Ice rinks directed to freeze schedules for two weeks

Governor aims to prevent influx from high risk areas

Following the decision by the State of New Hampshire to close indoor skating facilities for two weeks, Governor Phil Scott Oct. 16 issued an executive order prohibiting Vermont’s skating rinks from accepting new reservations for use beginning that Oct. 16, at 5 p.m., through midnight on Oct. 30.

Scott said the directive is intended to prevent an influx of new users from high risk areas into ice rinks.

“As of today, New Hampshire’s skating facilities were closed by their governor for two weeks in response to outbreaks that have resulted in 158 cases of Covid-19 among 23 different ice hockey teams,” Governor Scott said.  “In addition, there is an outbreak in central Vermont that may be connected to the outbreaks in New Hampshire. To reduce the risk to Vermonters, and to help sustain the progress we have made, rinks in Vermont may not take any additional reservations for the next two weeks.”

Rinks may allow their currently scheduled operations over this two-week period.

Gov. Scott’s executive order also directs state agencies to review current recreation guidance to determine if a more aggressive response is needed to prevent further spread of Covid-19 related to activities in indoor skating, hockey and other recreational facilities.