Updated at 8:48 p.m.
Gov. Phil Scott, Health Commissioner Mark Levine and other top administration officials plan to quarantine following potential exposure to Covid-19, the governor’s office announced Tuesday evening.Â
According to the administration, a person who took part in the governor’s two most recent press briefings — on Jan. 15 and Jan. 19 — tested positive for the virus. The person was identified only as a “contractor who provides services” at the twice-weekly events.
Approximately 17 people attended each of the briefings, including cabinet officials, reporters, security and interpreters, according to the governor’s office. The events are held in the Pavilion Auditorium in Montpelier and follow recommended safety protocols.Â
Neither Scott nor Levine have been vaccinated for Covid-19, according to Scott press secretary Jason Maulucci. At a press conference last month, the governor said he was reluctant to avail himself of the vaccine ahead of high-risk Vermonters and frontline health care workers.Â
“You know, I struggle a bit because I would not want to take one dose away from someone in one of those priority groups,” Scott said at the time. “Those in long-term care facilities should come first, and the staff along with them, and obviously the health care workers should be in that mix, which they are.”
State contact tracers are investigating the event, and the governor’s office has informed those who attended the briefings of their possible exposure. Scott, Levine and other officials will be tested for Covid-19 as they quarantine, the governor’s office said.
Scott “will continue to fulfill all of his duties, including leading Vermont’s pandemic response, while working remotely,” his office said in the statement.