Vermont eases travel restrictions for those fully vaccinated

Vermont is easing travel restrictions for Vermonters and visitors who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 starting next week, Gov. Phil Scott announced Friday.

Two weeks after receiving their second dose of the vaccine, Vermonters do not have to quarantine after travel starting on Tuesday, he said during his twice-weekly virus briefing. Out-of-state visitors to Vermont also are exempt from quarantining if they can prove that they have been fully vaccinated.

“Of course they’ll still need to comply with all our other health guidance like masking and distancing,” Scott said.

The state is also easing restrictions for fully vaccinated residents of long-term care facilities in areas where there are no current outbreaks beginning on Feb. 26. The state is encouraging full vaccination status as a factor in planning for activities, such as eating together and participating in other group activities, and having indoor visitors, said Human Services Secretary Mike Smith.

Residents of all skilled nursing facilities have received the second dose of the vaccine, Smith said. A total of 93% of residents of all skilled nursing, assisted living and residential care facilities have gotten their first dose and 74% have received their second dose, he said.

“We certainly recognize the toll separating residents from their loved ones has taken,” Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine said. “We’re glad vaccination efforts have been so successful in these facilities that it can help residents feel safe while making it possible to have greater freedoms and connection with others. Whether they’re visiting with families, eating meals together, participating in group activities we believe facilities can set a path forward and still maintain the safety standards we’ve all been dedicated to throughout the pandemic.”

In other pandemic-related news:

UPS STORE

UPS has severed its relationship with a Vermont store that refused to comply with the state’s mask rules designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

In a Thursday statement the company said it ended its franchise deal with the store in Newport after it refused to comply with the company’s uniform policy, which includes wearing masks.

“We take customer safety very seriously and made repeated attempts to gain compliance from this franchise owner,” the statement said. “However, those attempts were ignored and as a result, we have terminated our relationship with this franchise owner, effective close of business Thursday, February 18.”

Facial coverings in stores are required as part of Vermont’s efforts to combat the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.

A sign posted on the store’s door said, “We choose not to wear a mask.”

“If you’re uncomfortable with this, we ask that you do not come in to ensure you’re comfort,” it said. “If you decide to come in do not ask us to put a mask on.”

On Friday, a person who answered the phone at the store declined to comment.

Vermont Attorney General T.J. Donovan said his office sent the store two cease-and-desist orders, one in November and one on Wednesday. The Wednesday letter said refusal to comply could lead to unspecified enforcement actions.

“Look, Vermonters are law-abiding good people, but at some point in time, we are going to have to take action,” Donovan said. “We have done it before, we are prepared to do it here, and if there is not compliance that’s where we are going to end up.”

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THE NUMBERS Vermont reported 97 new coronavirus cases on Friday for a statewide total to date of more than 14,250.

A total of 37 people were hospitalized with COVID-19, with 13 in intensive care, according to the Health Department.

The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Vermont did not increase over the past two weeks, going from 140 new cases per day on Feb. 4 to 128.57 new cases per day on Feb. 18.

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AP reporter Wilson Ring contributed to this report from Stowe, Vermont.

Lisa Rathke, The Associated Press