We have come to the end of week two and so many changes. This week we are seeing infection rates increase and the issuance of orders to stay home for non essential workers and the dismissal in person school for the rest of the year. It is probably going to get worse for a bit in terms of infections and illness, but, then it is going to get better.
I remember after Tropical Storm Irene, looking around me at the physical devastation, the National Guard manning our streets, my friends and neighbors in shock and grieving. And I remember distinctly thinking that much devastation and pain was going to open up tremendous opportunity and comfort.
In all of the forced adjustments we are making to how we work, shop, educate our kids, care for our sick are seeing major innovation and entrepreneurship – surely we will emerge from this with more resilient and innovative means of sustaining our rural Vermont lives, towns, businesses and school districts.
Tomorrow I will be taking a self imposed break from writing this daily update. But I will check my emails periodically through the day, and if you have a life safety or urgent need arise, please text me at 802-384-0233. And on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of next week I will be holding the 7 am coffee with Laura hour. These have been great community sessions, sharing concerns, solutions and trading news from around the Valley – all are welcome to join. Details for the call:
Topic: Coffee and Discussion w/ Laura
Time: Mar 25, 2020 07:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Monday Mar 30, 2020 07:00 AM
You can join this call from your computer by following Click to Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/608474437?pwd=MFFwQVNXbjF6MlNPT3BtbjJKVnlIZz09
Meeting ID: 608 474 437
Password: 344164
If you join by computer – you may be able to join with video if you are on a computer with a camera or using a smartphone.
Or Join the meeting by phone
+16465588656,,608474437# US (New York)
+13126266799,,608474437# US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 608 474 437
Bookmark for updates:
Vermont Department of Health 2019 Novel Coronavirus Current Status in Vermont Webpage for updates.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control Coronavirus Disease page
World Health Organization Coronavirus Disease 2019
Health Commissioner: Vermont Will Expand Coronavirus Testing
Small Business Guide to the CARE Act
More on lodging and tourism related travel
The Governor’s Executive Order and further direction makes clear that private homes are included in the lodging prohibition. Here is the FAQ’s that further explain it. https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19-guidance/stay-home-stay-safe-business-faqs
Is my private rental property (Airbnb, etc.) considered to be a lodging establishment under the Executive Order?
Yes, any commercial transaction providing accommodations is considered lodging.
What lodging is considered related to COVID-19 response, critical infrastructure and national security?
As per section 6 (l); lodging is permitted only to the extent required to support COVID-19 response, critical infrastructure and national security. Some examples of permitted lodging would include housing for vulnerable populations (emergency shelter for homeless individuals); providing accommodations for health care workers, or other workers deemed necessary to support public health, public safety or critical infrastructure; lodging properties being used as quarantine facilities; and limited extenuating circumstances for the care and safety of Vermonters (such as lodging for an out-of-town family member to provide childcare for an essential worker).
No new arrivals or reservations for immediate extension of stay are permitted after 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25 through April 15. Existing guests should be asked to depart unless they meet the above criteria. Any establishment with a guest that does not comply with this guidance after such time must verify the lodging is permitted by completing the Continuation of Business Operations Form.
As of March 26, the Health Department website has several new features:
- A new section called “Ask a Question,” which allows visitors to type questions about COVID-19 in Vermont into a box. The information we currently have available will be provided as an answer. We will continue to update this information regularly.
- A new COVID-19 webpage to meet the specific needs of health care providers. It includes current guidance, health alerts, and resources for protecting patients and health care workers in different settings. It can be found at: healthvermont.gov/covid19-providers.
- Fact sheets with COVID-19 information for health care workers, in addition to Vermonters who are awaiting test results for COVID-19, diagnosed with COVID-19, or a close contact of someone with COVID
Do you know someone who needs health insurance during this crisis?
Uninsured Vermonters can sign up for Vermont Health Connect until April 17, no matter how long you’ve been uninsured. Apply now by calling Vermont Health Connect at 1-855-899-9600.
For free help, call the Health Care Advocate at 1-800-917-7787 or visit us online at: https://vtlawhelp.org/vhc-coronavirus
Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions, or if you need assistance navigating government services at (802) 384-0233 or lsibilia@leg.state.vt.us
Kind regards,
Rep. Laura Sibilia
Dover, Readsboro, Searsburg, Somerset, Stamford, Wardsboro, Whitingham
Vermont State Representative Laura Sibilia 