Mar 31, 2022

The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic

It is important to PIA that you are updated on developments pertaining to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak regularly.

To find the latest information about COVID-19, please review this news posting daily. Postings include topics such as:

Business & Compliance

Insurance Industry

General Information

Webinars & Videos

Latest news about COVID-19 in Vermont:

Business & Compliance:

July 19: Canadian border to open to vaccinated Americans starting Monday, Aug. 9, 2021.

June 15: As State of Emergency ends, Gov. Scott acts to ensure continuity in select critical services

June 14: Gov. Phil Scott announces state has reached its 80% vaccination goal; lifts all state COVID-19 restrictions

June 3: Gov. Scott announces Economic Recovery Bridge program

May 21: Gov. Phil Scott announces threshold to remove all COVID-19 restrictions

May 14: Gov. Phil Scott lifts mask mandate for vaccinated individuals, accelerates Vermont Forward Plan

April 6: Gov. Phil Scott and state officials announces the Vermont Forward Plan

April 6: Gov. Phil Scott introduces plan for economic recovery and revitalization

March 17: Gov. Phil Scott signs S.110 into law, which extends eligibility for pandemic emergency unemployment compensation

March 12: Gov. Phil Scott updates gathering and restaurant table seating guidance

March 10: Alert: How to avoid COVID-19 vaccination scams

Feb. 23: Gov. Phil Scott announces new COVID-19 travel and gathering guidance

Feb. 15: Gov. Phil Scott extends state of emergency to Monday, March 15, 2021

Feb. 10: Gov. Scott announces identity protection services for all 2020 unemployment insurance claimants

Feb. 5, 2021: Paycheck Protection Program returns

Dec. 30: The federal stimulus extensions for PPP, unemployment and FFCRA tax credits

Dec. 12: Statement from Gov. Phil Scott on U.S. Department of Labor decision to end extended benefits for unemployment insurance

Dec. 10: Vermont Department of Financial Regulation announces Beating COVID-19 Fatigue webinar, taking place on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020, from 3-4:15 p.m.

Dec. 3: Hazard pay second round updates

Nov. 13: As COVID-19 cases rise, Gov. Phil Scott announces new mitigation measures

Nov. 9: DFR provides updates regarding the second round of the Hazard Pay Grant Program

Nov. 6: Gov. Phil Scott and Health Commissioner Mark Levine issue an advisory on social gathering size

Oct. 22: Gov. Phil Scott announces expansion of frontline employee hazard pay grant program

Oct. 20: Gov. Phil Scott announces next round of economic recovery grants

Oct. 16: Ice rinks directed to freeze schedules for two weeks

Oct. 1: U.S. Senate halts PPP

Sept. 18: Gov. Phil Scott updates bar seating guidance, lifts lodging capacity restrictions with travel and health protocols

Aug. 25: Vermont secures federal funding for increased unemployment benefits through the lost wages assistance program

Aug. 21: Gov. Phil Scott announces proposal for additional COVID-19 economic relief and recovery program

Aug. 18: Economic recovery grant award maximum increased

Aug. 3: Economic recovery grant program expands eligibility to more Vermont businesses

Aug. 3: Gov. Phil Scott announces front-line employees hazard pay grant program applications to open for employers on Aug. 4

July 6: U.S. Census Bureau Small Business Pulse Survey (updated weekly)

July 1: Gov. Phil Scott announces economic recovery grant program launch

June 23: Gov. Phil Scott announces unemployment insurance tax relief for Vermont employers

June 19: Gov. Phil Scott announces next restart steps for hospitality sector

June 15: While reopening efforts continue, Gov. Phil Scott extends state of emergency

June 5: Gov. Phil Scott announces limited outdoor dining restart and opens some interstate travel

June 5: Paycheck Protection Program requirements amended

May 29: Gov. Phil Scott announces opening of additional business operations, increased social gathering sizes

May 22: Gov. Phil Scott announces limited reopening of restaurants, hair salons, additional health services

May 20: Gov. Phil Scott announces first economic relief and recovery package

May 15: Gov. Phil Scott extends state of emergency as data-driven restart continues

May 6: Gov. Phil Scott announces reopening of some outdoor recreation and limited social interactions in latest restart phase

May 1: Gov. Phil Scott announces additional economic reopening steps

April 27: DFR encourages businesses to work with trusted lenders to avoid scams as the Paycheck Protection Program reopens Monday

April 24: New order from Gov. Phil Scott continues phased reopening; expands health & safety measures, including mandatory training

April 17: Gov. Phil Scott outlines principles and safety precautions for a phased restart of Vermont economy

April 8: Vermont approved for federal public assistance funds in response to COVID-19

April 3: Gov. Phil Scott confirms April 15 expiration date for all previously closed in-person business operations

April 2: Attorney General Donovan issues directive to lodging operations

April 2: Looking for more information on paid medical, family and sick leave? PIA members can access QS91012—FFCRA paid medical and family leave, and QS91013—Additional information about paid medical, family and sick leave questions in the PIA QuickSource library.

April 2: Start applying for a Paycheck Protection Program loan Friday, April 3

April 1: How to prepare for an SBA Paycheck Protection Program loan

March 27: President signs federal stimulus package; includes loans for small businesses

March 26: Who qualifies for paid leave under the new coronavirus law

March 25: Nonessential businesses must close in-person operations today by 5 p.m.

March 23: Treasury, IRS, and Labor announce tax credits for small- and mid-sized businesses to swiftly recover the cost of providing coronavirus-related leave

March 23: Mass. governor orders all nonessential businesses to cease in-person operation, directs the Department of Public Health to issue stay-at-home advisory for two weeks

March 21: Gov. Phil Scott announces new COVID-19 community mitigation measures - directs the closure of close-contact businesses and further restricts the size of mass gatherings to 10 or less

March 20: Economic injury disaster loans available to Vermont businesses

March 20: U.S. Treasury extends tax-filing deadline for taxpayers and businesses

March 20: Governor signs executive order to allow limited sales of to-go alcohol

March 19: Paid sick leave signed by president

March 18: Treasury and IRS to delay tax payment deadline by 90 days

March 17: Gov. Phil Scott orders implementation of child care system for personnel essential to COVID-19 response—childcare centers closed; urged to provide care for children of Vermonters responding to crisis

March 17: If you do business in New York: Cyber security certification of compliance filing deadline extended to May 30 due to COVID-19

March 16: Gov. Phil Scott announces new guidance on COVID-19 community mitigation measures, including that all bars and restaurants must close or offer takeout only

March 10: Utica National offers coronavirus guidance for employers, and educational institutions

March 3, 2020: Endorsements: COVID-19 risk management

Insurance Industry:

Nov. 3, 2021: PIA will not support reintroduced future pandemic legislation

Oct. 6: NAIC survey: Nearly half of consumers don’t understand how their health insurance would pay for coronavirus testing and treatment

July 2: DFR releases weekly COVID-19 data and modeling update for the week of June 26-July 1

June 22: U.S. insurers eye Legionnaires’ disease safeguards as buildings reopen from pandemic shutdowns

May 28: DFR approves plan to provide nearly $3 million in dental insurance premium relief

May 13: Insurance producers licensed in N.J.: DOBI bulletin requires insurers to provide premium relief

May 5: NCCI provides premium relief for policyholders affected by COVID-19

April 28: Timely, accurate and complete claim reporting: Ensure that your agency is prepared to handle incoming COVID-19-related claims

April 24: PIA National praises House passage of bill to add funds to CARES act programs

April 16: PIA National opposes business interruption legislation

April 15: Vermont Department of Financial Regulation requires insurers to cover COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment with no cost sharing

April 14: AAIS COVID-19 pandemic resource center

April 3: Travelers’ ’Distribution Support Plan’ to provide financial assistance to agents and brokers

April 3: Insurance producers required to provide notice to N.Y. policyholders by April 13, 2020

March 31: PIA National proposes COVID-19 recovery fund

March 27: PIA National statement on House passage of COVID-19 relief bill

March 27: Insurance deemed nonessential in Vermont

March 27: Insurance an essential industry for ’Stay-at-Home’ order

March 27: PIA National statement on Senate passage of COVID-19 relief bill

March 20: Utica National offers advices on the COVID-19 pandemic: How agents and producers should respond to coverage questions

March 19: Vermont DFR urges health insurers to expand coverage and reimbursement of telemedicine services

March 19: Even during challenging times, we are committed to our members

March 16: Insurance bulletin #210: COVID-19 prescription drug refills

March 16: Letter from Commissioner Pieciak

March 16: Statement on financial institutions working with customers affected by the coronavirus and regulatory assistance

March 12: COVID-19 and what it means to you (PIA QuickSource document)

March 12: Insurers impacted by coronavirus twice over

March 11: Vermont House passes telehealth bill; H.723

March 11: Update from PIAVT: Vermont leaders take caution; COVID-19 presumed in state

March 6: Update from PIA: COVID-19 outbreak

Feb. 4, 2020: Many coverages exclusions with coronavirus

General Information:

Jan. 24: Gov. Scott announces new $50 million Homeowner Assistance Program to help keep homeowners housed

Jan. 3, 2022: Statement from Gov. Scott on expanded booster approval

Dec. 29: Free rapid test kits available for Vermont students in grades K-12

Dec. 21: Gov. Scott announces holiday vaccination and testing clinics

Dec. 7: At home COVID-19 antigen test coverage

Dec. 6: Gov. Scott announces retirement of Secretary of Human Services Mike Smith

Nov. 21: Statement from Gov. Phil Scott on loosening of testing requirements for Canadians crossing the border

Nov. 17: Gov. Phil Scott orders Universal Booster Program

Nov. 12: Vermont has the highest vaccination rate in the country. So why are cases surging?

Oct. 21: Vermont expands booster shots to include Moderna and Johnson & Johnson

Oct. 7: Statement from Gov. Scott on expanding access to COVID-19 rapid tests

Oct. 4: State of Vermont strengthens school testing program: Makes COVID-19 response testing available to all Vermont schools

Sept. 27: Update: Appointments for Pfizer booster shots available for those 75 and older

Sept. 2: Gov. Scott announces distribution of additional fiscal recovery funds to cities, towns and villages

Aug. 31: Gov. Phil Scott discusses start of the school year, vaccines and Vermont data at weekly COVID-19 briefing

Aug. 26: Gov. Phil Scott announces distribution of $5 million in federal funds to Vermont adult day centers for COVID-19 recovery efforts

Aug. 19: School-based vaccination clinics this week

Aug. 13: Gov. Phil Scott announces latest round of school-based vaccination clinics

Aug. 10: Gov. Phil Scott announces distribution of American Rescue Plan Act local fiscal recovery funds

July 22: Gov. Scott certifies for state and local fiscal recovery funds

May 11: Statement from Gov. Phil Scott on FDA approval of vaccine eligibility for those 12-15

March 31: Statement from the office of Gov. Phil Scott on Vermont residency and college students

March 26: Gov. Phil Scott, administration officials hear from Vermont youth on impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, remote learning and more

March 24: Join the Securities Division of the Vt. DFR for The COVID Effect: Restoring Financial Wellness, Friday, March 26, 2021, at 1 p.m.

March 19: Gov. Phil Scott details vaccination timeline for all age bands

March 11: Statement from Gov. Phil Scott on State Emergency Operations Center

Feb. 28: Statement from Gov. Phil Scott following FDA-approval of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine

Feb. 3: Agency of Transportation receives federal relief funds for public transportation

Jan. 29, 2021: Joint statement from local governors on extending the suspension of interstate youth hockey

Dec. 30: Joint statement from local governors on extending the suspension of interstate youth hockey

Dec. 23: Statement from Gov. Scott on the reinstatement of the utility disconnect moratorium

Dec. 22: Small modification made to COVID-19 gathering restrictions for upcoming holidays

Dec. 22: PIA praises House, Senate passage of coronavirus relief

Dec. 15: Gov. Phil Scott extends state of emergency to Friday, Jan. 15, 2021.

Dec. 14: First shipments of COVID-19 vaccine arrive in Vermont

Dec. 11: Congress struggles to pass coronavirus relief package

Dec. 11: Gov. Phil Scott encourages Vermonters to register for COVID updates via VT-ALERT

Dec. 11: Statement from Gov. Phil Scott on the FDA approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for COVID-19

Nov. 27: Vermont Lights the Way

Nov. 19: Gov. Phil Scott issues statement honoring Vermonters lost to COVID-19

Nov. 12: Joint statement from the offices of Gov. Scott, Gov. Baker, Gov. Lamont, Gov. Mills, Gov. Murphy, Gov. Raimondo and Gov. Sununu on the suspension of interstate youth hockey

Nov. 10: Gov. Phil Scott announces pause on state’s safe travel policy, compliance checks and expanded testing

Oct. 23: Gov. Phil Scott and?Commissioner of Health?Mark Levine, M.D., layout Vermont’s initial vaccine distribution framework

Oct. 15: Gov. Phil Scott extends state of emergency to Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020.

Sept. 15: Dr. Anthony Fauci joins Gov. Phil Scott to discuss Vermont’s response to COVID-19

Sept. 8: Gov. Phil Scott and DMV announce launch of new online vehicle registration system

Aug. 25: Gov. Phil Scott announces statewide effort to provide personal protective equipment and supplies to Vermont schools

Aug. 14: Gov. Phil Scott extends the state of emergency to Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020

Aug. 7: Gov. Phil Scott announces launch of child care operational relief grant program

July 31: Gov. Phil Scott signs executive order setting Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020, as universal school opening date

July 24: Gov. Phil Scott announces strengthened mask requirements

July 10: Gov. Phil Scott announces housing assistance programs

June 17: Gov. Phil Scott announces easing of restrictions for older and vulnerable Vermonters

June 1: Gov. Phil Scott and DMV announce restart plan for driver’s license services, learner’s permit tests

April 21: Student loan relief secured for borrowers not covered by federal CARES act

April 10: Vermont DMV launches online license renewals

April 10: Gov. Phil Scott extends state of emergency in Vermont

April 7: Gov. Phil Scott submits requests for federal disaster declaration

April 3: Attorney General Donovan releases directive on enforcement of COVID-19 executive order

March 31: Health regulation regarding COVID-19 and telemedicine

March 20: Attorney general’s office publishes guidance on complying with open meeting laws during COVID-19 emergency

March 20: Vermont DMV operations continuity plan

March 20: Vermont DMV makes exceptions for driving education amid pandemic

March 20: Vermont DMV urges Vermonters to renew licenses and registrations online; grants 90-day extension to renewals if necessary

March 17: Congress begins to address COVID-19 pandemic

March 17: One dangerous coronavirus "self-check test" is circulating on social media. Here’s why you should avoid it.

March 16: Welch says coronavirus crisis is unprecedented

March 15: Gov. Scott orders orderly closure of Vermont preK-12 schools this week

March 13: Gov. Phil Scott declares state of emergency to implement new COVID-19 community mitigation measures

March 13: Trump declares a national emergency in response to coronavirus

March 13: U.S. House plans to vote on virus bill soon

March 13: Federal government’s response to coronavirus, COVID-19

March 11: ‘How do I get tested?’ and other coronavirus questions

March 11: COVID-19 is now officially a pandemic, the World Health Organization says

March 10: Gov. Phil Scott orders activation of State Emergency Operations Center

March 9, 2020: Coronavirus will cost businesses billions. Insurance may not help.

Webinars & Videos:

Aug. 27: The Break: Workers’ Compensation and COVID-19

Aug. 6: The Break: EPLI and COVID-19

June 4: The Break: New York’s Phase Two of Reopening

May 26: The Break: Safely Returning to Business

May 19: The Break: The Process of Reopening

May 15: The Break: The Liability of Re-Opening

May 13: The Break: Workers’ Compensation and the Coronavirus

May 1: COVID-19 and the Construction Site

April 27: Register to join a PIA member-exclusive Zoom call to discuss COVID-19 with construction, labor and real estate lawyer Tom Tripodianos, Esq.

April 21: The Break: The New Jersey Grace Period

April 16: The Break: Vacancy Clauses

April 13: The Break: The Connecticut Grace Period

April 7: The Break: Business Interruption

April 7: The Break: New York Moratorium

April 2: The Break: Paycheck Protection Loan

April 1: The Break: Paid Medical and Family Leave

April 1: PIA Northeast Director of Government & Industry Affairs Bradford J. Lachut, Esq., to lead PIA webinar, Coronavirus and Commercial Coverage on Monday, April 13, and Wednesday, May 6, from 10-11 a.m.

March 31: The Break: PIA explains what small businesses need to know about the federal stimulus

March 23: Did you miss the free-to-PIA-members Webinar: Coronavirus: What You Need to Know Right Now? You can access it on-demand now.