Coronavirus

Hospital ready for virus

But concerns raised if surge is overwhelming BENNINGTON- Southwestern Vermont Health Care CEO Tom Dee and chief medical officer Trey Dobson, MD, gave Vermonters in the region an overview of the health care network’s preparations for the COVID-19 pandemic in southern Vermont. ...

Gov. Scott warns Vermonters to prepare for stricter mitigation measures

MONTPELIER- At his press conference Monday, Gov. Phil Scott told Vermonters to expect additional mitigation measures soon, although he stopped short of calling for a “shelter in place” order. “At the state level we've done a lot to make sure people are social-distancing,” Gov. Scott said, “as...

Gov. Phil Scott announces new guidance on COVID-19 community mitigation measures, including that all bars and restaurants must close or offer takeout only

16 MARCH 2020 Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott today announced new guidance in response to COVID-19, commonly known as the novel coronavirus. Today’s guidance updates the executive order he issued on March 13, which declared a state of emergency in Vermont.

First, as...

Gov. Scott orders orderly closure of Vermont preK-12 schools this week

15 MARCH 2020 Montpelier, Vt. – In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Phil Scott has announced a Continuity of Education Plan for the orderly dismissal of all schools, and cancellation of all school related activities, no later than Wednesday, March 18. This directive, which will be...

Wilmington taking precautions

WILMINGTON- Local readiness and response to the coronavirus pandemic topped discussions at Tuesday evening’s selectboard meeting.
Although the town has closed public access to all town buildings, including town hall, the meeting was held under an exemption that allows for necessary...

Dover looks at ways to deal with coronavirus

DOVER - The Dover Selectboard held its regularly scheduled meeting at Dover Town Hall on Tuesday to provide more space for attendees to spread out. At the meeting, emergency coordinator Rich Werner updated the public about the steps the town is taking to prepare and respond to COVID-19 (...

Social distancing: Rich Werner, left, makes a point at Tuesday’s Dover Selectboard meeting. The meeting was moved to the Dover Town Hall and chairs were purposely spread throughout the room to allow more space between attendees. LH

Despite concerns, board takes care of business

DOVER - Following an update about emergency services in the town in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the selectboard worked through an agenda of regular business. The meeting was somber at times and foreshadowed what is proving to be a challenging period of uncertainty. Items discussed included...

District irons out logistics; schools to be used for child care

DOVER - The River Valleys Unified Union School District board held its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday at The Dover School, two days shy of the date that Gov. Scott ordered schools closed. The board conducted normal business over the two-hour meeting, which included an update about how...

Emergency preparations underway in Dover

DOVER - The Dover Selectboard held its regularly scheduled meeting at Dover Town Hall on Tuesday, to provide more space for attendees to spread out. At the meeting, emergency coordinator Rich Werner updated the public about the steps the town is taking to prepare and respond to COVID-19 (...

Health officials say valley residents not at heightened risk

READSBORO- The Vermont Department of Health says Readsboro and other Deerfield Valley residents do not need to take any special precautions to prevent contracting COVID-19 (coronavirus).
A Readsboro man received a presumptive diagnosis of coronavirus over the weekend, the first case in...