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While some have speculated that Vermont’s low Covid-19 infection rate is due to the state’s small population, the country’s leading infectious disease expert said the reasons aren’t so simple.
Appearing at Gov. Phil Scott’s regular Covid-19 press briefing on Tuesday, Dr. Anthony Fauci said a number of factors — including Vermonters’ collective vigilance — has led to its lowest-in-the-nation case positivity rate.
“Notwithstanding that you’re a small state, but it should be the model of how you get to such a low test positivity, that you can actually start opening up the economy in a safe and prudent way,” Fauci said.
On Friday, Gov. Scott loosened some restrictions on bars and restaurants, and reopened lodging facilities to 100% capacity. In announcing the changes, the governor referenced Fauci’s comments. “As Dr. Fauci said, we’re starting from a really good place,” Scott said.
But both officials have urged vigilance as the state expects an influx of tourists for the fall foliage season. Fauci emphasized Tuesday that continued adherence to basic public health guidelines like wearing masks and avoiding large gatherings will be critical.
“It’s going to be challenging as you get into the fall and the winter,” Fauci said, “but it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re going to have a problem — if you do the kind of prudent public health measures that you’ve been doing.”
