Editor’s note: This article is by Lou Varricchio, editor of the Sun. It is republished here with permission.

No COVID deaths have been reported in Vermont during the past week, according to Middlebury Police Chief and Town Emergency Manager Thomas Hanley.

“There have been 219 new COVID cases in Vermont in the past week, down 130 from the prior week and down 85% since April. Cases are also falling significantly all through the northeast region,” Hanley confirmed in an official email report sent to town residents May 25.

“In any event, Gov. Phil Scott pledges to close the emergency order on July 4 at the latest, and the day we confirm we’ve attained the 80% of people eligible for the vax at the soonest,” Hanley added. “With 98% of those at risk in the age 65-plus group starting vaccination (90% have completed the vax), deaths due to COVID are spiraling down. That’s great news.”

Hanley also reported that in Middlebury, Addison County’s shire town, the Middlebury Family Health office located at 1330 Exchange St. is now offering walk-in vaccinations of Moderna, the first of its type in the county.

“You can also go onto the healthvermont.gov website to find a list of all the sites where vaccines are available,” he noted.

Hanley assured residents that the vaccine supply remains robust, with Pfizer and Moderna still coming in as expected. “Johnson and Johnson won’t be shipping any this week. Moderna is applying for emergency use authorization for use in the 12-17 age group. This would give a huge boost to getting that group vaccinated.”

Since the pandemic started, Hanley has been hailed by town officials and local residents for providing an essential information service by keeping both town and county residents up to date about COVID-19.