{"id":478,"date":"2020-03-23T17:54:35","date_gmt":"2020-03-23T17:54:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ncssinc.org\/news\/?p=478"},"modified":"2020-03-23T17:54:35","modified_gmt":"2020-03-23T17:54:35","slug":"governor-phil-scott-announces-new-covid-19-community-mitigation-measures-directs-the-closure-of-close-contact-businesses-and-further-restricts-the-size-of-mass-gatherings-to-10-or-less","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ncssinc.org\/news\/governor-phil-scott-announces-new-covid-19-community-mitigation-measures-directs-the-closure-of-close-contact-businesses-and-further-restricts-the-size-of-mass-gatherings-to-10-or-less\/","title":{"rendered":"GOVERNOR PHIL SCOTT ANNOUNCES NEW COVID-19 COMMUNITY MITIGATION MEASURES – DIRECTS THE CLOSURE OF CLOSE-CONTACT BUSINESSES AND FURTHER RESTRICTS THE SIZE OF MASS GATHERINGS TO 10 OR LESS"},"content":{"rendered":"
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PRESS RELEASE<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

GOVERNOR PHIL SCOTT ANNOUNCES NEW COVID-19 COMMUNITY MITIGATION MEASURES – DIRECTS THE CLOSURE OF CLOSE-CONTACT BUSINESSES AND FURTHER RESTRICTS THE SIZE OF MASS GATHERINGS TO 10 OR LESS<\/h2>\n
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21 MARCH 2020<\/span><\/div>\n
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Montpelier, Vt. \u2013 Governor Phil Scott today announced additional community mitigation measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n

While most individuals affected by the Coronavirus will experience mild to moderate symptoms, others \u2013 especially the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions \u2013 are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness.\u00a0Governor Scott and public health officials have set a strategy aimed at protecting those at greatest risk, slowing the spread of illness in our communities and minimizing the risk to the public.<\/p>\n

In consultation with the Department of Health, the Governor has determined it is necessary to prohibit in-person operations at close-contact businesses, meaning those unable to comply with guidelines for social distancing. That\u2019s why Governor Scott has directed gymnasiums, fitness centers and similar exercise facilities, hair salons and barbers, nail salons, spas and tattoo parlors to close all in-person operations no later than 8:00 p.m. on Monday, March 23.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs I\u2019ve said throughout this crisis, I will continue act to slow the spread of this virus in Vermont because we must protect those at greatest risk of serious illness and ensure they can get the care they need, when they need it,\u201d said Governor Scott. \u201cWe will continue to make decisions based on science and guidance from our experts. I don\u2019t make these decisions lightly and my heart goes out to these workers and small business owners who are feeling the negative effects.\u201d<\/p>\n

On Friday, Governor Scott outlined initial actions his administration has taken to support individuals, families and businesses through this challenging time.<\/p>\n

On March 13, Governor Scott\u00a0declared a State of Emergency<\/a>\u00a0and has since directed numerous mitigation strategies to reduce close contact among individuals, including the temporary\u00a0closure of bars and restaurants<\/a>,\u00a0schools\u00a0<\/a>and\u00a0child care facilities<\/a>\u00a0(other than those providing services for the children of essential personnel) and\u00a0DMV district offices<\/a>; and\u00a0postponing all non-essential medical procedures<\/a>.<\/p>\n

At this time, all other businesses not named may remain open, but must work to implement CDC and the Vermont Department of Health guidance related to COVID-19, including:<\/p>\n