Innkeepers are a busy bunch. To save you time, VLA attends Governor Scott’s Covid-19 Press Conferences and takes notes for you. Below is the summary from 12.22.20
Vermont Lodging Association Member Update:
Governor Scott’s Press Conference 12.22.20
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Governor Phil Scott announced a slight loosening of Covid related restrictions today. Between December 23 and January 2, households can gather with one other household. School and recreational sports teams can begin practicing on December 26, with the possibility of games starting next month. Scott said that the loosening of restrictions was appropriate due to the plateau of Covid cases in state and stabilization of the case rate in the region.
Congressman Peter Welch joined the press conference to deliver an update on the federal aid package passed last night by Congress. The bill increases SNAP payments by 15 percent, gives $600 direct payments to most Vermonters, extends $300 in expanded unemployment benefits for 10 weeks, and extends the CARES Act spending deadline until the end of 2021.
RAW NOTES:
Governor Phil Scott:
Recognizes Renita Marshall from Barre who started a non-profit to make sure kids get presents at Christmas.
Upward trend in region is also slowing.
Restrictions that have been place have been hard, but they’ve also made a difference.
Making a small temporary change to gathering restrictions – households can spend time together with one other household between 12/23-1/2. The household could be from out of state if they follow quarantine and testing guidelines.
Can recreate outside with others if you can follow safety guidelines.
Schools and recreational sports can begin practices on 12/26.
Congressman Peter Welch:
Update on the federal bill the federal aid package that was just passed.
Some sectors need more help.
15% SNAP increase
$600 direct payment to most Vermonters including children.
Money in PPP funds to help small businesses, especially restaurants.
Money to states to administer vaccines.
Extra $300 per week in unemployment benefits.
Education getting significant aid – $54 billion for public k-12 schools and more than $20 billion for public and private non-profit colleges and universities.
$7 billion in total broadband funding: $3.2 billion for low income families to access broadband, $300 million to fund rural broadband buildout, $250 million for telehealth services, and $65 million to properly map broadband service across the country.
Extension for states to administer CARES funding to the end of 2021.
Not able to get direct aid to states and municipalities – may be something that President-Elect Biden works on after inauguration.
Commissioner Mike Pieciak:
US has now seen 18 million cases.
Hospitalizations are high, but some regions seeing plateau or drop – including the NE. First time in 16 weeks that our regional week over week case count has decreased.
Commissioner Levine:
Most Vermonters should not expect to get the Covid vaccine for a few months – so they should take time to get the flu vaccine instead.
State is monitoring 41 outbreaks and 293 situations.
They will have 11400 doses of Moderna vaccine by the end of this week. 3900 Pfizer doses this week. 18725 doses total by the end of the week. On our way to the expected 34000 doses by the end of this month.
No live viruses in the vaccines, so you can’t get covid from the vaccine. The mRNA never enters the nucleus of your cells, so can’t interact with your DNA. People who have covid-19 should still get the vaccine.
The next group of people to get the vaccine, group 1B, will include those over 75 and those with significant health conditions.
No evidence that the new strain of virus in UK and elsewhere is more deadly – although does appear to be more contagious.
Last week – Barre and Milton school based results were never received at the labs. Sent USPS and UPS. All will be re-tested.
No on-demand testing centers open on 12/24.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:
Andrea, Seven Days – Vaccinated fewer people than we received doses for last week?
Levine – Doses allocated to health care system 3900 – 3100 administered. Additionally, first doses administered in LTC yesterday. Moderna is going to health care system.
Mike, The Islander – Rep. Welch – Leadership in House seems to be feuding – not getting much done. What would it take for you to run for Speaker of the House?
Welch – Don’t have any plans to do this. Won’t get through this unless we do this together. This crisis affects us universally with a threat to our health. Every single one of us is threatened by Covid. Now a consensus that we need to have rural broadband. In this legislation – there is access to the PPP for our non-profits and small newspapers and media companies. But all around the country there is pressure on local news. We have to help the people we represent.
Lisa, AP – How doe the state plan to notify the next priority group who will be eligible for the vaccine?
Levine – Need to define the next priority group – will likely be defined by age. Will be a variety of ways to communicate. Through traditional or other types of social media. Many in older age groups will have relationships with health care providers and see them frequently and addressing that with their health care provider. Followed CDC for priority group 1A.
Greg, County Courier – Talked about contract tracing as why we’ve seen success – have heard that we’ve laid off contact tracers – why are we doing that in the middle of a pandemic? (mentions company)
Scott – I’m not aware that we’ve laid anyone off. We’ve added 140 to our existing team.
Smith – Not ringing a bell with me at all. Using individual from other state agencies and Maximus.
Greg – Another delivery delay from UPS of test results …
Scott – The first issue was our fault.
Smith – Did teacher testing – 2300 teacher and staff tested. 200 teachers of Milton, and 25 at Barre – samples didn’t make it. Milton used USPS, Barre used UPS. Looking at it right now.
Sean, Chester Telegraph – How much of monoclonal antibody treatment has Vermont received and how much has been administered? Where can you get it in the state?
Levine – Were receiving approx. 20 doses a week. Last week got 40. All have been distributed to hospitals around the state. Uptake for usage has not been huge. Medical community is not 100% sold on it’s efficacy. Has been a few studies that show great promise, but some panels have not come out saying that it should be a standard of practice. Do think they show significant promise. Take moderately ill patients, treat them early enough to prevent hospitalizations. Requires infusion center.
Joe, Barton Chronicle – Would like clarification on Unemployment Benefits.
Scott – All programs have been extended for 11 weeks.
Welch – All unemployment benefits extended for 10 or 11 weeks. But will be a looming issue. Worried about 12000 Vermonters…task awaiting us in DC.
Joe – Confidence that Congress and new administration is going to be able to work together to vote through new support for the economy or whether after the election there will be a lack of interest?
Welch – It will be very difficult. McConnell isn’t willing to do much. But you’ve got a new president, and he will make his effort to reach out. Immense decision that McConnell has to make … we are in reach of a self-sustaining recovery, but if we don’t help those restaurants, those performance venues, those families make it to the other side, we’ll have hollowed out communities… but it’s tough in the current climate that we have in DC
Liz, BFP – Allotment this week is same for Pfizer – do you expect it will be new weekly allotment, or will go back up to 5k range?
Levine – We were told that we’ll eventually get what we were promised eventually. But their being a bit circumspect.
Liz – Do you expect Vermont to stray much from CDC recommendation from 1B?
Levine – Our independent advisory panel will be paying attention to what is advised to CDC. But we’ll see what they have to say – I’m sure it will be close or a variation on that. Any state can do what they want to. Believe that they’ll make their decision this week.
Andrew, Caledonian Record – With the return of limited sports – when do you anticipate the return of games?
Scott – Just don’t want things to go in other direction – cases go up. Want to watch what happens over the holidays. Anticipate we’ll be able to make some decisions by mid-January.
Andrew – Additional help in stimulus in PPP?
Welch – Original CARES Act – Independent newspapers couldn’t’ apply for PPP – but now can. Think it was a big oversight not to include in CARES package.
Scott – A couple banks are ready willing and able to accept applications. Don’t know if it’s first come first serve…
Lisa, Valley Reporter – Second home owners able to get vaccinated in Vermont –
Levine – they can. Many people who live in VT work at DHMC and will get vaccinated there.
Ed, Newport Daily Express – Where there be more money down the road for states and municipalities or not?
Welch – They need it. President-Elect in support of state and local aid. McConnell said states should consider banks as an option… with pandemic in March, was able to do first package very quickly – took a long time for the second package. The end is in sight. We’re much better off getting people to the other side.
Scott – Had it not been the aid from Congress – would not be where we are today. Essential that we keep it together. Need a bit more help.
Tim, Vermont Business Magazine – PPP recipients now feeling they have to pay federal tax, weren’t thinking that they could.
Welch – What business gets to make payroll is a deduction – but don’t get tax credit on top of that – would be double dipping other-wise.
Scott – Will get clarification
Erin, VTDigger – When is data going to be published on vaccination data?
Scott – Developing platform as we speak. Hope it will be up this week.
Matt, NBC5 – Many members in Congress has received vaccine ahead of health care workers?
Scott – Don’t want to judge anyone – continuity of government is important. But doesn’t sit right with me. Trying to focus on most vulnerable here in Vermont. I can wait my turn here in Vermont.
Welch – I have not been vaccinated – expect to be sometime in January. Everyone should get vaccinated as soon as available to you – physician in Congress recommends for continuity of government that everyone in Congress gets the vaccine. Also because they are traveling back and forth from DC to their districts or states.
Avery, WCAX – Who is considered a front line worker when it comes to home health workers?
Levine – They are in priority group 1A.
Guy Page – If you’re persuaded, either before or after inauguration that the 2020 was the victim of significant electoral fraud, would you call for and support a House investigation?
Welch – There’s no basis for that. We just saw AG Barr state that he would not support a special prosecutor because there was absolutely no evidence of electoral fraud. We have a president-elect. The people have spoken and we have work to do.
Page – Are you considering any pardons?
Scott – There is a lengthy process. At this point in time, I have not pardoned anyone – I have a high bar. Still thinking about some who have applied.
John, VPR – Any need to pull Vermont out of the commodity dairy market?
Scott – Dairy farmers have been suffering in Vermont. Pandemic exacerbated the issue. Fortunate to use CARES funding to help some of them that are struggling. Some farms diversifying at this point. Things have stabilized a bit at this point. Want farms to be part of the future – need to feed ourselves. Products made with VT dairy are essential- value added products. Vital we have a dairy industry. Need legislature’s involvement as well.
Steve, NEKTV – Congressman, all my life, I’ve watched folks arrive in Washington penniless, and after a few years, they themselves or their family enrich themselves way beyond reason. Would you support an ethics committee with more teeth that would stop some of this behavior?
Welch – Yes. We have to file financial disclosures. I have pledged not to trade individual stocks. Support strong ethics standards.
Steve – Looking into differences with Japan– Tokyo reached herd immunity of 50% without lockdowns. Japan doing something that we might want to look at?
Levine – Not sure – not a country that I look at much. They had a hard time early on. Cost of achieving that herd immunity might be the cost of certain demographics – need to look into it. Send me some of your references.
Scott – We are sending Styrofoam back to vaccine manufacturer for re-use .
Update on the federal bill the federal aid package that was just passed.
Some sectors need more help.
15% SNAP increase
$600 direct payment to most Vermonters including children.
Money in PPP funds to help small businesses, especially restaurants.
Money to states to administer vaccines.
Extra $300 per week in unemployment benefits.
Education getting significant aid – $54 billion for public k-12 schools and more than $20 billion for public and private non-profit colleges and universities.
$7 billion in total broadband funding: $3.2 billion for low income families to access broadband, $300 million to fund rural broadband buildout, $250 million for telehealth services, and $65 million to properly map broadband service across the country.
Extension for states to administer CARES funding to the end of 2021.
Not able to get direct aid to states and municipalities – may be something that President-Elect Biden works on after inauguration.
Commissioner Mike Pieciak:
US has now seen 18 million cases.
Hospitalizations are high, but some regions seeing plateau or drop – including the NE. First time in 16 weeks that our regional week over week case count has decreased.
Commissioner Levine:
Most Vermonters should not expect to get the Covid vaccine for a few months – so they should take time to get the flu vaccine instead.
State is monitoring 41 outbreaks and 293 situations.
They will have 11400 doses of Moderna vaccine by the end of this week. 3900 Pfizer doses this week. 18725 doses total by the end of the week. On our way to the expected 34000 doses by the end of this month.
No live viruses in the vaccines, so you can’t get covid from the vaccine. The mRNA never enters the nucleus of your cells, so can’t interact with your DNA. People who have covid-19 should still get the vaccine.
The next group of people to get the vaccine, group 1B, will include those over 75 and those with significant health conditions.
No evidence that the new strain of virus in UK and elsewhere is more deadly – although does appear to be more contagious.
Last week – Barre and Milton school based results were never received at the labs. Sent USPS and UPS. All will be re-tested.
No on-demand testing centers open on 12/24.
Questions:
Andrea, Seven Days – Vaccinated fewer people than we received doses for last week?
Levine – Doses allocated to health care system 3900 – 3100 administered. Additionally, first doses administered in LTC yesterday. Moderna is going to health care system.
Mike, The Islander – Rep. Welch – Leadership in House seems to be feuding – not getting much done. What would it take for you to run for Speaker of the House?
Welch – Don’t have any plans to do this. Won’t get through this unless we do this together. This crisis affects us universally with a threat to our health. Every single one of us is threatened by Covid. Now a consensus that we need to have rural broadband. In this legislation – there is access to the PPP for our non-profits and small newspapers and media companies. But all around the country there is pressure on local news. We have to help the people we represent.
Lisa, AP – How doe the state plan to notify the next priority group who will be eligible for the vaccine?
Levine – Need to define the next priority group – will likely be defined by age. Will be a variety of ways to communicate. Through traditional or other types of social media. Many in older age groups will have relationships with health care providers and see them frequently and addressing that with their health care provider. Followed CDC for priority group 1A.
Greg, County Courier – Talked about contract tracing as why we’ve seen success – have heard that we’ve laid off contact tracers – why are we doing that in the middle of a pandemic? (mentions company)
Scott – I’m not aware that we’ve laid anyone off. We’ve added 140 to our existing team.
Smith – Not ringing a bell with me at all. Using individual from other state agencies and Maximus.
Greg – Another delivery delay from UPS of test results …
Scott – The first issue was our fault.
Smith – Did teacher testing – 2300 teacher and staff tested. 200 teachers of Milton, and 25 at Barre – samples didn’t make it. Milton used USPS, Barre used UPS. Looking at it right now.
Sean, Chester Telegraph – How much of monoclonal antibody treatment has Vermont received and how much has been administered? Where can you get it in the state?
Levine – Were receiving approx. 20 doses a week. Last week got 40. All have been distributed to hospitals around the state. Uptake for usage has not been huge. Medical community is not 100% sold on its efficacy. Has been a few studies that show great promise, but some panels have not come out saying that it should be a standard of practice. Do think they show significant promise. Take moderately ill patients, treat them early enough to prevent hospitalizations. Requires infusion center.
Joe, Barton Chronicle – Would like clarification on Unemployment Benefits.
Scott – All programs have been extended for 11 weeks.
Welch – All unemployment benefits extended for 10 or 11 weeks. But will be a looming issue. Worried about 12000 Vermonters…task awaiting us in DC.
Joe – Confidence that Congress and new administration is going to be able to work together to vote through new support for the economy or whether after the election there will be a lack of interest?
Welch – It will be very difficult. McConnell isn’t willing to do much. But you’ve got a new president, and he will make his effort to reach out. Immense decision that McConnell has to make … we are in reach of a self-sustaining recovery, but if we don’t help those restaurants, those performance venues, those families make it to the other side, we’ll have hollowed out communities… but it’s tough in the current climate that we have in DC
Liz, BFP – Allotment this week is same for Pfizer – do you expect it will be new weekly allotment, or will go back up to 5k range?
Levine – We were told that we’ll eventually get what we were promised eventually. But their being a bit circumspect.
Liz – Do you expect Vermont to stray much from CDC recommendation from 1B?
Levine – Our independent advisory panel will be paying attention to what is advised to CDC. But we’ll see what they have to say – I’m sure it will be close or a variation on that. Any state can do what they want to. Believe that they’ll make their decision this week.
Andrew, Caledonian Record – With the return of limited sports – when do you anticipate the return of games?
Scott – Just don’t want things to go in other direction – cases go up. Want to watch what happens over the holidays. Anticipate we’ll be able to make some decisions by mid-January.
Andrew – Additional help in stimulus in PPP?
Welch – Original CARES Act – Independent newspapers couldn’t’ apply for PPP – but now can. Think it was a big oversight not to include in CARES package.
Scott – A couple banks are ready willing and able to accept applications. Don’t know if it’s first come first serve…
Lisa, Valley Reporter – Second home owners able to get vaccinated in Vermont –
Levine – they can. Many people who live in VT work at DHMC and will get vaccinated there.
Ed, Newport Daily Express – Where there be more money down the road for states and municipalities or not?
Welch – They need it. President-Elect in support of state and local aid. McConnell said states should consider banks as an option… with pandemic in March, was able to do first package very quickly – took a long time for the second package. The end is in sight. We’re much better off getting people to the other side.
Scott – Had it not been the aid from Congress – would not be where we are today. Essential that we keep it together. Need a bit more help.
Tim, Vermont Business Magazine – PPP recipients now feeling they have to pay federal tax, weren’t thinking that they could.
Welch – What business gets to make payroll is a deduction – but don’t get tax credit on top of that – would be double dipping other-wise.
Scott – Will get clarification
Erin, VTDigger – When is data going to be published on vaccination data?
Scott – Developing platform as we speak. Hope it will be up this week.
Matt, NBC5 – Many members in Congress has received vaccine ahead of health care workers?
Scott – Don’t want to judge anyone – continuity of government is important. But doesn’t sit right with me. Trying to focus on most vulnerable here in Vermont. I can wait my turn here in Vermont.
Welch – I have not been vaccinated – expect to be sometime in January. Everyone should get vaccinated as soon as available to you – physician in Congress recommends for continuity of government that everyone in Congress gets the vaccine. Also because they are traveling back and forth from DC to their districts or states.
Avery, WCAX – Who is considered a front line worker when it comes to home health workers?
Levine – They are in priority group 1A.
Guy Page – If you’re persuaded, either before or after inauguration that the 2020 was the victim of significant electoral fraud, would you call for and support a House investigation?
Welch – There’s no basis for that. We just saw AG Barr state that he would not support a special prosecutor because there was absolutely no evidence of electoral fraud. We have a president-elect. The people have spoken and we have work to do.
Page – Are you considering any pardons?
Scott – There is a lengthy process. At this point in time, I have not pardoned anyone – I have a high bar. Still thinking about some who have applied.
John, VPR – Any need to pull Vermont out of the commodity dairy market?
Scott – Dairy farmers have been suffering in Vermont. Pandemic exacerbated the issue. Fortunate to use CARES funding to help some of them that are struggling. Some farms diversifying at this point. Things have stabilized a bit at this point. Want farms to be part of the future – need to feed ourselves. Products made with VT dairy are essential- value added products. Vital we have a dairy industry. Need legislature’s involvement as well.
Steve, NEKTV – Congressman, all my life, I’ve watched folks arrive in Washington penniless, and after a few years, they themselves or their family enrich themselves way beyond reason. Would you support an ethics committee with more teeth that would stop some of this behavior?
Welch – Yes. We have to file financial disclosures. I have pledged not to trade individual stocks. Support strong ethics standards.
Steve – Looking into differences with Japan– Tokyo reached herd immunity of 50% without lockdowns. Japan doing something that we might want to look at?
Levine – Not sure – not a country that I look at much. They had a hard time early on. Cost of achieving that herd immunity might be the cost of certain demographics – need to look into it. Send me some of your references.
We are sending Styrofoam back to vaccine manufacturer for re-use .