Vermont

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EXECUTIVE ORDER 01-20 ADDENDUM 6

Stay Home / Stay Safe Order

Executive Summary

The Vermont Stay Home / Stay Safe Order directs Vermonters to stay at home or in their place of residence and permits them to leave only for certain essential reasons consistent with CDC guidance.  The order also suspends all in-person business operations by businesses and not-for-profit entities in the State.  Exempt from the in-person restrictions are businesses and entities deemed critical to public health and safety as well as economic and national security.  The order provides a list of categories of businesses deemed critical to public health and safety and economic and national security.  As required by the order, the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) provides further guidance on businesses that fit those categories, and businesses may also request additional guidance from ACCD.  In addition, the ACCD FAQs indicate that businesses unsure of their status may consult the CISA Essential Critical Infrastructure list, and businesses with workers on the list, may remain operational.

Summary of Order

• The Vermont Stay Home / Stay Safe Order was issued on March 24, 2020.
• The order took effect immediately upon signing, though the business operations suspension provision took effect on March 25, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.  The order remains in effect until April 15, 2020, subject to amendment or extension. 
• For purposes of the order, services or functions deemed critical to public health and safety, as well as economic and national security include:
  • Health care operations
  • Law enforcement, public safety and first responders
  • Critical infrastructure
  • Construction
  • Critical manufacturing
  • Retail serving basic human needs
  • Fuel products and supply
  • Hardware stores
  • Transportation and agricultural sector equipment
  • Trash collection and disposal
  • Agriculture and farms
  • Lodging
  • Building and property services
  • Mail and shipping services
  • News media
  • Banks and financial institutions
  • Providers of necessities
  • Vendors of services to support COVID-19 response, critical infrastructure and national security
• Pursuant to the order, ACCD has provided guidance on these business categories, and has also provided an online form for requesting additional guidance on the order.
• In addition, the FAQs provide that if a business is unsure it if it fits one of the categories, it may consult the CISA Essential Critical Infrastructure list, and businesses with workers on the list, may remain operational.

Social Distancing Requirements

All businesses, governmental entities and not-for-profit entities are required to develop strategies, procedures and practices designed for strict adherence to CDC and Vermont Department of Health guidance to ensure recommended social distancing, including:

• maintaining a distance of 6 feet between persons;
• requiring employees to practice appropriate hygiene measures, including regular, thorough handwashing;
• requiring employees who are sick remain home; and
• regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Enforcement

According to the Vermont Emergency Management office of the State’s Department of Public Safety, enforcement of order will be handled primarily through education and voluntary compliance.

CISA List

Critical infrastructure sectors listed in CISA guidance (check list at link above for detailed list of worker functions):

• Healthcare / Public Health
• Law Enforcement, Public Safety, and Other First Responders
• Food and Agriculture
• Energy — Natural Gas, Natural Gas Liquids (NGL), Propane, and Other Liquid Fuels
• Water and Wastewater
• Transportation and Logistics
• Public Works and Infrastructure Support Services
• Communications and Information Technology
• Other Community- or Government-Based Operations and Essential Functions
• Critical Manufacturing
• Hazardous Materials
• Financial Services
• Chemical
• Defense Industrial Base
• Commercial Facilities
• Residential/Shelter Facilities and Services
• Hygiene Products and Services