On this week’s podcast, experts discuss the state’s plan to lift most Covid restrictions by July 4.
The Deeper Dig: Is Vermont ready to reopen?
Author: Erin Petenko
Covid-19 moves into Northeast Kingdom; Burlington numbers still high
The newest surge in cases has migrated to Orleans and Caledonia counties, both of which reported a high number of towns in the top category of case numbers compared to their population.
Vermont announces details on finding affordable summer programs
The options outlined Friday at the governor’s regular press conference will include academic programming, meant to compensate for a year of mostly remote schooling. It also will feature recreation, arts, nature and other enrichment activities.
Experts urge flexibility with Vermont’s reopening timeline
While Phil Scott’s plan to loosen Covid-19 restrictions could encourage people to get vaccinations, public health researchers say the coming weeks still hold many unknowns.
Phil Scott rolls out timeline for full reopening
Under the four-phase plan, unvaccinated travelers will no longer need to quarantine starting April 9, and all gathering limits will be lifted by July 4.
Covid cases on rise in Burlington, and in nearly every Vermont county
Burlington in particular is cause for concern. The city passed the 2,000-case mark this week, reporting 2,110 cases in total, a 21% increase in two weeks.
Senior centers, adult day centers can begin to reopen
At his Friday press conference, however, Gov. Phil Scott said that because of rising cases he was putting off his expected announcement of a ‘blueprint’ for a broader reopening.
Did easing restrictions cause Covid cases to rise? There’s no clear trend
Both the vaccination rate and Covid-19 cases continue to rise, creating a contradiction that clouds the question: Is Vermont ready to reopen?
The Deeper Dig: Kids and the Covid vaccine
State Epidemiologist Patsy Kelso says that while herd immunity is a goal, the state is focused on getting as many people vaccinated as they can.
Vermonters of color to be eligible for Covid vaccine starting Thursday
‘BIPOC Vermonters stand out and don’t want to be accused of cutting the line, so they are trying to follow the rules and guidance, and it’s not easy,’ said state Sen. Kesha Ram.
Vermont ranks well in vaccine distribution, but poorly in Covid numbers
The state set its one-day record for Covid cases Friday, with 251 cases, then followed that up with a one-day total of 240 cases, one of the highest in Vermont’s experience with the pandemic.
Town Covid data shows sharp increases in Franklin and Orleans counties
The report was prepared before Vermont reported a new high in case counts on Friday, with record-breaking levels in Chittenden and Rutland counties.
Record-breaking Covid case total led by surging numbers in young people
At a press conference Friday, Health Commissioner Mark Levine said half of the cases announced in the last two weeks were in people under 30.
Awaiting kids’ vaccine, families wonder how to navigate Covid rules
None of the Covid vaccines approved by the federal government are currently recommended for children younger than 16, which makes life for families uncertain.