Hard-hit Vermont businesses and individuals can expect some relief in the form of a "major economic package" that will be announced this week, Gov. Phil Scott said Monday. The governor said it will offer aid for families and some of the state's major industries, many of which are experiencing a serious decline in business following state-mandated social distancing restrictions.GET THE LATEST: Download the MyNBC5 app " will provide relief, hope and initiatives to get us moving toward recovery," Scott said.Additional details are expected during Scott's press briefing on Wednesday.One industry the aid will include — tourism. One of the state's largest industries, it has seen a drop in revenue following the early closure of ski resorts in addition to a ban on recreational travel across the state's international border. TESTING RESULTSAs state health agencies increased testing last week, the number of known COVID-19 cases continue to plateau. Just 15 new cases were announced between May 11 and 17, the most recent data confirmed by the Vermont Department of Health. The limited increase in cases over a weeklong period was noted as "remarkable" by Health Commissioner Mark Levine, but state officials are still adamant that that it's too early to let up on added public health measures. VIEW THE LATEST COVID-19 DATA"We know we can't only look at Vermont numbers, which is why I feel it's necessary to move a little more cautiously than just our numbers would suggest," Scott said. "Remember, this virus knows no borders."Fast-growing case numbers were reported by all of Vermont's neighboring states during that same weeklong period. New Hampshire reported more than 400 new cases and Massachusetts more than 6,600. New York reported approximately 14,500, though a majority come in downstate areas, not those that share Vermont's western border. As of Sunday night, the Vermont Department of Health had confirmed 940 cases of COVID-19 and 54 deaths associated with the disease. BARBERSHOPS AND SALONSHair salons, barbershops and added health care services are expected to be included in the next reopening phase, according to Scott. The governor noted specifics will be dependent on data being gathered this week. If that information holds up with health officials' requirements, barbershops and salons could reopen prior to June 1. "We still want to make sure we're secure with the numbers," Scott said, "but if the numbers hold up we're hoping it will be almost immediate."Additional clarity is expected on Wednesday. New Hampshire reopened those businesses as part of its modified reopening plan last Monday. The move garnered concern from some residents that those in the Upper Valley or other areas near the border would cross state lines for the services. STATE PARKS As state parks' busier summer months near, Agency of Natural Resources Secretary Julie Moore outlined changes being made to properties during their reopening. Parks will operate under a new strategy prohibiting the opening of "high-touch" areas such as concession stands, pools and water fountains. Park officials will also be asking visitors to observe social distancing and public health guidelines as necessary. Moore outlined four tips for anyone hoping to visit a park this summer:- Postpone your visit if you feel ill or were recently exposed.- Maintain 6-foot distance with anyone you didn't travel with.- Wear cloth mask when you encounter others.- Bring supply of sanitizer and sanitizing wipes.With many state governments, including Vermont, still requesting residents avoid recreational interstate travel, officials are pointing to tools like Trail Finder to find new trials and backpacking areas. Last week, the state announced a restricted reopening of campsites and other remote lodging groups. 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
MONTPELIER, Vt. — Hard-hit Vermont businesses and individuals can expect some relief in the form of a "major economic package" that will be announced this week, Gov. Phil Scott said Monday.
The governor said it will offer aid for families and some of the state's major industries, many of which are experiencing a serious decline in business following state-mandated social distancing restrictions.
GET THE LATEST: Download the MyNBC5 app
"[The package] will provide relief, hope and initiatives to get us moving toward recovery," Scott said.
Additional details are expected during Scott's press briefing on Wednesday.
One industry the aid will include — tourism. One of the state's largest industries, it has seen a drop in revenue following the early closure of ski resorts in addition to a ban on recreational travel across the state's international border.
TESTING RESULTS
As state health agencies increased testing last week, the number of known COVID-19 cases continue to plateau.
Just 15 new cases were announced between May 11 and 17, the most recent data confirmed by the Vermont Department of Health. The limited increase in cases over a weeklong period was noted as "remarkable" by Health Commissioner Mark Levine, but state officials are still adamant that that it's too early to let up on added public health measures.
VIEW THE LATEST COVID-19 DATA
"We know we can't only look at Vermont numbers, which is why I feel it's necessary to move a little more cautiously than just our numbers would suggest," Scott said. "Remember, this virus knows no borders."
Fast-growing case numbers were reported by all of Vermont's neighboring states during that same weeklong period. New Hampshire reported more than 400 new cases and Massachusetts more than 6,600. New York reported approximately 14,500, though a majority come in downstate areas, not those that share Vermont's western border.
As of Sunday night, the Vermont Department of Health had confirmed 940 cases of COVID-19 and 54 deaths associated with the disease.
BARBERSHOPS AND SALONS
Hair salons, barbershops and added health care services are expected to be included in the next reopening phase, according to Scott.
The governor noted specifics will be dependent on data being gathered this week. If that information holds up with health officials' requirements, barbershops and salons could reopen prior to June 1.
"We still want to make sure we're secure with the numbers," Scott said, "but if the numbers hold up we're hoping it will be almost immediate."
Additional clarity is expected on Wednesday.
New Hampshire reopened those businesses as part of its modified reopening plan last Monday. The move garnered concern from some residents that those in the Upper Valley or other areas near the border would cross state lines for the services.
STATE PARKS
As state parks' busier summer months near, Agency of Natural Resources Secretary Julie Moore outlined changes being made to properties during their reopening.
Parks will operate under a new strategy prohibiting the opening of "high-touch" areas such as concession stands, pools and water fountains. Park officials will also be asking visitors to observe social distancing and public health guidelines as necessary.
Moore outlined four tips for anyone hoping to visit a park this summer:
- Postpone your visit if you feel ill or were recently exposed.
- Maintain 6-foot distance with anyone you didn't travel with.
- Wear cloth mask when you encounter others.
- Bring supply of sanitizer and sanitizing wipes.
With many state governments, including Vermont, still requesting residents avoid recreational interstate travel, officials are pointing to tools like Trail Finder to find new trials and backpacking areas.
Last week, the state announced a restricted reopening of campsites and other remote lodging groups.
