Recreating and socializing safely
Today, Gov Scott issued Addendum 13 to Executive Order 01-20, which declared a state of emergency for the State of Vermont in response to COVID-19.
This most recent addendum includes an amendment to Addendum 6 and makes it clear that Vermonters may leave home to get fresh air and exercise and resume limited
social interactions and gatherings of 10 or fewer, preferably in outdoor settings, provided that physical distancing and protocols for hygiene are observed. To keep disease from spreading this means:
- Always staying home and away from others if you are sick with COVID-19, have recently been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, or just don’t feel well.
- Keep a 6-foot distance from others when you meet people outside of your household.
- Frequently wash your hands (hand sanitizer is acceptable when soap and water are not available).
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow.
- Wear a facial covering over your nose and mouth.
- Prioritize protecting those at higher risk for severe illness.
- Continue to limit non-essential travel. Anyone who leaves Vermont for more than one day for non-essential travel is required to quarantine at home for 14-days upon their return.
Trusted Households
Today’s Addendum also provides guidelines to allow members of one household to socialize with members of another household, such as family, neighbors or friends known to be following VDH/CDC health and safety precautions.
Safely Connect with Friends and Family
Recommended practices from the Vermont Department of Health
Phase 5: Recreation
Outdoor recreation and outdoor fitness activities that require low or no direct physical contact may begin operations, subject to compliance with the health and safety guidelines and training requirements set out in Addendum 13.
Vermonters must understand that HOW they recreate and socialize is essential to staying safe and saving lives.
Contact Tracing
Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, said at today’s press conference that as the state reopens, Vermonters should consider keeping a contact journal – a list of other people that you have been in close contact with each day. If you do get sick, this will make it easier to get in touch with those people so they can take proper precautions to prevent further spread of COVID-19.