Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health on Sunday reported 43 new cases of COVID-19. This is the largest one-day new case report since early last spring. On Saturday, health officials reported the state’s 59th death associated with COVID-19, the first since July 28, 2020.
by Patrick Leahy The 2020 presidential election may be nearing an end but it is not yet over, and it will be months before we know the final results of some US Senate races. But at a time of heightened divisiveness and disillusionment in our country, and in the midst of a worsening public health crisis unlike any the world has faced in more than 100 years, we should all take pride in the way that the thousands of poll workers, vote counters, and state officials have conducted themselves over these long days and nights.
Governor Phil Scott today issued the following statement on the result of the presidential election: “I want to congratulate President-elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris. I also want to recognize this historic moment as we see the first ever woman, and the first ever person of color, reach the U.S. vice presidency. It is my greatest hope they will be successful in uniting our country and leading us forward through these difficult times."
The University of Vermont Health Network made significant progress overnight to restore behind-the-scenes components that will aid in the restoration of additional patient-facing systems. "Our IT team has now accessed patient schedules for all Network hospitals through next weekend. This will improve our efficiency and the overall experience for patients as we continue to restore systems from last week's cyberattack event."
Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott and Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, on Friday announced an advisory on social gatherings, strongly recommending they be limited to 10 or fewer people. Noting that Vermont has seen an increasing number of cases as a result of socializing, and many states are now pointing to private social gatherings as a contributor to spread of COVID-19, the State is providing firm recommendations to limit these types of events.
Vermont Business Magazine Coming out of the month-long Black Joy Project, JAG Productions will share its creative energy and healing power throughout the Upper Valley and beyond virtually this year during its annual fundraiser Juke Joint on November 14. The cabaret has been adapted to keep everyone safe while enjoying songs and soul food, ballads and beverages from the comfort of home. Tickets are $75 and include a single meal, cocktail, and the link to watch the virtual performance, or $20 for a ticket to view the show only.
Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health is reporting 24 new cases of COVID-19 today. The number of patients in the ICU statewide is down to two. The Health Department has developed a Holiday Travel Toolkit for Schools for use in helping families to consider their plans carefully to protect themselves and others. The toolkit offers resources to help Vermonters evaluate risk and tips for talking with family and friends about COVID safety.
Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott and Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, today announced an advisory on social gatherings, strongly recommending they be limited to 10 or fewer people. Noting that Vermont has seen an increasing number of cases as a result of socializing, and many states are now pointing to private social gatherings as a contributor to spread of COVID-19, the State is providing firm recommendations to limit these types of events.
Vermont Business Magazine FEMA has approved $4,131,524 for the State of Vermont to help the Vermont Agency of Human Services defray the costs of preparing for and responding to COVID-19 under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program. In response to the event, the state agency utilized contracts to execute the emergency sheltering as a protective measure to provide sheltering to A) the High-Risk population of Vermont, B) non-congregate housing sheltering for COVID-19.
Vermont Business Magazine The University of Vermont Health Network said in a statement today that it has made additional progress in accessing schedules and continues to work on restoring systems impacted by last week's cyberattack event. UVM Medical Center President and COO Stephen Leffler, MD, said at a press briefing Friday afternoon that cancer patients are the most impacted. UVMMC has been most impacted and this includes the MyChart patient portal, but most patient services and all emergency services are available.
by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Weekly unemployment claims increased again last week after being near their lowest levels since the beginning of the pandemic. Claims increased by 44 to 750 (up 87 from the same time last year). The last time claims were under 500 was on March 7 when there were 446.
Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) announced Thursday the winners of the highway safety message contest. Cheryl Murray, 57, of Benson, submitted the winning entry in the fall round of the contest: “Don’t take the bait. That text can wait.” Maria Peña, 30, of Stowe, entered the contest with this message: “No need for speed. You can’t outrun winter.” This original message to slow down during winter driving conditions won over the AOT contest judges, who have awarded it the winter contest prize.