Enacting measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus, while necessary, has also put large sectors of the economy on hold.
Over several weeks, Governor Phil Scott has issued multiple executive orders: from closing schools, to directing restaurants to provide take-out only, to telling Vermonters to stay home and work remotely if possible.
On Monday, Scott issued an addendum to a March 25 executive order, asking for people entering the state to self-quarantine for 14 days.
This order restricting travel, said the administration, is in line with CDC guidelines “around interstate travel from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, which advised residents of those state to refrain from non-essential domestic travel for 14 days.”
It also directs lodging facilities - for example hotels, motels, private rentals, camp grounds - to close. The order does provide a few exemptions such as renting to a traveling health care worker.
In a press release, Scott wrote, “These are incredibly difficult times, but the more closely we can follow all of the CDC and Health Department guidance, the more effectively we can slow the spread and save lives.”
He added, “I know we're asking a lot of business owners, workers, school employees, parents, students and all Vermonters. But your sacrifice is not for nothing. If we do this now, we can slow the spread of this deadly virus and keep many of our neighbors and loved ones alive and healthy.”