COVID Special Report 11/14/20-New Restrictions/Resources

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11/14/20: Special Covid Update

1. New Restrictions

2. Mandated Quarantine-what it means

3. Local Resources

As was noted in yesterday’s Update,  VT’s Covid cases are spiraling well beyond our spring peak. The areas with the biggest outbreaks are Washington County towns and Colchester.

Locally, the  state’s town map, issued on Fridays,  showed Cavendish as having Covid of 1-5 cases for the first time two weeks ago. Yesterday, Baltimore reported 1-5 cases for the first time. Chester which is reported to have total of 11 cases and Ludlow with 7 have seen no new cases in recent weeks. However, Springfield with 12 cases as of 11/11 had 71% of them occur since Oct. 21. Vermont Covid cases town by town

The Governor posted the following last evening, We continue to see a rise in COVID cases in Vermont, up from an average of 25 cases per day last week to 72 cases on Wednesday, 109 on Thursday and 84 today, despite our recent steps to slow the spread. Many clusters and outbreaks are tied to private social gatherings like baby showers, tailgate parties, deer camps and other small multi-household gatherings where people aren’t wearing masks or staying physically distanced, despite our warnings.

We’re in a new phase of this pandemic. The days of very low risk have passed. So, unfortunately, I’m announcing several new measures to slow the spread and protect the vulnerable. These steps are data-driven, targeted directly at the areas driving the case growth.

The primary cause of the Covid spread has little to do with 2nd homeowners, tourists, spa services, gyms or restaurants. Rather, 71% of all cases can be traced back to private social gatherings as the Governor noted above.

“Given our recent case growth, we have no choice but to restrict social gatherings, whether at a home, a bar or in a parking lot,” Scott said.

While it may seem crazy to go to a restaurant for dinner, but yet not be able to go for a walk with your neighbor, the state was very clear that the issue is not with regulated environments but rather how individuals socially interact.

We’re at a pivotal moment. We still have an opportunity to get our arms around this alarming case growth and return to the relative stability we’re used to. But we all have to step up, follow the health guidance and limit our contacts as much as possible. I thank Vermonters who’ve done their part, wearing masks, skipping parties, cancelling travel and keeping social circles small. I know it's hard to keep this up but we can get this under control, maintain hospital capacity, keep kids in school and business open, and save lives.

1. NEW RESTRICTIONS: Temporary Limitations on Business Operations and Social Gatherings; Requirement for Cooperation with VDH Contact Tracing. Effective Saturday, November 14, 2020at 10:00 p.m.

• Multiple Household Social Gatherings Suspended. Attendance at all public and private social, recreational and entertainment gatherings, indoor and outdoor, including large social gatherings incidental to ceremonies, holiday gatherings, parties and celebrations, shall be limited to participation with only members of a single household. For the sake of clarity, nothing in this Order prohibits the gathering of members living in the same residence. Individuals who live alone may gather with members of their immediate family residing in a different household.  This includes Thanksgiving as well as no longer being able to walk with a neighbor. “I know this is incredibly discouraging,” Scott added. “Especially because many of you have worked so hard. And we’ve had much success for so long. But the fact is, people getting together, not being careful and letting their guard down, is why we’re in this position today.”

• Bars and social clubs are closed to in-person service

• Restaurants can remain open, but must cease in person service at 10 pm

• Contact logs must be keep by restaurants, museums and other public accommodations which host organized non-essential activities

• Recreational sports: All recreational sports programs, including organized and/or informal recreational youth and adult league sports, practices, games and tournaments, are hereby suspended. This suspension shall not apply to school-sponsored sports activities which are subject to applicable Agency of Education Guidance

• Returning college students must quarantine for 14 days (see Item 2-for quarantine information)

• Contact Tracing Compliance: Vermonters are directed to comply with requests made by the VDH Contact Tracing Team. Vermonters who have been identified as a case or a close contact are required to: Promptly answer calls or otherwise respond to the VDH Contact Tracing Team; Provide full, complete and truthful information concerning places they have been, activities they have engaged in and persons with whom the individual has had close contact, including contact information when possible; Comply with all VDH recommended quarantine and isolation periods and testing. Failure to comply with this provision may result in referral to the Office of the Attorney General for enforcement.

• Telework. All businesses, not-for-profit entities and municipal government entities in the State shall re institute, to the maximum extent possible, or reemphasize to the extent necessary, telecommuting or work from home procedures. In person meetings are strongly discouraged and all meetings should be held by telephone or electronically to avoid in person meetings whenever possible.

2. MANDATED QUARANTINE-WHAT IT MEANS: The state requires a 14 day quarantine (remain in your home and do not leave unless it’s for an emergency or a medical appointment) implemented as follows:

For Vermonters If you travel out of Vermont whether for a day trip or longer, you must quarantine for 14 days in Vermont when you return. If you haven't had any symptoms of COVID-19, you also have the option to seek a PCR test on or after Day 7 to end quarantine early with a negative result. Note that you can travel to surrounding states for essential activities (e.g. medical appointments, grocery shopping, work, school etc.) without having to quarantine upon your return.

For visitors to Vermont: Depending on how you travel to Vermont you may be able to quarantine in your home state before coming to Vermont. If you plan to travel to Vermont in a personal vehicle (including a rental vehicle or private plane), you may complete either a 14-day quarantine or a 7-day quarantine followed by a negative PCR test in your home state and enter Vermont without further quarantine restrictions.

 When you travel to Vermont, limit your stops. Only stop when necessary (for example, for fuel, food or rest). When you stop, follow the prevention steps: wear a face mask, stay at least 6 feet away from people you don't live with, avoid crowded indoor spaces, and wash your hands often. Stay home and do not travel if you are sick.

If you plan to travel to Vermont by public transportation (plane, train, bus) or from further than a direct car ride, you must quarantine in a Vermont lodging establishment or with friends and family. You must stay in your quarantine location for the duration of quarantine other than to travel to and from a test site.

3. LOCAL RESOURCES: Cavendish has a variety of things in place to help weather this current situation. Note, unlike the spring, the state is much better prepared with sufficient PPE (personal protective equipment), new treatment protocols and the promise of a vaccine on the horizon. While holiday plans are definitely being impacted-and for some that just might be a good thing-check out the following:

• Cavendish Covid Resource Guide is continually being updated and is available at the Cavendish Connects Website. It includes where to go for what you might need or want.

• CHS Cares Closet: Located next to the steps of the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) Museum (Main St. Cavendish Village), there are a number of items, free and available 24/7, that can help protect as well as entertain you and your family. The top left hand shelf contains cloth and surgical masks. You can also find books here along with the latest copy of the CHS Newsletter. Recently added new books include authors Toni Morrison, Archer Mayer, and Sara Per

Lift the chest for puzzles, toys, art supplies (there is a set of clear Christmas balls waiting to be decorated, plus beads and gems and craft books). Checked daily, new items are continually being added.

Please take what you want, but don’t leave anything. If you have items you’d like to donate, call 226-7807 or e-mail margocaulfield@icloud.com

If you can’t make it to the Closet, but need entertainment, please contact us at the numbers above and we’ll arrange a drop off.