Retail businesses to begin reopening May 18

MONTPELIER- Retail businesses may begin reopening next week, Gov. Phil Scott announced at his press conference Monday morning. He also indicated that his emergency order, extended until May 15, would be extended again. "You can expect, when the emergency order is extended on Friday, it will include additional openings," he said. "And I want to share some of those steps with you today. I've asked the agency of commerce to work with the department of health and the department of public safety to develop and release guidance this week for a gradual reopening of retail one week from today, on May 18."
Gov. Scott said the step was possible thanks to the success of the mitigation measures Vermonters are following. "Our data continues to show we are moving in the right direction in slowing the spread of the virus," he said. "In fact we have the third lowest rate of case growth in the country. And yesterday we had no positive tests or deaths reported."
Previous steps the state has taken to reopen the economy have not resulted in any increase in COVID-19 cases according to the data, according to Gov. Scott. "The steps we've already taken, including opening thousands of jobs in manufacturing, construction, and some medical services, are not having a negative impact on the rate of spread, hospitalization rates or other trends," he said.
But he also cautioned Vermonters to remain cautious, and to continue to practice social distancing, hygiene measures, and use facial coverings. "Vermonters must still remain vigilant, knowing how this virus has affected some of our neighboring states," he said. "It's really important to remember there have been about 45,000 deaths within a radius of 350 miles of us here in Vermont. So even as we continue to reopen, I urge Vermonters not to let up on physical distancing, washing your hands, staying home when ill, limiting travel, wearing masks when around others. Because it's due to these types of precautions, and the sacrifices Vermonters have made, that, even with what is happening in other states, we can continue to reopen."
Gov. Scott said that when retail businesses reopen, there will be occupancy limits, and they'll need to meet or exceed the safety precautions that have been put in place for all other businesses that have reopened. The businesses will also be required to have a COVID-19 plan and hold COVID-19 training. "All employees will be required to wear a facial covering, and must maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet between themselves," he said. "And for this first phase of reopening there will also be an occupancy limit: No more than 25% of their maximum legal capacity."