Good afternoon,
As you likely heard, yesterday the Governor, in consultation with the Vermont Department of Health (VDH), directed all businesses and nonprofit entities – to the maximum extent possible – to implement telecommuting or work-from-home procedures.
We understand that teleworking is not a viable option for those of you operating emergency shelters and emergency services such as food shelves. For those circumstances, we would point to the requirement in the guidance below regarding implementing and publicly posting signage pertaining to the CDC and the Vermont Department of Health guidance related to COVID-19. This includes:
- Social distancing practices (maintaining six feet between people),
- Handwashing,
- Sick employees remaining home
- regularly disinfecting and cleaning high traffic objects and surfaces.
Attached are examples of the signage available through the VDH COVD-19 website (https://www.healthvermont.gov/response/infectious-disease/2019-novel-coronavirus). The full addendum to the Executive Order can be found at https://governor.vermont.gov/content/addendum-5-executive-order-01-20.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Thank you again for all the critical work you are doing during these difficult, uncertain times. Your efforts are both incredible and greatly appreciated.
Geoffrey
Geoffrey T. Pippenger
Senior Advisor to the Commissioner
Department for Children and Families
Geoffrey.Pippenger@vermont.gov
Cell: 802.798.9012
Desk: 802.241.0942
(he/him)
PRESS RELEASE
State of Vermont
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
For Immediate Release
Monday, March 23, 2020
Contact
Rebecca Kelley, Office of the Governor
802-828-6403 | rebecca.kelley@vermont.gov
GOVERNOR PHIL SCOTT ANNOUNCES NEW COVID-19 MITIGATION MEASURES
Orders Businesses and Non-Profits to Implement Work from Home Procedures
Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott today announced additional mitigation measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In consultation with the Department of Health, Governor Scott has directed all businesses and not-for-profit entities – to the maximum extent possible – to put into place telecommuting or work-from-home procedures, no later than 8:00 p.m. on Monday, March 23.
“We’re now entering a new phase in this fight to flatten the curve,” said Governor Scott. “Vermonters should also expect additional steps in the coming days that will further reduce contact and direct more to stay home in order to keep everyone safe.”
This order follows further reductions to the allowable size of non-essential mass gatherings to no more than 10 people and the closure of all close-contact businesses, both announced Saturday, March 21.
At this time, any entities not required to close under a previous order, or unable to implement work-from-home procedures, must implement – and publicly post – CDC and the Vermont Department of Health guidance related to COVID-19, including:
- Maintaining a distance of six feet between people;
- Ensuring employees practice appropriate hygiene measures, including regular, thorough handwashing;
- Ensuring that employees who are sick remain home; and
- Regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.
The Governor has also said Vermonters should prepare for a forthcoming announcement on further restrictions and a stay-at-home directive. He further advised all Vermonters, “All of us should already be taking personal responsibility to physically distance ourselves from others and to follow the guidance in place to help keep each other healthy and safe.”
For details on these new measures, click here to read the full addendum.
Commercial entities, employers, event sponsors and others with questions should contact the State Emergency Operations Center at 800-347-0488.
For the latest information and guidance relating to Vermont’s COVID-19 response, visit www.healthvermont.gov/covid19.
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