By MIKE DONOGHUE
Islander Staff Writer

MONTPELIER -- Gov. Phil Scott announced today that he is rescinding all state COVID-19 restrictions after learning that 80 percent of Vermont's eligible population -- those age 12 and up -- have received at least one vaccination shot.
Vermont is the first state in the nation to hit 80 percent.

During the special press conference Scott also stated Vermont’s State of Emergency, slated to expire on Tuesday, will not be renewed.

Scott had promised a few weeks ago that once Vermont hit 80 percent that the state handcuffs would come off.  In recent days the number of vaccinations inched slowly upward as the state offered dozens of sites for the free shots.
 
“Now that we have hit 80 percent, as promised and effective immediately, I am lifting all remaining state pandemic restrictions and the State of Emergency will formally end at midnight June 15,” Scott said.

"And here’s why: Because it’s safe to do so. It is safe because Vermonters have done their part to keep spread of the virus low throughout the pandemic and stepped up to get vaccinated. In fact, no state in the nation is in a better or safer position to do this than we are,” the three-term governor said.

Under questioning from The Islander, Scott said it was unclear when the U.S.-Canadian international border would re-open.  He did say that he expects his staff to provide good news during his regular Tuesday news conference about a major increase in the number of Canadians getting at least one shot.

Scott, who has deflected individual praise throughout his political career for bills and actions, again said it was a team effort.  He listed a litany of people and groups that made the 80 percent happen. 

But Scott also said there was no time for a champagne or a beer when he got the word Sunday night.

"We still have a lot of work to do," Scott said.  "Our world is still under siege."

The Islander will have more in this week's print edition about the state restrictions being lifted.

By MIKE DONOGHUE
Islander Staff Writer

​The town of Alburgh saw another uptick in COVID positive cases with 16 new cases reported last week, the Vermont Health Department is reporting.
Alburgh had 70 cases reported as of March 24.  A week earlier the town had reported 54 cases since March 5, 2020.   There had been two deaths in Grand Isle County.
Last Friday the Vermont Health Department had reported 251 statewide positive cases -- the largest single daily report since the deadly pandemic reached Vermont a year ago.
The Health Department also reported that half of the new cases statewide were for people under the age of 30.  There were only a handful for those residents age 65 and up.
Gov. Phil Scott told The Islander on Tuesday at his news conference that the state does hope to soon begin requiring Vermonters, who are receiving unemployment benefits, to return to work if offered jobs.  If they refuse to take the job offer the unemployment benefits would be in jeopardy, Scott said.
The hospitality industry, especially bars and restaurants are reporting it is difficult to get former or new employees to fill vacancies because the state is offering $700 a week and it is tax free. 
The Islander has heard from several business in the northwest corner of the state that the incentive for some workers, including cooks, dishwashers and others at local establishments to return to work has been diminished or eliminated.

By MICHAEL DONOGHUE
Islander Staff Writer

SOUTH HERO -- There are now four positive cases of COVID-19 associated with the Folsom Education & Community Center in South Hero in just over a week.

The South Street building remains shutdown, but online learning continues for students.

Superintendent Michael J. Clark, Principal Susan McKelvie and Nurse Emily Dousevicz offered comments and answered questions during a one-hour virtual meeting on Thursday.

Clark explained that the positive test reported Thursday morning was a close contact to the first COVID positive test on Feb. 8.

" There are no new school-based close contacts who need to quarantine as a result of this confirmed case," Clark explained to about 30 residents, faculty and staff.

He said members of the Folsom team met with the Vermont Health Department to try to identify everyone who might be considered a close contact.

Some people at the virtual meeting remained concerned that teachers are not a top priority for getting COVID-19 vaccination shots.

During Gov. Phil Scott's news conference on Friday, the state was unable to provide a possible date for when teachers might begin getting their shots.   The state did say that Vermonters age 65 and up will begin getting shots March 1.

The state has said there is not much they can do about people that are cutting the lines to get shots. No answer was provided about hospital lawyers and risk management personnel getting vaccines when they have no contact with patients.
 
The first Folsom case was reported in the Middle School on Feb. 8 and it required half the students in grades 7 and 8 to go to remote learning.  About 23 people were impacted.

A second positive case was reported on Sunday -- Valentine's Day -- forcing the school to close down all in-person instruction and to go to remote learning for every grade.

Clark said the school district learned Tuesday afternoon that a third positive COVID case was uncovered in a person through new testing.

North Hero, Grand Isle, and Alburgh also have each had one positive COVID case in their respective schools.

​By MIKE DONOGHUE, Islander Staff Writer
SOUTH HERO -- The Folsom Education & Community Center in South Hero has reported three positive cases of COVID-19 in eight days forcing a complete shutdown of the school.
The first case was reported in the Middle School on Feb. 8 and it required half the students in grades 7 and 8 to go to remote learning.  About 23 people were impacted.
A second positive case  was reported on Sunday -- Valentine’s Day -- forcing the school to close down all in-person instruction for all grades, School Superintendent Michael Clark said.
Clark said the school district learned Tuesday afternoon that a third positive COVID case was uncovered in a person through new testing.
The school district plans to host a Google Meets session at 5 p.m. Thursday to provide more information to the community.
Folsom Principal Susan McKelvie met with the Folsom faculty and staff at 3 p.m. Tuesday to provide the latest information, Clark said.
School officials met with the Vermont Department of Health to try to identify everyone who might be considered a close contact.
Clark said the three cases do not appear to be related through close contact.
“We have also reached out by telephone to any member of the Folsom/GISU learning community who might be considered to be a close contact and have provided them with information about the need to quarantine,” Clark said.
Clark said the district is asking for both compassion and sensitivity for all the people involved.
The other graded Grand Isle County schools in Grand Isle, North Hero and Alburgh also have each had one positive COVID case.

People concerned about weather related travel can easily reschedule their appointments
 
Vermont’s state run COVID-19 vaccination clinics will proceed as scheduled on Tuesday, February 2. However, because of the anticipated snowfall, people who want to can easily reschedule their appointments.
 
Most areas of Vermont are forecast to receive between six to 12 inches of snow between Monday night and Wednesday morning, which could impact travel. If you have an appointment to receive the vaccine at a clinic on Tuesday, you should monitor the weather and postpone travel if you have concerns about making it to your appointment safely.
 
State officials emphasized that you will not miss out on your vaccine. Those who cannot make it to their appointments or prefer to not travel should call 855-722-7878 to re-schedule. You will be given a new appointment for the same time on a day later this week. If that day isn’t convenient, you can ask for a new appointment on a later day. You will not have to begin the registration process all over again.
 
The Health Department is also reaching out to people who have appointments Tuesday to advise them of the weather conditions and offer the option of re-scheduling.
 
People who have registered to get their vaccine at Kinney Drug should contact the store at which they made their appointment to determine if the clinic will be open or how to reschedule.
​
Vermonters are highly encouraged to monitor weather conditions closely and not to travel if driving conditions are difficult.
 
For information about registering for a vaccination appointment, visit healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine or call 855-722-7878.
 
Web resources:
National Weather Service Burlington: www.weather.gov/btv
National Weather Service Albany: www.weather.gov/aly
Vermont Department of Health social media: https://www.facebook.com/HealthVermont and https://twitter.com/healthvermont
Vermont Emergency Management social media: https://www.facebook.com/vermontemergencymanagement and https://twitter.com/vemvt

BY MIKE DONOGHUE
Islander Staff Writer

The state of Vermont, facing criticism for ignoring placing sites in Grand Isle County for residents to obtain COVID-19 vaccine shots, said Thursday afternoon that it is working with local school and health officials in the Champlain Islands to develop some possible places to provide the vaccinations. 

In an email to The Islander, Health Department Communications Officer Ben Truman said three possible Points of Distribution (POD) sites have been identified.  They are: the Alburgh Community Education Center, and the North Hero and Grand Isle Elementary Schools.

Truman said in the email that creation of the sites in Grand Isle County will require sufficient vaccines being allocated to Vermont.  He said to start the Grand Isle County clinics "is linked to having enough vaccine from the federal allocation."

It was unclear why the vaccines currently allocated to Grand Isle County residents being sent to 3 sites in Franklin County or 7 sites in Chittenden County could not be re-directed locally.

The state's response comes after inquiries by The Islander both with the Health Department and with Human Services Secretary Mike Smith at Gov. Phil Scott's news conference on Wednesday on why the Champlain Islands were ignored. The other 13 Vermont counties all had at least two sites, including rural Essex County.  

The Islander noted that plenty of schools, churches, meeting halls and the training room at the Grand Isle County Sheriff's Department had enough space and many have hosted blood drives for the American Red Cross.

Smith, a part-time Grand Isle County resident, pledged he would investigate the issue. And about 27 hours there was a response and action plan by the state. 

Truman said the investigation of Grand Isle County sites will be done after the state conducts its first vaccination distribution spots in St. Albans.

"At that time, we may find that some sites will work better than others for accessibility and social distancing, but so far we have no reason to think they wouldn’t meet our needs," Truman said.

He said the state also has been in communication with Grand Isle Supervisory Union (GISU) and the schools.

"Our Emergency Preparedness Specialist has also been answering questions from the schools about POD preparedness," he wrote in the email.

There also have been discussions with the Champlain Islands Community Health Clinic in South Hero about possible options to bring the vaccine to the region, the state said.

The state also has been in discussions with Northern Tier Community Health (NOTCH) -- the Federally Qualified Health Center for Franklin County.  NOTCH's service territory extends to Alburgh and Isle La Motte, Truman said.
 
"If given additional allocations of the vaccine for northern Grand Isle, they likely could stand up a clinic fairly quickly," he said.

During the summer, NOTCH started a circuit of mobile COVID testing in five communities in Franklin county and Alburgh.  During the fall NOTCH also used its circuit model to offer flu clinics in those communities.

The Vermont Health Department's Office in St. Albans has staff working to create two clinics in the Railroad City and will shift as needed to support the Islands, Truman stated.

By MIKE DONOGHUE
Islander Staff Writer
MONTPELIER -- Gov. Phil Scott announced Tuesday that the state is making $76 million available for Economic Recovery Grants for Vermont businesses hurt by the public reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The latest $76 million is coming from $1.25 billion the state received under a federal act known as CARES, which stands for Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security.
Scott said the new funds are in addition to the $152 million in economic relief already delivered to Vermont businesses.
Scott also said during his twice weekly news conference on COVID and other issues that Vermont should have enough flu shots available for this season.
Under questioning by The Islander about some places apparently not having flu shots, Scott said it may be that some locations may run out, but it is a matter of reordering.
Dr. Mark Levine, Vermont’s health commissioner, also said the annual take back Drugs Day is planned for this Saturday.   He said the April take back day was canceled due to COVID-19, but precautions will be taken for a safe return this Saturday.
As far as the new grants, qualifying businesses may receive up to $300,000 in total economic recovery grants beginning in late November.  
Unlike earlier grants the new money will not be “first come, first serve, “ Economic Development Commissioner Joan Goldstein said. 
Vermonters will have two weeks to apply for the grants.  She said the state will review the requests and try to determine how to best meet the needs across the state.  
Instead, grants will be distributed in late November after the total unmet need of all qualifying businesses has been ascertained.
The new grants will be administered by the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) with help from the Vermont Tax Department. 
The grants are targeted for Vermont businesses and nonprofits, including sole proprietors, that have seen a decline in total sales between March and September 2020, compared to the same period in 2019.  Applicants also must demonstrate an unmet need to receive a grant.
“We know many businesses and sectors in the state continue to feel the negative impacts of COVID-19 and the steps we’ve had to take to keep Vermonters safe,” Gov. Scott said. “With these grants, we are working to support those sectors most impacted by this pandemic and help them survive into the winter months.”
Businesses and nonprofits that collect and remit the Meals and Rooms Tax or the Sales and Use Tax may apply through the Tax Department.
All others, including those who have previously received a grant from ACCD, may apply to the agency.
“Vermont’s business community has had to endure unique hardships during this crisis and with these additional grant dollars we hope that by first assessing total need we can make these limited dollars reach businesses with the most unmet need,” Goldstein said.
The application through the Vermont Tax Department is available at the myVTax portal until midnight, Oct. 30.
ACCD will open its application in the next week.
More information is available at the ACCD Recovery Resource Center. 
Both ACCD and the Tax Department will host informational webinars on Wednesday, Oct. 21 and Friday, Oct. 23 to review program eligibility, application process, and answer questions from business owners.

Montpelier, Vt. - Governor Phil Scott today announced that the COVID-19 State of Emergency has been extended to September 15, 2020, as well as additional local discretion for gathering size limits and liquor sales.
 
“We’ve made tremendous progress since this pandemic started and have suppressed the virus even as we’ve reopened much of the economy,” said Governor Scott. “We should be proud of what we’ve done but given what the rest of the country is facing, every one of us must stay vigilant to protect the gains we’ve made. This means wearing a mask when around those you don’t live with, staying six feet apart, washing your hands a lot, staying home when you’re sick and following our travel guidance.”
 
The latest order enables cities and towns to enact stricter local limits for gathering sizes than those established by the State. Municipalities may also mandate shorter hours for the sale of alcohol by bars and clubs than those set forth by the Department of Liquor and Lottery.
 
“As college students begin to return to Vermont, I believe giving our towns - especially the college towns - some additional mitigation measures to work with is the right thing to do,” said Governor Scott.
 
Additionally, the Department of Motor Vehicles will develop processes for temporary electronic plates and permits that will be valid for up to 60 days.
 
“Our response has been one of the most comprehensive and effective in the U.S., and while we know we may see additional cases in the fall, we’ll continue to adapt our approach based on new facts, the data we track in real time, and the input of our world-class health experts,” added Governor Scott.
 
Click here to view the Addendum to the State of Emergency.
 
Click here to view the August 14 COVID press conference, covering this extension.
 
For more information on:

• COVID-19 health information, guidance and case data, visit www.healthvermont.gov/covid19.
• The Governor’s actions, visit https://governor.vermont.gov/covid19response.
• The state’s modeling, visit https://dfr.vermont.gov/about-us/covid-19/modeling.

​By MIKE DONOGHUE
Islander Staff Writer

Grand Isle County has hit 7 positive tests for the deadly COVID-19 virus, according to the Vermont Health Department.

It was unclear where the latest case came from and whether it is due to increased local testing.
 

​For several weeks the state had reported Grand Isle County had 4 positive tests, but by Saturday morning the number was 6.

One of those two new Grand Isle County cases is believed to have been reported Thursday.  The other was new as of Saturday.

Either the fifth or sixth case was in the town of South Hero, according to the colored town-by-town map provided each week by the Health Department.

Before the 6th and 7th cases were reported, Alburgh and North Hero had no known reported cases in Grand Isle County.

Out of the initial four cases, the first three were in Isle La Motte.  The town of Grand Isle had the fourth positive test the first week of May.

COVID-19 is the name given to the pandemic that first started to affect people in Wuhan, China in December 2019.  The mild to severe respiratory illness was first reported in Vermont in March.

The Champlain Islands Health Care Center in South Hero has been established as a special test site for COVID-19.

It remains unclear whether having a local test site has led to the recent increase.