5:09
Vermont Governor Phil Scott says the state still hasn’t reached his COVID vaccination threshold goal to completely reopen the state.
In April state officials announced a reopening plan based on projected vaccination rates called Vermont Forward. It set gradual goals to eliminate restrictions and reopen fully on July 4th. On May 21st Vermont’s Republican governor announced that the goals in the plan were being reached sooner than anticipated and said if the state hit an 80 percent vaccination rate he would lift any remaining restrictions and mandates that day. Based on the pace of shots at the time officials thought that might occur by June 8th.
3:19
Like Massachusetts on Friday, Governor Phil Scott says Vermont’s outdoor mask-wearing requirement will end Saturday.
Republican Governor Phil Scott said Friday in line with the new CDC guidelines effective May 1st, Vermonters will not be required to wear masks when outside if physical distancing is maintained.
“This includes both those who are vaccinated or not vaccinated as yet, Scott said. The science and data show that outdoor transmission is rare and imposes little risk if you follow our guidance. I do want to mention that municipalities and businesses do have the ability to have stricter policies if they so choose.”
3:33
Vermont is ending the suspension on the work search requirement for those on unemployment. That was a key topic during the governor’s regular COVID briefing today.
Before the pandemic people claiming unemployment were required to look for work each week and notify the Department of Labor what jobs they had applied for. During the pandemic the work search requirement was suspended due to safety concerns. State Labor Commissioner Michael Harrington announced the suspension is being lifted. “The VT Forward Plan is in place and moving forward and vaccine distribution is continuing at a steady pace. Vermont is moving forward to more normalcy because our health officials feel it is safe to do so. This means more opportunities for Vermonters to return to work and we know employers are actively seeking people to fill open jobs. With all of this in mind the department is announcing the reinstatement of the work search requirement beginning the week of May 9th. This means indivi