By Sanchali Singh
(MONTPELIER, Vt.) On Monday, Vermont became the first state in the country to vaccinate 80% of its eligible population with at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, allowing the state to remove all pandemic restrictions.
Gov. Phil Scott announced that he rescinded all statewide COVID-19 restrictions, which include social distancing and mask-wearing. Vermont’s State of Emergency, which was put in place in response to the pandemic, is set to expire on Tuesday and won’t be renewed.
“Now that we have hit 80%, as promised and effective immediately, I am lifting all remaining state pandemic restrictions and the State of Emergency will formally end at midnight June 15,” Scott said at a press conference Monday. “And here’s why: Because it’s safe to do so. It is safe because Vermonters have done their part to keep [the] spread of the virus low throughout the pandemic and stepped up to get vaccinated.”
Scott had released a schedule of how Vermont planned to reopen in the coming months in the Vermont Forward plan and was originally set to end all restrictions by July 4, in time for the holiday.
Now, almost a month ahead of schedule, Vermont has vaccinated 80.2% of its population ages 12 and up and 81.8% of residents ages 18 and older. According to the governor, Vermont has vaccinated 70.8% of its entire state population.
Scott added that Vermont ranks first in the U.S. for the number of vaccines administered per capita, the percent of its population with at least one dose and the percent of its population fully vaccinated. Vermont has also had the least number of cases and deaths per capita in the continental U.S. since the pandemic started.
“Our high vaccination rates will help keep coronavirus activity at historically low levels,” said Vermont Health Commissioner Mark Levine. “It also means less opportunity for mutations and more virulent strains from developing.”
Although Vermont is ending state restrictions, some will still be in place due to federal guidelines, like on public transportation, in healthcare settings and in long-term care facilities.
Masks are still recommended for people who aren’t fully vaccinated, according to the Vermont Department of Health. The department is also advising that unvaccinated people 2 years and older wear masks when inside this summer at schools, child care and summer camps.
Vermont will continue to receive federal funding for programs, as Scott plans to sign an executive order “issued under his general authority.” The order will continue Vermont National Guard involvement with COVID-19 recovery operations and allow bars and restaurants to continue pick-up and delivery of alcoholic beverages.