paying their mortgages.
• Worked with the Legislature to launch and aggrandize the Frontline Employee Risk Pay Grant Program to provide grant payment to employees who were engaged in activities substantially dedicated to mitigating or responding to the COVID-xix public wellness emergency or were providing essential services to Vermonters.
• Worked with Allstate and its affiliate insurance companies to reduce their automobile insurance premiums for Vermont policyholders by approximately 15% due to reduced driving during the COVID-xix pandemic, which volition amount to over $500,000 in savings for Vermonters. More than than 40 additional automobile insurance companies filed plans to return premiums or reduce their rates for Vermont policyholders, which amount to over $fourteen.half dozen million in savings for Vermonters.
• The Department of Fiscal Regulation is encouraging financial institutions to provide flexibility for customers by waiving fees, delaying loan repayments, and more than.
• The Department of Motor Vehicles granted a 90-day extension for all license and registration renewals and launched a new online systems for license renewals and temporary registrations and license plates.
• Working to ease the Agency of Natural Resources' procedural requirements to conform surge chapters needs at healthcare facilities.
• Working to ease regulatory burdens on healthcare professionals and extend licensing renewals to give our healthcare providers more flexibility on licensing, staffing and referrals.
• Worked with the Legislature to permit municipalities to bear local elections and town meetings by post to assist limit the spread of COVID-nineteen.

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Source: https://governor.vermont.gov/covid19response

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