US: Authorities extend current coronavirus restrictions in Vermont through Feb. 15 /update 16

Event

Authorities in Vermont have issued orders to extend current statewide business and travel restrictions through at least Feb. 15 to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Under the current directives, all social gatherings are limited to people living within the same household. However, individuals who live alone are allowed to gather with their immediate family members who live in a different household. Bars and social clubs must close in-person services. Restaurants must finish in-person services nightly at 2200 and may only allow members of one household per table; they can operate at 50-percent capacity, with a maximum of 75 people indoors and 150 outdoors. Youth and adult recreational sports competitions remain canceled, but trainings in some sports, including basketball and hockey and skiing, can resume. All businesses and organizations must allow employees to work from home to the maximum extent possible.

Lodging businesses can operate at 100-percent capacity. Museums, libraries, and indoor entertainment venues can operate at 50-percent capacity, with a maximum of 75 people indoors and 150 people outdoors. Close-contact businesses, such as hair salons, barbershops, gyms, and fitness centers, may operate at 25-percent capacity.

All residents over the age of two must wear facemasks in indoor and outdoor settings whenever social distancing is not possible unless they have health issues that prevent them from wearing one. All businesses must enhance sanitation procedures, ensure social distancing between employees and customers, limit face-to-face interactions, and ensure employees wear facemasks or other protective equipment if needed. Employers should send workers displaying any COVID-19 symptoms home.

Travel restrictions remain in place. Travelers entering Vermont from any other US state, territory, or international destination, must self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival or self-quarantine for seven days followed by a negative COVID-19 test. There are no longer exceptions depending on the place of departure. Essential travelers, including those commuting daily for school or work in Vermont and medical or safety workers, are exempt.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.