GOVERNOR SCOTT COVID-19 PRESS CONFERENCE 6.14.21

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 6.14.21.
After reaching the 80% vaccination threshold, Governor Scott lifted all remaining COVID-19 restrictions today, effective immediately. The State of Emergency will expire at midnight, June 15, and will be replaced by an Executive Order that will continue necessary programs.

NOTES:
• Governor Phil Scott:
o 464 days ago, Vermont had its first case.
o Never thought that I’d be the governor ordering businesses to close, children to stay home from school and people to stay home and stay safe.
o Vermont has become first state to vaccinate 80% of 12+ population. 81.8% of those over 18.
o Vermont now a global leader in vaccinations.
o Effective immediately – lifting all remaining covid-related restrictions.
o The State of Emergency will formally end at midnight, June 15.
o It’s now safe to do so – no state in the nation is in a better position to do so.
o No longer any state covid-related restrictions.
o Businesses may keep certain requirements in place while employees get fully vaccinated.
o Work isn’t done – continue to vaccinate. Will be ready when vaccines are available for those under 12.
o (Thanks congressional delegation and his team – “Fate has a funny way of putting the right people together at the right time, and I think that’s what’s happened here”).
o Thanks Press – has made our response better.
o At the end of the day, the people who deserve the credit most are everyday Vermonters… you cared for one another, and followed the science.
o We’ve shown the nation and much of the world how to respond without a playbook.
o Let’s keep moving Vermont forward… (applause)
• Dr. Levine:
o Thank you – sincerely.
o We can all take pride in what this milestone means.
o Thanks Vermonters – trusting data driven and science based approach.
o Protection is allowing us to lift restrictions today – but work far from over.
o For those that can’t get vaccinated – we will do our best to keep you healthy.
• QUESTIONS:
o Will lift State of Emergency – but will sign new Executive Order to allow for continuation of FEMA funding and fill the gaps – continue programs in place.
o Most significant change – just going back to normal. Takes self-responsibility. May be some people who are not ready to take off their masks.
o Vaccine passports – businesses have to decide what they want to do. A couple of states have high rate – but we might be the only state to achieve this. I would recommend going back to what we had before – but ok with it if business decides to require proof of vaccination.
o Restrictions all lifted right now – immediately. Could have done it last night at 11 pm. Had glitch in CDC data – had us vaccinating only 28 people on Friday. Received info last night – but wanted to be absolutely certain and check data.
o Postpone new criteria for eligibility criteria for emergency housing? Scott – will address some issues to avoid a cliff in EO tomorrow.
o Businesses can still require patrons to wear a mask.
o Have a feeling that they’ll be opening up the Canadian border fairly soon. Something that we’ll continue to advocate for – thing it’s safe for Vermont. But a decision that President Biden and President Trudeau will have to make.
o Press conferences will continue on Tuesdays for foreseeable future.
o Rules and recommendations for children? Scott – All restrictions lifted – up to parents and caregivers to make decisions for children. Levine- Recommended that those who are unvaccinated are masked in indoor environment.
o Schools – No change in guidance for schools.
o Vigorous testing protocol will continue.

PRESS RELEASE:

State of Vermont
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
________________________________________
For Immediate Release
Monday, June 14, 2021

Contact:
Jason Maulucci, Press Secretary
Office of the Governor
Jason.Maulucci@vermont.gov
GOVERNOR PHIL SCOTT ANNOUNCES STATE HAS REACHED ITS 80% VACCINATION GOAL; LIFTS ALL STATE COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS

Montpelier, Vt.  Governor Phil Scott today announced that 80.2% of Vermont’s eligible population  those age 12 and older  have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, making it the first state to reach this major milestone.

Governor Scott also announced he has rescinded all state COVID-19 restrictions. Additionally, Vermont’s State of Emergency, slated to expire on June 15, will not be renewed.

“Now that we have hit 80%, as promised and effective immediately, I am lifting all remaining state pandemic restrictions and the State of Emergency will formally end at midnight June 15,” announced Governor Scott at a press conference Monday. “And here’s why: Because it’s safe to do so. It is safe because Vermonters have done their part to keep spread of the virus low throughout the pandemic and stepped up to get vaccinated. In fact, no state in the nation is in a better or safer position to do this than we are.”

At 80% of the eligible population, Vermont has also administered at least one dose of vaccine to 81.8% of Vermonters aged 18 and older – exceeding President Biden’s goal of 70% of those 18 and older, and 70.8% of its total population. Vermont ranks first in the nation on the number of vaccines administered per capita, the percent of its population with at least one dose, and the percent of its population fully vaccinated. Since the start of the pandemic, Vermont also has the lowest number of cases and deaths per capita in the continental U.S.

Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, explained the impact vaccination has had in this achievement, and joined Governor Scott in making clear the state would continue its robust vaccination efforts beyond this milestone.

“Our high vaccination rates will help keep coronavirus activity at historically low levels,” said Dr. Levine. “This means fewer chances for COVID to spread between people and throughout our communities, fewer if any hospitalizations, and, importantly, prevent more loss of life from the virus. It also means less opportunity for mutations and more virulent strains from developing. This protection is what is allowing us to lift restrictions today – that is public health at work – but that work is far from over. We will continue getting as many Vermonters vaccinated as possible to keep this protection as strong as we can.”

Following the Vermont Forward plan, all remaining state restrictions have been lifted, though some situations are governed by federal guidelines, like public transportation and long-term care facilities. The plan will continue to link to operational considerations for certain sectors from the Vermont Department of Health. Vermonters can find that information at Vermont.gov/Vermont-Forward.

To ensure continuation of federal funding for certain programs, as the Governor has previously indicated, he will also sign an Executive Order issued under his general authority. This order will continue Vermont National Guard involvement with COVID-19 recovery operations, ensure continued cooperation and coordination among state agencies as necessary and for the two-week period between the expiration of the Emergency Declaration and July 1, when recently enacted legislation makes it permanent, allow bars and restaurants to continue pick-up and delivery of alcoholic beverages.

The Governor and his team thanked Vermonters for their commitment and perseverance throughout the pandemic, and for their trust in the science, particularly throughout this vaccination effort.

They also recognized the many partners in this effort, including employees in agencies and departments across state government, Vermont’s state legislators and congressional delegation, the Vermont National Guard, healthcare providers and frontline workers, municipal leaders and more. On the vaccination effort specifically, it also included emergency medical service (EMS) crews, the Medical Reserve Corps, primary care providers, all Vermont hospitals, Federally Qualified Health Centers, pharmacies, schools, colleges, businesses, congregate housing and equity support and advocacy groups, and more.

“The ingenuity, creativity and dedication of all Vermonters to their friends and families, to their neighbors and to their communities, has been incredible and we should all be very proud. Through it all, we’ve shown the nation and much of the world how to respond when there is no playbook, and how to do it with civility and respect,” added Governor Scott. “When America needs to find its path forward to solve problems and help people; when, in dark times, our country needs a state to light the way, Vermonters will always step up and lead the charge.”

Vaccines continue to be widely available across the state. All Vermonters age 12 and older can find the schedule for daily walk-in clinics, or can register for an appointment, at healthvermont.gov/myvaccine.