Last week, the Department of Labor reminded unemployed Vermonters that they must return to work if called back by their employer. While exceptions do exist for employees, such as those who have been exposed to Covid-19 or individuals who must care for a family member, those who refuse to return to suitable work may risk…

Labor Dept provides first round of PUA payments to 8,500 Vermonters The Vermont Department of Labor announced April 29 that it has provided more than $24 million in direct deposit payments to Vermonters through the newly created Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. The program provides benefits to those previously not eligible for unemployment insurance benefits,…

RUTLAND—Rutland Economic Development Corporation (REDC) announced Tuesday, May 5, that it has received authorization to offer an emergency loan program through its Revolving Loan Fund to assist businesses that are impacted by Covid-19. USDA Rural Development has authorized REDC to use $150,000 from its Revolving Loan Fund for the Covid-19 emergency loan program. Businesses and…

RUTLAND – ClearChoiceMD Urgent Care, in Rutland, is offering Covid-19 testing for both active infections and antibodies seven days a week, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. No appointments are needed, but patients are encouraged to reserve a time at ccmdcenters.com/locations/rutland-vt. Both tests are covered by most major insurances: however, patients are recommend to reach out to their…

On Friday, May 1, Governor Phil Scott announced a third incremental, evidence-based step forward to put Vermonters back to work. If able to comply with outlined safety measures, the governor’s latest order allows for the following operations: Crews of 10 or fewer employees per location/job to perform outdoor work and construction work in unoccupied job sites. (Effective…

Relief loans are an awkward fit for the industry By Polly Mikula and Anne Wallace Allen/VTDigger “It’s all speculation, no one really knows what to expect or plan for,” said Phil Black, co-owner of the Lookout Tavern in Killington. Chris Karr, owner of multiple restaurants and businesses in Killington including the Foundry, Jax, Mad Hatter Scoops,…

Plan calls for an increase from 2,000-7,500 tests per day in Vermont Governor Phil Scott and members of his administration on April 29 announced the state is significantly increasing and strengthening its testing and contact tracing programs in order to quickly identify, contain and suppress outbreaks of Covid-19. In mid-April, the governor began taking steps…

Reopening complicated by high Covid-19 cases nearby By Polly Mikula Vermont appears to be unique in its low Covid-19 infection rate, availability of testing and measured approach to reopening. In fact, it may be among the only states to satisfy the national guidelines for reopening: 1) A downward trajectory of influenza-like illnesses and confirmed cases…

Governor Phil Scott is calling all Vermonters into service with the launch of a new website allowing people to sign up for volunteer assistance to support the state’s response to Covid-19: vermont.gov/volunteer. The website directs those with medical and healthcare skills (nurses, pharmacist, EMS, physician assistants, veterinarians, mental health workers, etc.) to the Medical Reserve…

By M. Kathleen Shaw, DVM Vt Veterinary Association The coronavirus pandemic has left many worried about the safety of their pets and whether or not the virus can be transmitted to/from their pets. This is especially true given the recent news that the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, has been confirmed in…

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers guidance for parents As public conversations around the Covid-19 coronavirus increase, children may worry about themselves, their family, and friends getting ill. Parents, family members, school staff, and other trusted adults can play an important role in helping children make sense of what they hear in a…

Staff report Vermonters are staying home and staying safe during the Covid-19 emergency, but for many that has meant getting by with no access to the internet at home. The difficulty has been particularly challenging for students who are adapting to remote learning, individuals in need of telehealth care, and workers who could earn an…

If you have had a loss of income, you could qualify for more health care subsidies On Wednesday, April 15, Governor Phil Scott and the Department of Financial Regulation (DFR) announced an emergency regulation requiring commercial insurers to waive cost-sharing requirements, such as co-payments, coinsurance or deductible requirements, for the diagnosis and treatment of Covid-19. The emergency…

Over 80,000 Vermonters have filed unemployment claims since the middle of March. The state unemployment fund covers 46% of weekly gross earnings averaged over the past three quarters. On top of that, the U.S. Congress passed the CARES act adding $600/week to claimant’s benefits. The state allows for up to six months on unemployment (with…

Staff report Before the Covid-19 surge prompted 80,000 people to file for unemployment starting in mid-March, about 500 claims came into the department each week. The department handled the phone calls associated with those claims using about 15 staff members. The department now has 150 people handling calls, interim Department of Labor Commissioner Michael Harrington…