Mar 11, 2020

Vermont leaders take caution; COVID-19 presumed in state

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott activated the Vermont State Emergency Operations Center to assist the Vermont Department of Health with the response to COVID-19 yesterday.  A multidisciplinary team of state agency and department representatives began operating SEOC this morning. Until now VDH has been cautious with COVID-19—presumed to have reached Vermont. Scott emphasized that the activation of SEOC is to ensure coordination and information sharing before COVID-19 becomes more prevalent in the state. 

Other states have taken similar steps to enhance their responses to COVID-19.  Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency on Tuesday  to give his administration flexibility to respond to the public health threat. New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo declared a state of emergency over the weekend and created a containment area in New Rochelle on Tuesday. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy also declared a state of emergency, and Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont declared a public health emergency and a civil preparedness emergency.

As the state does what is possible to attempt and limit the spread of COVID-19, PIA has further information on actions you and your agencies can consider. Keep updated on the latest news about COVID-19 on the PIAVT website.