Friends, I am taking a 2 week vacation and I’m going to try very hard to disconnect from work. I’m on the road to what I’m relieved to see is still a safe county. But the Friday presser is starting so I’ve pulled over for a sec (why am I like this?!) to offer a few quick notes.

Speakers today: the governor, the health commissioner and the DFR commissioner, with a modeling report. Speaking of safe counties, here’s the updated map. Slide attached but interactive version can be found here: https://dfr.vermont.gov/about-us/covid-19/modeling/covid-19-modeling-graphics (not yet updated as I tweet).

By the way, broadcast analysis today from @mwertlieb and @MarkDavisVT. Tune in!

Other slides from the modeling report—National, and regional.

And here is state data.

Governor Scott points out that it’s been 5 months since he first declared a state of emergency in Vermont. Says because Vermonters have been disciplined, respectful and informed, we have been able to slowly reopen and not have to close sectors down again, unlike many states.

Scott points out that there have been 58 tragic deaths, and notes that 52 of them happened before the state began reopening.

Today Governor Scott is extending the state of emergency for another month.

Scott is also letting municipalities have more flexibility in certain areas, like limiting gathering sizes and allowing towns to prohibit the sale of alcohol after certain hours. This is geared toward concerns especially in college towns.

In order for schools to reopen and for cases to stay low, Scott says other sectors need to continue to make sacrifices. Hospitality is still at 50% capacity. And state workers are advised to work from home if possible, to limit where people are coming into contact w/ one another.

Health update from Dr. Levine now, who outlines that he’ll be talking about colleges, contact tracing and outbreaks.

First, colleges. He’s talking about the requirement that most students be tested when they come to campus from out of state. A few students have already tested positive.

Because colleges have robust testing and tracing, “A positive case will not put into place” a campus-wide testing mandate or community testing effort.

Levine talking about contact tracing now. But I’m missing some of it because my kiddos are getting annoyed with me! I’m going to stop and get back on the road after Dr. Levine’s comments.

On to outbreaks now. As previously announced, Dr. Levine says the Winooski/Burlington outbreak is officially considered over. 117 people tested positive in that outbreak, and while some were asymptomatic, some were quite sick.

Levine is talking about strategies for getting information out to communities, including having information in many different languages and in ways that are culturally appropriate.

DFR Commissioner Mike Pieciak offering modeling and analysis, starting with the bad and good from the national data. But I’m going to sign off now so my kids don’t muntiny and leave me stranded at this rest area!!

Check out the awesome thread from @mwertlieb. https://twitter.com/mwertlieb/status/1294286438012510210