STATE TO ACQUIRE REFRIGERATED TRUCKS FOR COVID-19 VICTIMS; TRAVELERS ORDERED TO SELF-QUARANTINE
By Gregory J. Lamoureux
County Courier
MONTPELIER: In New York City, the morgues are beginning to overflow due to the novel coronavirus outbreak spreading throughout the United States.
One solution the City of New York found is to store those bodies in refrigerated trailer trucks until they can properly be handled by funeral homes, and the County Courier has learned that similar plans are in place for that in Vermont.
In a press conference on Monday morning, the Governor’s office confirmed the measures to handle the influx of those who are expected to die of the virus.
As of Monday morning, the State Health Department is reporting 21 new cases, 256 total confirmed cases and 12 deaths of people who were diagnosed with the illness.
This news comes as Governor Phil Scott announced new travel and leveling restrictions for interstate travel.
Scott said this is to be prepared, but not necessarily a necessity, “We hope that is doesn’t come to that… but we have to be prepared for that.”
Governor Scott is taking additional action to encourage compliance with newly released CDC guidance around interstate travel from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, which advised residents of those states to refrain from non-essential domestic travel for 14 days.
In light of the significant risk posed by the further spread of this dangerous virus to Vermonters and the viability of Vermont’s health care system, this new order directs residents and non-residents coming from outside the state for anything other than an essential purpose to home-quarantine for 14 days and strongly discourages travel to Vermont by those located in COVID-19 “hot spots.” Details and exemptions are outlined in Addendum 7.
“We all must do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19 to minimize infections – particularly for those who are elderly or have underlying chronic health conditions – and prevent it from overwhelming our healthcare facilities,” said Governor Scott. “I understand there will be some who need to travel from other states to return to a home in Vermont or support a vulnerable family member. However, we need anyone entering Vermont to abide by this 14-day self-isolation directive, and then follow Vermont’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order while here. We must work together to slow the spread of this virus.”
The Governor’s order also provides additional guidance to lodging providers to ensure compliance with the Stay Home, Stay Safe order, which suspended lodging operations.
The order makes clear that lodging facilities – which includes hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, inns, short term rentals (e.g. VRBO, Homeaway, Airbnb, etc.), and all public and private camping facilities and RV parks – are to be closed except for stated exemptions when supporting the state’s COVID-19 response. Additionally, the Governor has suspended online lodging reservations.
Under this order, the Vermont State Police and local law enforcement will monitor lodging providers for compliance and work with the Attorney General’s Office on additional compliance measures if needed.
Addendum 7 provides lodging operations with additional details on requirements, and state agencies will also be reaching out to these businesses directly.
“These are incredibly difficult times, but the more closely we can follow all of the CDC and Health Department guidance, the more effectively we can slow the spread and save lives,” said Governor Scott. “I know we’re asking a lot of business owners, workers, school employees, parents, students, and all Vermonters. But your sacrifice is not for nothing. If we do this now, we can slow the spread of this deadly virus and keep many of our neighbors and loved ones alive and healthy.”
The Stay Home, Stay Safe order and today’s updated travel and lodging order are in effect until April 15, 2020, though may be extended or shortened as needed. For full details, please see Addendum 7 below, or click here.
Governor Scott said that with this order “We must not let this become an us vs. them situation.”
Public Safety Commissioner Mike Schirling said the Vermont State Police were checking on compliance of hotels over the weekend. About 44 hotels and other lodging facilities were found to be out of compliance. Those facilities were issued a letter to become compliant immediately.
Attorney General T.J. Donovan said he will work with the hotels and other establishments, but civil penalties could range from $1,000 to $10,000 for a fine if establishments failed to comply, as well as possibly a criminal violation that carries a $1,000 fine and up to 6 months of prison time.
Vermont Health Department Commissioner Mark Lavine said that for everyone’s safety, it’s important that everyone complies with the Governor’s order.
“I’ve been getting letters about, hopefully, the minority of the state, who disregard these measures,” Lavine said.
Asking Vermonters and other travelers are no different than policies around the country for travelers returning from other countries known to have the virus, said Lavine.
“Were all doing what we can to meet this challenge head-on,” Lavine said.
Lavine said that going forward it will be important that looking at the numbers of positive cases with a grain of salt. The state is testing more patients with minor symptoms. The additional number of tests being conducted will increase the number of positive cases, but not necessarily indicate that the virus is becoming uncontrollable.
The State Health Department is now following cases connected to the Pinecrest at Essex Senior Living Community. There are two deaths now connected with that facility.
As far as supplies, the state is working with manufacturers to determine if they can produce some of the needed supplies for healthcare workers.
The state has 400 ventilators on order but is not yet sure when those may be delivered.
According to the Vermont state Health Department, there are currently 19 patients being treated within the state’s hospitals.
