The “medical freedom” law which passed the Republican-controlled Legislature on a largely party-line vote, states that people have the “natural, essential and inherent right to bodily integrity, free from any threat or compulsion by government to accept an immunization.”
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed course Tuesday, reversing its previous COVID-19 guidance by urging Americans to wear masks, regardless of their vaccination status. Critics quickly denounced the reversal, saying it undermines vaccine confidence.
Instead of acting as if vaccinations matter, the US government spends its efforts trying to ban “bad information.” The way to stop bad information is to provide good information. The way to strengthen conspiracy theories is trying to ban any sort of speech.
If vaccinations are so safe and effective, then there is no need for those who are vaccinated to become fascist, screeching apes toward those who are at risk. It is upside down, and we must turn Vermont right-side up again.
The Vermont Republican Party unanimously approved a resolution at its state committee meeting on July 10 to oppose vaccine passports in Vermont. The resolution comes in response to concerns over medical privacy and individual rights.
Health Commissioner Mark Levine says that Vermonters who have not taken their COVID-19 vaccines are largely still planning to. However, a new ABC News/Washington Post poll of unvaccinated Americans shows nearly three-quarters of them do not expect to get the shots.
COVID vaccines may be causing heart inflammation, the governor saw his vetoes overturned regarding noncitizen voting in local elections, and a court determined that mask mandates may have been of questionable legal authority – yet still issued an $850 fine.
“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 Gov. Phil Scott at a press conference Monday.
“There are no longer any State COVID-19 restrictions. None. Unless there is a federal requirement in place, like for public transportation or long-term care facilities, employers, municipalities and individuals can operate under the same conditions as before the pandemic.”
The passengers aboard Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Millennium ship were found to have tested positive for COVID-19 upon being examined at the end of the trip. Proof of vaccination was required to board the cruise, along with a negative test at least 72 hours before departing St. Maarten, where the trip began.
The announcement comes following a presentation to the Food and Drug Administration confirming 226 cases of myocarditis/pericarditis in people under 30. These cases are more than twice what was expected under the FDA’s safety assessment for COVID-19 vaccines.
Speaking at the governor’s press conference Friday, Health Commissioner Mark Levine said eight Vermont deaths reported to the nation’s Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System were not likely attributable to COVID-19 vaccines, though the health department will be keeping an eye on it.