Governor Phil Scott announced in today’s press conference that the plans for the distribution of vaccines to the remaining age banded groups will be presented in Friday’s press conference. Scott said that the state has confirmed adequate upcoming vaccine supply for all Vermonters who want the vaccine to be scheduled for vaccination appointments by the end of May. The Governor said that he expects a return to “normal” by July 4th. Although some mask-wearing may still be required, he said that the supply of vaccines coming means that weddings and other large gatherings and cross-state travel will be possible.
Secretary of Administration Susanne Young reviewed that American Rescue Plan of 2021, signed by President Biden on March 11. Vermont will be receiving a total of $2.7 billion, including $113 million for broadband infrastructure, $197 million for Vermont municipalities and $731 million in Economic Impact Payments paid directly to eligible Vermonters.
NOTES:
- Secretary Mike Smith
- More than 1 in 4 adult for Vermonters have received at least one dose of the vaccine.
- 152,800 have been vaccinated. 82K have been fully vaccinated.
- 25,400 have made appointment in 16 and up with high risk.
- Educational staff clinics added.
- Incarcerated individuals with high risk 18 and up vaccinated starting this week. 185 people.
- CVS starting to vaccinate.
- Secretary Susanne Young
- Overview of American Rescue Plan of 2021
- Signed March 11
- Provide $2.7 billion in state aid. Total to $7.5 billion.
- Some appropriated to federal and state agencies -some to municipalities.
- Economic Stimulus Payment – Vermonters will receive $1400 each directly.
- Excludes first $10,200 of UI from taxation.
- ARP extends $300 UI benefit through Sept. 6, as well as PUA and extends 100% of Cobra payments.
- Funding for rental and housing assistance. LIHEAP.
- Small businesses and non-profits – Expansion of eligibility of PPP for non-profits, grant funds to restaurants and other food service businesses and funds for shuttered venue grant program.
- $1.36 billion for state and local relief. Includes carve outs for cities towns and villages. Will come in two tranches – this spring and 2022. Eligible uses expanded – revenue replacement and infrastructure. State will receive $1.16 billion – can be in lump sum or several.
- Commissioner Mike Pieciak
- Vaccine uptake in older populations is impressive. Up to 80%
- Vermont hit 17K case threshold.
- Decline in median age of people contracting virus.
- On 6 cases in LTC facilities last week
- Fewer people in ICU – hospitalizations flattened.
- Commissioner Mark Levine
- 24 hospitalizations. Fairly stable range of cases.
- Will take time to see impact of vaccination on number of cases.
- 4 more new cases of UK Variant.
- Governor Phil Scott
- Supply – increase for next week 800 additional doses.
- Beginning week of March 29 – increase of 4-5K
- On Friday, will announce next age band, and schedule for all age bands to be able to schedule appointments by the end of April. Everyone who wants to be – fully vaccinated by the summer.
- Questions:
- BIPOC Vermonter Clinics – In BTV this week, another next week. Getting Pfizer or Moderna.
- Updated return to work guidance for manufacturing sector is coming. Plan for exit in next few weeks.
- Specific metric that you’re looking for to no longer extend the state of emergency?
- Scott – Sooner the better, but will be able to show benchmarks in the next few weeks. But expect it will last the next three months.
- Transmission from Mississquoi hockey to Essex hockey team.
- Hopefully successful use of vaccines over the spring will convince more people to get vaccine.
- What is “normal” by July 4th?
- Scott – May still be mask wearing, other restrictions – possible border restriction continued with Canada. Normal = pre-pandemic activities. With supply that we’re seeing, gatherings such as weddings and other events possible.
- Astra-Zeneca vaccine blood clotting issues?
- Levine – People looking at same data and coming up with different conclusions. Seems to be no different rates in those getting AZ vaccine and those not. Blood clotting is also a concern with covid.
- Scott supports universal mail in voting – asks that it get expanded beyond General Election to Town Meeting, Local elections
- Is the state tracking adverse reactions to vaccine?
- Levine – Yes – last I saw was 99. Anything reported is listed. Self-reporting.
- Long term care staff vaccination rate often lower than other facilities – 40-50-70%. Resident rate often up to 90%. Concerned about it.
- (Guy Page) Any call for China to be more transparent about how this virus developed?
- Scott – Has not come up in governor’s calls…