Gov. Phil Scott

Gov. Phil Scott at Tuesday's press briefing

Some state staff to see vax mandate

MONTPELIER- Although officials say the impact of the COVID-19 Delta variant has been blunted thanks to the state’s high vaccination rate, Gov. Phil Scott announced at his press conference this week that he’ll mandate vaccinations for certain state employees working with vulnerable populations....

Vermont Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine File Photo

Governor says high vaccination rates helping

By Mike Eldred
MONTPELIER- While some states and localities in the United States are reacting to the resurgence of COVID-19 by re-implementing some mitigation measures, officials in the country’s most vaccinated state were sounding a more optimistic tone at Gov. Phil Scott’s press briefing...

Vermont Agency of Education Secretary Dan French at Tuesday's press briefing

State wants kids in schools this fall

MONTPELIER- State officials are advising school districts to return to in-person learning this fall with students and staff wearing masks, at least for the first few weeks. An official advisory memo will be issued sometime this week, according to the Agency of Education.
At his press...

Department of Financial Regulation Commissioner Michael Pieciak. File Photo

Low numbers in state show vaccine effective

MONTPELIER- As the state nears 84% of eligible Vermonters vaccinated, including about 75% who are fully vaccinated, Gov. Phil Scott said his administration is not letting up on efforts to vaccinate the remaining 16% of Vermonters who are eligible. “What we’re seeing across the country shows...

Scott hopeful on bipartisan deal

MONTPELIER- At his press briefing on Tuesday, Gov. Phil Scott expressed hope after his recent meeting at the White House last week to discuss a $1.3 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill that’s currently in the US Senate.
Gov. Scott noted that the bipartisan proposal is separate from...

Addie Lentzner

Advocates call for more help for homeless

BENNINGTON- A group of youth advocates, public policy activists, and legislators are calling on Gov. Phil Scott and his administration to extend pandemic protections for homeless Vermonters, until permanent housing solutions can be put in place.
The group, organized by Bennington high...

Vermont leads nation, but Delta variant poses threat to unvaccinated

MONTPELIER- Vermont continues to lead the nation in nearly every COVID-19 statistic, but the Delta variant continues to pose a threat to those who are unvaccinated, administration officials said at Gov. Phil Scott’s weekly press briefing Tuesday.
Department of Financial Regulation...

Gov. Scott at Tuesday's press conference

Delta variant raises virus concerns

MONTPELIER- Vermont reached an 80% vaccination rate last week, but national officials are warning that a new COVID-19 variant may result in outbreaks in parts of the country that aren’t as protected as Vermont.
At his COVID-19 press conference Tuesday, Gov. Scott said the so-called Delta...

State to extend some relief programs

MONTPELIER- Vermont’s COVID-19 state of emergency expired Tuesday at midnight, and emergency orders issued by Gov. Phil Scott on issues from mask-wearing to virtual public meetings are no longer valid.
At his press briefing on Tuesday morning, a day after he announced Vermont had reached...

Vermont reaches 80% vaccination goal, Gov. Scott lifts COVID-19 restrictions

MONTPELIER- Gov. Phil Scott lifted all COVID-19 restrictions Monday, and will let the state of emergency expire at midnight on Tuesday, after the state reached his 80% vaccination goal. The announcement was made Monday morning at 11 am, although Gov. Scott said he learned the state had met the...