On October 20, 2021

How long until the governor does the right thing?

Dear Editor,

Covid cases are climbing around the state and Gov. Scott says “I don’t know why.”

The answer is obvious: the abandonment of the indoor mask mandate. This is causing serious outbreaks across the state, particularly in schools.

From the early days of the outbreak, Vermont was justly praised for keeping the numbers down. Gov. Scott and Dr. Levine were seen as thoughtful, smart leaders during the crisis. So why has Scott given up on the science?

A recent CDC study showed that schools that require masks have fewer case numbers. This is not surprising. Even more disturbing, the governor has forbidden individual towns — such as Brattleboro — from enacting their own mask mandates. During a recent visit to Massachusetts, we felt far safer, because many cities and towns require masks in all indoor settings.

When I called the Vermont Health Department to inquire — politely — about this change in policy, the woman who answered the phone hung up on me.

How many more children will miss more days of school and fall behind, yet again? How many more Vermonters will get sick, and possibly die, before the governor does the right thing?

Liza Ketchum, Dorset

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Gov. Phil Scott, we’ve never needed you more, where are you?

July 2, 2025
Dear Editor, I was scheduled to be the final speaker at the “No Kings” rally in Burlington last week. Unfortunately, the event ran longer than anticipated, and I was not able to address the crowd. Here’s what I had planned to say:  Good afternoon. My name is Larry Satcowitz. I’m a state representative from Randolph.…

H.454 passed but not a done deal

July 2, 2025
By Rep. Peter Conlon Editor’s note: Rep. Peter Conlon, D-Cornwall, is chair of the House Education Committee. The passage of the education bill, H. 454, in the General Assembly, and presumably gaining the governor’s signature into law, marks the start of efforts to transform Vermont’s education system into one that recognizes the incredible demographic changes…

The worst bill in modern U.S. history

July 2, 2025
By U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders Editor’s note: Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) gave the following remarks Sunday, June 29, on the floor of the U.S. Senate opposing President Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill.” Mr. President: President Trump’s so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill,” now on the floor of the Senate, is the most dangerous piece of legislation in the modern history…

Protecting SNAP protects farmers

July 2, 2025
Dear Editor, As the director of the Burlington Farmers Market I am deeply concerned about what’s happening in Congress right now and the potential to gut Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid, two of the most essential programs that help people put food on the table and get the healthcare they need. At our…