Updates

As you likely know, the Governor issued a "Stay Safe, Stay Home" order that took effect today at 5:00pm. The order requires businesses and non-profit organizations that are not critical to the public health and safety, as well as economic and national security, to suspend in-person business operations. Individuals are directed to stay at home, leaving only for essential reasons such as personal safety; groceries or medicine; curbside pick-up of goods, meals or beverages; medical care; exercise; care of others; and work. We are all required to restrict normal activities outside of our homes, consistent with CDC guidance, to help stop the spread of the virus.

I hope you are taking care of yourself and your family during these difficult times. I'm writing again with an update on what I know at this moment about the COVID-19 situation in Vermont and resources that may be helpful to you. Again, I urge everyone to take this public health crisis seriously. Please stay home if you can and limit in-person interactions with people outside your household. Watch this helpful PSA from infectious disease expert Dr. Tim Lahey of UVM Medical Center explaining why people should stay home.

As many of you know, the first two COVID-19 deaths in Vermont were reported yesterday, and the first positive case of the virus was reported in Addison County on Wednesday. As evidenced by this story about a mother taking her young daughter for testing at Porter Hospital, this global pandemic is becoming very real for all of us locally. I urge everyone to take this public health crisis seriously. Please stay home if you can and limit in-person interactions with people outside your household.

The situation with the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on Vermont is evolving rapidly, with daily and even hourly changes in the status of this public health crisis. These are uncertain times and I know that everyone needs information and assurances that appropriate actions are being taken. First and foremost, take precautions to limit public interactions. Please stay at home if you can and limit your exposure outside of your household. Current CDC guidelines recommend no gatherings of more than 10 people and six feet distance between people in public.

I know you are concerned about the spread of the Coronavirus/COVID-19 and its impact on you, your family, our communities, and Vermont. I am too. The situation is evolving rapidly, with daily and even hourly changes in the status of this public health crisis. You can stay up-to-date with the situation in Vermont, nationally, and internationally by visiting the Vermont Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization Coronavirus websites respectively.