Bats are once again in the headlines, but not for the reason one might assume — they need  help! There is no evidence at this time that North American bats can transmit the virus causing Covid-19 to humans, according to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. However, there is a very real and growing concern…

Stores in downtown Rutland share precautions they’re taking to ensure safety and compliance By Aliya Schneider Under Governor Phil Scott’s order, retail stores in Vermont were allowed to open their doors on Monday, May 18, but shoppers’ experiences won’t look the same as they did before the pandemic. Scott’s goal is for a “gradual reopening,”…

The Killington Strong gofundme has launched its Relief for Basic Necessities. A portion of the funds raised from the relief effort will go to members of the Killington Community who have been strongly affected financially by the Covid-19 pandemic. The group will provide grants to help pay for basic necessities such as utilities, medicines, rent,…

As the Covid-19 crisis continues, Woodstock Area Relief Fund (WARF) has received support from many area people and programs that have stepped up to help those in need. WARF has been able to partner with several of them, including the Windsor County Supervisory Union (WSCU). Last week, WSCU asked for help extending the student meals…

By Katy Savage As Gov. Phil Scott allows Vermont lodging facilities to reopen, inn operators are preparing for a new normal. Many summer events that draw thousands of tourists have been postponed or cancelled this year and many are anticipating reservations will be down significantly as the guest experience changes drastically. The Woodstock Inn is…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wU-mBEPZkQ By Polly Mikula Claudio Fort, president and CEO of Rutland Regional Medical Center and Dr. Melbourne Boynton, Chief Medical Officer, discussed how the hospital is impacted as the state gradually eases the regulations that have helped to reduce the spread of Covid-19 during an interview Thursday, May 14, shown on PEGTV. At its peak, less than 10%…

Outdoor dining, salons could be included in reopening plan this week By Colin Meyn and Anne Wallace Allen/VTDigger With just one Covid-19 patient in an ICU in a Vermont hospital, Gov. Phil Scott continued to open the state to an economic recovery, on May 15. While he extended the state of emergency to June 15, he…

Outdoor dining, close-contact businesses like salons, and others could be permitted to open by June 1. By Anne Wallace Allen/VTDigger With just one Covid-19 patient now in an ICU in a Vermont hospital, Gov. Phil Scott on May 15 continued to open the state to an economic recovery. Scott promised he would relax the stay home/stay…

Sites will pop-up in White River Jct. Saturday and in Rutland Monday   Anyone who lives or works in Vermont and does not have symptoms of Covid-19 can be tested for the virus at pop-up testing sites around the state, according to a recent new release from the governor. "We encourage health care workers, first…

By Polly Mikula and Colin Meyn/VTDigger Gov. Phil Scott announced Monday, May 11, that a “gradual reopening” of the retail sector will be permitted to begin on May 18. Scott said that all employees at retail outlets will need to wear face covering. Stores will also be required to stay under 25% of their maximum legal…

By Colin Meyn/VTDigger Some of the messages read like field reports: “The sidewalks between Price Chopper and Walmart had groups of people standing together no mask or social distances,” and others like warnings: “I want to make you aware of the health crisis that is ongoing at the floating bridge in Brookfield. Since fish were stocked…

Milk from Vermont dairies will be processed to feed Vermonters in need The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets has coordinated an effort to recover raw milk from being disposed while creating a new, temporary food supply for the Vermont Foodbank. In collaboration with the Vermont Community Foundation, $60,000 has been made available to…

As prime-time backpacking season approaches, the Green Mountain National Forest is responding to the Covid-19 pandemic by restricting overnight camping at designated campgrounds and shelters, in addition to closing pit toilets along the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail segments.  The majority of the National Forest remains open. After Secretary of Natural Resources Julie Moore announced,…

Anyone with even mild symptoms is encouraged to contact a health care provider, to get tested WHITE RIVER JCT—Vermont health officials announced three pop-up testing sites will open this week for Covid-19 specimen collection, including one locally at the Upper Valley Aquatic Center in White River Jct. Saturday, May 16 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Over…

Child care centers and day camps can reopen, overnight camps in question Staff report Gov. Phil Scott announced Friday, May 8, that child care centers can reopen June 1 and summer day camps will be able to open this summer, provided they can follow specified safety guidelines. State officials acknowledged opening child care programs will…