Sunday, March 29, 2020
Testing Site Opens in Putney; Library Suspends Pickup Service, Catholic Churches and Shrines to Close: Coronavirus News in Vermont
Page 4 of 8
Friday, March 13, 2020:
Jay Peak Slopes to Close on Saturday until May
Skiers and snowboarders have just one more day to hit the slopes at Jay Peak.
Winter operations at the mountain will cease at 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, according to a statement from resort president Steve Wright.
Jay's indoor waterpark, climbing gym and spa will close Friday, March 13. The resort had planned to stay open and use stringent cleaning protocols but switched gears after the Québec government decided to limit entry into the U.S. and Ontario introduced similar restrictions, Wright wrote in his statement.
"Saying we are disappointed feels like the understatement of the century," he wrote. "It goes without saying that we will be offering either full refunds or we will push vacations to next year and lock in this year's rate."
Janitorial staff will perform "a deep clean of the entire campus" before reopening on May 1.
Winter operations at the mountain will cease at 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, according to a statement from resort president Steve Wright.
Jay's indoor waterpark, climbing gym and spa will close Friday, March 13. The resort had planned to stay open and use stringent cleaning protocols but switched gears after the Québec government decided to limit entry into the U.S. and Ontario introduced similar restrictions, Wright wrote in his statement.
"Saying we are disappointed feels like the understatement of the century," he wrote. "It goes without saying that we will be offering either full refunds or we will push vacations to next year and lock in this year's rate."
Janitorial staff will perform "a deep clean of the entire campus" before reopening on May 1.
No In-Person Visits at Vermont Prisons
Prisoners at Vermont's six jails won't be able to receive visitors for at least two weeks, the Department of Corrections said in a press release late Friday.
Inmates will be able to receive visitations by video; the vendor used by the state, GTL, is offering one free video visitation per inmate weekly during the upcoming period. Otherwise, 25-minute sessions will cost $6.25, according to DOC facilities executive Al Cormier.
The department said it will also offer "enhanced recreation opportunities."
About 1,800 people were jailed in Vermont on any given day during fiscal year 2018, according to state data.
During a press conference in Waterbury on Friday evening, Agency of Human Services Secretary Mike Smith said prisons had begun asking screening questions about coronavirus to incoming inmates.
Inmates will be able to receive visitations by video; the vendor used by the state, GTL, is offering one free video visitation per inmate weekly during the upcoming period. Otherwise, 25-minute sessions will cost $6.25, according to DOC facilities executive Al Cormier.
"The sessions are scheduled by friends and family online and are done from the home," Cormier said in an email.
The department said it will also offer "enhanced recreation opportunities."
About 1,800 people were jailed in Vermont on any given day during fiscal year 2018, according to state data.
During a press conference in Waterbury on Friday evening, Agency of Human Services Secretary Mike Smith said prisons had begun asking screening questions about coronavirus to incoming inmates.
Vermont Jury Trials Are Postponed
The state judiciary postponed most jury trials until at least April 15, the Vermont Supreme Court announced Friday.The order delays trials across the state, except in cases where a defendant is incarcerated. Superior court judges may choose to delay trials that are covered by the exemptions.
The court wrote that compulsory jury service could be "particularly burdensome to certain Vermonters during the coronavirus outbreak, especially those with heightened vulnerability to the virus."
The change does not apply to federal courts. The chief judge for U.S. District Court in Vermont, Geoffrey Crawford, issued a separate order Friday limiting courthouse access. The restriction applies those who recently traveled to certain countries affected by coronavirus or who have been in close contact with a traveler, as well as anyone who has been asked to self-quarantine by a health official.
New Fund to Help Nonprofits
The Vermont Community Foundation is creating a new fund to support nonprofits that will "address community impacts of the novel coronavirus," both immediate and long-term, the organization said in a press release Friday.
“This new fund will increase the ability of key organizations to provide core services that ensure Vermonters have what they need at this uncertain time, and we are calling on partners to join us," president and CEO Dan Smith said in the statement. "Private philanthropy will play an important role in helping the most vulnerable Vermonters navigate the weeks and months ahead.”
Donors can contribute to the VT COVID-19 Response Fund by visiting www.vermontcf.org/vtcovid19response.
Norwich University Moves to Remote Learning, Cancels Events
Norwich University became the latest institution of higher learning in Vermont to move to remote instruction and cancel campus events in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. The Northfield college has also suspended all winter and spring athletics, including practices and games. Group gatherings on campus will be limited "to facilitate the social distancing recommended to slow the spread of COVID-19," according to a press release. Campus buildings — including the library, museum and field house — are closed to the public.
Norwich said it would provide an update about commencement plans no later than April 15.
Vermont Maple Festival Is Canceled
Another iconic Vermont event has been canceled because of coronavirus.The 54th annual Vermont Maple Festival, scheduled for the end of April in St. Albans, will not go on this year.
"Please continue to support your Vermont Maple Sugar makers," the group's board of trustees said in a statement announcing the cancellation.
Ben & Jerry's Shuts Its Waterbury Plant to the Public
First Free Cone Day, now the Ben & Jerry's plant.The Vermont ice cream company has closed its Waterbury gift shop, scoop shop and factory tour "due to health and safety concerns related to COVID-19." The company headquarters is one of Vermont's top tourist hotspots.
The news comes days after B&J's canceled its popular Free Cone Day, which was scheduled for April.
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