Thread by @GovPhilScott

Today’s modeling update shows continued concerning trends nationally, regionally and in Vermont. We’ve gone months with such low disease prevalence that many have become more lax, but the rise in cases shows the risk is higher than what we’re used to: bit.ly/3kqeJlf 1/10

In last few weeks, the number of counties open for travel without a quarantine has been shrinking- as of today, it’s down to only 2. Along with social gatherings, travel to & from other states without quarantining is one of the common denominators in our rising case counts. 2/10

So, as of today, we’re temporarily suspending our travel map and requiring a 14-day quarantine (or 7 days and a negative test) for any non-essential travel into Vermont: bit.ly/2IlRyLx 3/10

Our policy for essential travel remains the same: People traveling for work or school, medical care, personal safety, care of others, shared child custody or to get food are not required to quarantine. But they should only be doing these activities and then returning home. 4/10

We’re also increasing our outreach and education efforts to assess adherence at lodging facilities, restaurants and bars, and remind communities that they have the ability to add restrictions if they want to take additional steps in response to local cases. 5/10

.@VTFishWildlife is also stepping up outreach to make sure both Vermont and out-of-state hunters understand our travel and gathering guidance: anr.vermont.gov/content/hunter… 6/10

And we’re working to further strengthen our testing program because it’s one of our best tools to contain the spread without more severe restrictions like we had in the spring: healthvermont.gov/covid-19/testi… 7/10

I know new restrictions are disappointing but if we act early and double down, we can get this under control, hold onto our gains & get through this faster/stronger than any other state. We need keep our kids in schools, and keep our businesses open and our workers working. 8/10

To the skeptics, those who aren’t wearing masks or taking precautions: I understand it may seem inconvenient, unnecessary or unfair but refusing to do your part is dangerous to the rest of us. It puts people you know & love at risk and makes it harder to reopen our economy. 9/10

I’m asking Vermonters to think about how you can help us stop the growing wave of infections that is starting to lead to more hospitalizations and will inevitably lead to more deaths. Please do your part. I’m asking you to make the right choice for the right reasons. 10/10