Vermont Health Officials have released the latest COVID-19 numbers for the date of Monday, June 22, 2020, via WCAX.
There have been 1,163 confirmed cases in the state, with 56 being linked to deaths. So far, 58,607 tests have been conducted.
There are 1,142 people currently being monitored for symptoms, while 1,241 have completed the monitoring process. To date, 926 people have recovered from the virus.
Chittenden County has had the most cases with 586, while Essex County has seen the fewest with only three.
VT’s emergency order is set to expire on July 15th.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department’s Dummerston Fishing Access area on the Connecticut River is being closed for the month of July for repairs, reports WCAX.
According to the report, the current boat ramp has been silted in for multiple years rendering it impossible for motorboats and most paddlers to launch.
The new boat ramp will be longer, deeper, and will be built into the river to avoid silting in the future. The parking lot will be getting a small expansion, which will include ADA parking and a path to the ramp.
Those who wish to use a boat ramp in the area are asked to use the Putney Fishing Access Area about one-half mile up the river.
The New Hampshire Department of Education is encouraging educators and staff to wear face masks during summer school sessions, reports NBC 5.
According to guidance released on Friday, teachers and staff members are recommended to wear a cloth face mask when working, especially in cases where it is difficult to maintain a six foot distance and with at-risk students with under-lying health conditions.
Students are also being encouraged to wear masks, although this is not required for students with trouble breathing, who wear hearing aids, or are more apt to touch their face often which leaves the masks less effective.
New Hampshire has awarded 49 moose hunting permits for October 2020, reports the Associated Press.
Winners were selected during the state’s annual moose hunt lottery that was held on Friday.
While a majority of the winners were from NH, some were chosen from six other states; Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New York and Virginia.
The moose hunting season runs from October 17th to the 25th, and all hunters have been assigned to specific wildlife areas.
New Hampshire Fish and Game officials are searching for the bear that struck a man in Canaan without provocation Friday, reports The Union Leader.
According to Lt. James Kneeland, on Friday night at approximately 9 PM, a man was going to his truck to retrieve an air conditioner when a bear pushed him against his truck and swiped at his lower back. The man was reportedly able to push the bear off and escape with only some deep scratches.
According to Kneeland, the bear is likely the same one that has been seen rummaging through trash in the area, and that a trap has been set up to catch the bear. If it is caught, it will be euthanized.
Kneeland states that while it is unusual for bears to attack a human, citizens should be on the lookout for bears searching for food. Barbecue grills, bird feeders, and garbage should be stored properly to prevent bears approaching them.
On Thursday, the Department of Motor Vehicles resumed testing for commercial vehicle learner’s permits, reports WCAX.
All tests will be by appointment, with no walk-ins allowed. The DMV states that you should not bring anyone with you unless they are essential, like caregivers, parents, or translators, due to social distancing guidelines.
CDL permit tests will be available in Berlin, Colchester, and Rutland. CDL skills tests will be available in Colchester and Rutland only.
To schedule an appointment, call 802-828-2000 or visit the DMV’s website.
The first COVID-19 related death in Vermont since the end of May has been reported, states WCAX.
On Thursday, officials from the VT Department of Health reported six new cases of coronavirus, with three tied to the outbreak in Winooski. This raises the number of cases in Winooski to 86.
The one death brings the state’s total to 56 related to the virus.
As the state continues to gradually re-open, the total number of COVID-19 cases has now reached 1,135.
In the wake of multiple incidents of police misconduct caught on tape, such as the deaths of George Floyd and Rayshard Brooks, and ongoing protests against police brutality across the country, the Hanover Chief of Police has issued a special order to officers in the department, reports nhpr.
Chief Charlie Dennis has given his officer’s the order to not just report police misconduct, but to intervene during any incidents of excessive force.
This statement comes after the NH state senate passed a multifaceted police reform bill, which includes the banning of choke holds and the requirement to report police misconduct while on duty.
Derek Chauvin, a now ex-Minneapolis police officer, was using a choke hold-esque tactic when he placed his knee on Floyd’s neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds. Two other officers on scene pinned the man down, and another stood by. All four have since been fired and are facing criminal charges.
“In reviewing our policy, even though we had a clear reporting of misconduct rule, and an expectation that if you saw someone using excessive force, you would intervene, it wasn’t clearly stated,” stated Dennis.
He continued, “So I’ve already made a special order effective immediately that there is a clear duty to intervene, not only report, but also to intervene.”
Dennis, who is the President of the NH Association of Chiefs of Police, stated that officers must be trained to intervene through role playing exercises so that when a dangerous circumstance occurs, they are prepared to speak up, even to a superior officer.
According to the Vermont Department of Health, there have been no cases of COVID-19 tied to recent public protests in the state, reports WCAX.
They state that there have been no “lab confirmed” cases tied to these protests so far. In a social media post, officials stated that they support VT residents who choose to peacefully protest, but ask that citizens still follow safety precautions.
These include wearing masks, using hand sanitizer, staying six feet away from others, and staying home if they are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms.
If you partake in a protest, you are encouraged to get tested for the virus.
Canobie Lake Park is set to re-open next month, reports WMUR.
In a post on the amusement park’s Facebook page, park officials stated the following;
“We are spending this time preparing the Park for our new normal. Please understand that this will include new policies, procedures, online reservations, and health & safety protocols designed to create a safe space where families & friends may enjoy their time together in an open-air, outdoor environment.”
According to the park, they will be posting updates soon on new policies, online reservation making, and information on what visitors will need to know upon entry to the park.
The Salem, New Hampshire located park is set to open on July 16th.
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