Gov. Scott and Vermonters Returning to Work

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Created on Monday, 27 April 2020 14:52

Written by Will Barrett

VERMONT- In his second press conference addressing the timetable for Vermonters getting back to work, Governor Scott brought with him good news and a stern message.Vermont health officials have stated they have seen the peak number of cases in the state and will allow certain workers to get back to work within specific guidelines.

Outdoor crews and workers in unoccupied spaces can go back to work in small groups of five. Manufacturing and distribution operations can resume in groups of five as well, given they have enough space to practice safe social distancing. Outdoor and retail facilities such as garden shops according to Scott are permitted to reopen with in person buying, but cannot exceed ten people on the premises including both customers and employees. The most important provision of the new order is the establishment of training requirements that employers must take seriously when re-opening their doors or when continuing to work. Ensuring that employees are regularly washing their hands and sanitizing workspaces, as well as wearing masks and keeping proper social distance is more important now than ever.

“Now is not the time to declare victory,” said Scott during his regular Friday press conference. “Because of all the measures we put into place and because we’ve been so dedicated, our data shows we can allow a few more people back to work.”

According to Michael Harrington, the Vermont Department of Labor Commissioner, as of late Friday morning 5,800 Pandemic Unemployment Assistant applications have been filed since the program was initially promoted Wednesday evening. The program supports workers not eligible for unemployment because they are self employed, independent contractors, or others who have limited work history that are unable to work because of the Coronavirus pandemic. Vermont labor officials also reported that the state's unemployment rate is around twenty three percent.