Scouring The Globe For Viral Fragments And Making Them Whole Again (VIRAL ANALYSIS)
May 6, 2020CORONAuthoritarianism. #VIRALRESISTANCEVT)
May 7, 2020Publisher’s Note: After close to two months of Vermont’wide lockdown, Republican Governor Phil Scott today announced a gradual “opening” of Vermont over the next several weeks. Thanks to our VtDigger colleagues for this story. And FOX news host Tucker Carlson critiques the arrival of CoronAuthoritarianism and the “new normal.” Fore!
Governor Scott said the state’s success with flattening the curve of the coronavirus is working and that social gatherings of groups of 10 and under are allowed at home or outside, but he urged everyone to continue simple social-distancing and hygiene procedures.
Scott asked that the elderly and those who are more vulnerable to COVID-19 to continue to isolate. There are no state guidelines and no enforcement. He said to use common sense and don’t travel out of Vermont. If you do, you need to self-isolate for 14 days when you get back.
Most outdoor recreation can now resume including golf, tennis, games at ball fields and outdoor basketball courts, and hiking and biking. No contact sports or organized sporting or spectator events are allowed. Beaches and pools will also remain closed.
Vermont restaurants and bars won’t open in the near future beyond current curbside service. Scott called on Congress to extend the Payroll Protection Program deadline.
State education officials hope to provide guidance on high school graduations by Friday. Scott says he hopes to provide further guidance on summer camps on Friday or Monday.
Vt. Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine revealed a new category for state COVID-19 numbers. As of Wednesday, Vermont health officials reported 908 coronavirus cases in the state and 52 deaths. The department added the number of Vermonters who have recovered from coronavirus — that number is 706.
Levine also outlined a silver lining to the pandemic and people staying at home — opioid overdoses have decreased. Newly released data show a 15% decline in the number of deaths attributed to opioid misuse — down from 130 in 2018 to 111 in 2019.
The Governor plans to extend the state of emergency. Some of the provisions to the stay-at-home order will continue to be relaxed.
