Gov. Scott teases an early end to COVID-19 restrictions; ‘Creemees for a shot’; Waterbury still logging new cases

May 22, 2021  |  By Lisa Scagliotti 

Gov. Phil Scott at Friday's press briefing in the COVID-19 response as he issues a challenge for more Vermonters to get vaccinated. Screenshot

Gov. Phil Scott Friday issued a tantalizing challenge to Vermonters weary of COVID-19 precautions: reach 80% vaccinated for those 12 and older and the remaining restrictions will fall immediately. 

“We are getting close to the end of this race with just a few more hurdles to overcome before we shift from emergency response to long term recovery and normalcy,” the governor said at his Friday press briefing on the COVID-19 response. 

Vermont leads the nation with over 70% of the eligible population – those 12 and older – having received at least one dose of the vaccine. “That is over 400,000 Vermonters,” Scott said. “So, here is my challenge to Vermonters: If we hit 80%, I will lift any remaining restrictions and mandates that day.”

Currently the state is on track to drop the remaining public health restrictions on July 4 as part of the Vermont Forward plan. The state’s rollback of precautions has been based on vaccination rates and so far, the population is ahead of schedule, according to Vermont Department of Health data. 

“In just weeks, as our vaccination rate increased, cases fell about 75%. And more importantly, hospitalizations and deaths have reduced significantly,” the governor said. “Why? Because vaccines work and we are vaccinating faster than I think anyone would have imagined.” 

On May 14, for example, the state reached its June 1 goal of having 60% of those eligible vaccinated with at least one dose. Vermonters age 12 and up are now eligible for the vaccine with those age 12-17 approved for just the two-dose Pfizer shots.  

As of Friday morning, to reach the 80% threshold to remove restrictions early, an additional 27,954 need to be vaccinated, Scott said. If an average of 1,500 people were vaccinated daily going forward, he explained, Vermont could see the remaining restrictions lifted by June 8. 

To that end, the state Health Department is rolling out more vaccine clinics to make it easier than ever for people to get immunized. Pop-up vaccine events are happening in places where people gather – this week at Burlington’s North Beach and recently at racetracks, for example. There are more walk-in opportunities without appointments needed and without even needing to be a Vermont resident.

Many vaccination sites and times 

Around the state this weekend, local ambulance services will be hosting vaccine clinics. In Waterbury, Thatcher Brook Primary School will be the site Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to noon for a walk-in clinic by Waterbury Ambulance Service. No appointment is necessary. The clinic will have the Johnson & Johnson vaccine which is approved for individuals age 18 and older. 

On Monday, a vaccine clinic will be held at Crossett Brook Middle School offering the Pfizer vaccine and aimed at immunizing youngsters aged 12-17. It’s also open 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. to others such as parents and family members of students, and anyone in the community. 

Vaccine site information is updated daily on the Vermont Health Department’s website. The vaccine page is at healthvermont.gov/myvaccine.

Get a shot. Get a creemee. 

The trade group representing Vermont dairy farmers is pitching in with coupons offering a free creemee to those who get a COVID-19 vaccine while supplies last. Courtesy Vermont Department of Health

In addition, the state has added another incentive for people to get vaccinated – free creemees. 

Through the month of June – or until supplies run out –  the Vermont Dairy Farmers Association will provide 10,000 “Creemee for a Shot” coupons good for one free small creemee at participating vendors to those who get a COVID-19 shot at a state vaccination event. The offer is organized with the Vermont Dairy Promotion Council representing the state’s dairy farmers, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets and the Health Department. The state has a list of participating creemee stands online.  The coupons are first-come, first-served until all are claimed. 

Gov. Scott said that with this push to reach 80%, Vermont can “show the country how it is done.” And he made a special appeal to those under age 29, the age group that’s been slowest to get the vaccine. “We are counting on you to help us lift restrictions early, including gathering sizes, masks, social distancing, the curfew at bars, and the rest. Now is your time to lead us to the finish line,” Scott said. 

To those already vaccinated, Scott has another message: “You can still help. It could be as simple as offering someone a ride, helping them find the closest vaccination site, or telling them your story as to why you got yours,” he suggested. “Let’s keep our momentum going. Let’s finish strong. Let’s continue to show the nation, and the world, what this brave little state is capable of.”

Waterbury still logging cases

Despite the talk of lifting restrictions and increasing vaccination rates, new cases of COVID-19 continue to be reported in Vermont, although at a lower rate than several months ago. Statewide, the total just passed 24,000 cases this week; 255 have died from the coronavirus, the state Health Department reports. 

Locally, Waterbury is still seeing new cases reported weekly while other communities’ case numbers are remaining static. The state Health Department reports case data by community on Fridays, but the figures are current through Wednesdays. 

For the most recent week, May 12-19, seven new cases were reported for Waterbury; another seven cases were reported the previous week, May 5-12; April 28-May 5 saw six new cases. That’s a total of 20 cases in three weeks. 

Other nearby communities saw less growth in case numbers – Stowe logged just eight cases for that same three-week period; Moretown had just one; Waitsfield and Warren had no new cases reported. 

Messages from local businesses are still popping up where staffing levels are low due to employees needing to quarantine while awaiting testing results after exposure. 

Last week, the Harwood Unified Union School district reported five COVID-19 cases among students at various schools that resulted in contact tracing and testing, however no subsequent cases have yet been identified. 

Daily testing still available in Waterbury 

For those concerned about exposure to the virus, COVID-19 testing remains ongoing daily at the Waterbury Ambulance Service station at 1727 Guptil Road in Waterbury Center. Executive Director Mark Pogewaite announced the testing schedule for May 24-30: Monday, Friday, Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 1-5 p.m.; Wednesday 4-7 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. to noon. 

Waterbury Ambulance also continues to run a testing site in Berlin at a new drive-through location, 1311 Barre-Montpelier Road (behind Burger King). Those hours are Monday, Thursday, Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Tuesday and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday, 4-7 p.m. 

And in Waitsfield, the ambulance service has a testing site open Sunday, May 30, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Waitsfield United Church of Christ 4355 Main St.