First shipments of COVID-19 vaccine arrive in Vermont
Gov. Phil Scott today announced the arrival in Vermont of the first 1,950 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. This is the first portion of the 5,850 doses coming to Vermont this week.
Maine tightens mask requirements amid surge
Gov. Janet Mills has beefed up the state’s mask mandate with new restrictions that allow businesses to deny service to people who don’t cover their face, but the move faces opposition from Republicans who say it goes too far.
Employers may mandate vaccination after FDA approval
Once the Federal Drug Administration has given final approval to a Covid-19 vaccine, an employer may mandate vaccination for employees, Health Commissioner Mark Levine said at Friday’s press conference.
Josh Hawley, Bernie Sanders team up, pressure Congress for direct stimulus checks
Republican Sen. Josh Hawley and Democratic Sen. Bernie Sanders joined forces Thursday, introducing an amendment that would provide direct cash payments to Americans as part of any additional coronavirus relief that Congress passes.
Opinion: 5 reasons why more stimulus checks aren’t the answer
Congress is considering proposals for another coronavirus relief bill on top of the $4.1 trillion in aid already authorized. Politicians on both sides of the aisle are lobbying to include another round of checks to most Americans. Renewing these so-called “stimulus checks” would be a mistake.
Ski industry forced to jump through many hoops to stay open
Vermont’s ski industry faces an unprecedented test this winter as COVID-focused government seems determined to impose burdensome restrictions on resort operators.
Bucknam: Opting out of Vermont’s state of emergency
The governor has no discretion in this matter. He must terminate the state of emergency in the municipality when the majority of the selectboard or other legislative body no longer “desires” to be under a state of emergency.
Scott cites Pearl Harbor dead, American unity in WWII to challenge Vermont to fight Covid
In a public statement issued Dec. 7, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott contrasted the number of Americans killed during the Dec. 7, 1941 Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor — 2,463 — with the 8,913 Americans who died Dec. 3-6 of Covid-19.
Health Department to text close contacts; vaccination priority announced
If you get a text from the number 86911, it’s the Vermont Health Department calling. Message: you’ve been exposed. Quarantine immediately. This 86911 texting program is a new contact tracing outreach of the Health Department.
Bernie Sanders acknowledges Democrats stalled Trump COVID relief, agrees it was mistake
Independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders on Monday acknowledged that Democrats stalled coronavirus relief in the past and agreed it was a mistake in an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper.
New study suggests students should keep away from each other at school
A new study is out telling schools what they should do if they expect to stay open while more cases of the coronavirus are being reported. Among its conclusions is kids must substantially reduce the number of physical close encounters with their peers.
Levine unaware of new cases at New Hope Bible Church
Health Commissioner Mark Levine is unaware of any new Covid-19 cases stemming from the disputed test positive at the New Hope Bible Church in Irasburg.