Stay safe, Vermont

I would be lying if I said I wasn’t concerned about the increase in COVID cases in Vermont just this past week. After three months without a single COVID death, November has seen the tragic deaths of four Vermonters. Our state has hit a new daily high of 148 COVID cases. This current wave is much more severe than it was back in March.

Vermont’s response continues to be quick and effective, and we can all help the most vulnerable in our community by keeping those masks on and continuing to follow social distancing guidelines. And as much as the thought pains me, we need to follow the new restrictions on not gathering with people outside of our household for Thanksgiving. Even in small social events with less than 10 people, there’s evidence that new infections still happen when people meet with those outside of their household.

Gov Scott’s message on Tuesday that “real patriots serve and sacrifice for all, whether they agree with them or not... when our nation's health and security is threatened,” really resonated with me and our Masks4Missions team, especially when we see all the photos on social media of our community members doing their part and wearing their masks.