Would current payments be applied towards a future event? If you'd like to return the gift at this time, we completely understand." says Leah. MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — The group representing Vermont hospitals says uncertainty about the amount of COVID-19 vaccines they will receive is prompting delays in … A Vermont prison is on full lockdown after two staff members tested positive, the Department of Corrections said Tuesday. Include helpful information for guests about considerations such as accommodations, travel, and gifts, as well as a link to your wedding website if applicable.]. Remember: from supplies and staffing for vendors, to accommodations, travel and gifts for your guests, these people are also invested in your event (emotionally and financially). If so, reach out to the hotels to see what their policies are for refunds or cancellations; communicate this information to your guests. Bennington County has the fifth-highest rate of COVID-19 among Vermont counties, at 98.2 cases per 10,000 residents, and Windham County is ninth, at 84.2. Lizzie recommends taking the time to reach out to guests by phone, as written communications can be misinterpreted, especially during this emotionally-charged time. The latest average positivity rate in Vermont is 2.06%. On Tuesday, the Vermont Health Department reported 82 new cases of the virus, bringing the statewide total since the pandemic began to more than 7,200. State health departments are calculating positivity rate differently across the country, but for Vermont the AP calculates the rate by dividing new cases by test specimens using data from The COVID Tracking Project. Look up the current guidelines on gathering sizes and timelines. Phil Scott's emergency orders issued with the intention of protecting the state during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 32 Vermont corrections staff members have tested positive since the pandemic began. "I'd recommend saying something like: Many of you have called asking about gifts. Here are some questions you might ask: Are you able to make any amendments to your contract with respect to the current situation? Washington County is first, at 145.2 cases per 10,000. When the pandemic hit, wedding planning suddenly became more complicated than ever. About a fifth of those are in York County, the southernmost county in the state. Thank you! Due to rising COVID-19 case counts across the Northeast, effective on November 10, 2020, the State of Vermont has suspended its leisure travel map and implemented a mandatory quarantine for anyone returning or traveling to Vermont.. A regional map will continue to be maintained on the Agency of Commerce and Community Development and the Department of Financial … The Vermont town of Stamford has voted to overturn in its community Gov. (Include this information in your website updates as well.). Vermont officials have been pondering that question for months, when the prospect of a COVID-19 vaccine still seemed like wishful thinking. The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Vermont did not increase over the past two weeks, going from 111 on Dec. 14 to 83.71 on Dec. 28. "While it may not look exactly like you had envisioned, it will be extraordinary because no matter when or how, you will be making a lifetime commitment to the love of your life! This may mean looking forward to rescheduling a similar celebration. If you'd like to mail the gift, our address is _____. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Contract tracing has been completed, officials said. Planning is underway now to make sure Vermont is ready when the vaccine is available. ... Familiarize yourself with symptoms & understand the risks of COVID-19. “We are holding our breath a bit,” Gov. Leah recommends calling your vendors to discuss your options. Accommodations: Do you have hotel blocks? The health department reported 188 new cases of COVID-19 over the past two days. "Try to find peace in knowing that for the first time in our lifetime, we are figuring out the unknown together.". Twenty-three Vermonters are hospitalized with the disease; six of those patients are in intensive care units. [Next, address the specific details about your event. Gov. Inmates at the prison were last tested for the coronavirus on Dec. 21, and all results were negative. Smith said that in general, there will be four locations where Vermonters will be able to be vaccinated, primary care offices, pharmacies and 12 health department district vaccination sites. Human Services Secretary Mike Smith said that by Jan. 8 the first dose of the vaccine should have been provided to those in the highest priority groups. We know this is the best decision with everyone's wellbeing in mind. Before we dive in, take a moment. With information changing rapidly, couples should refer to the most current federal/local guidelines and speak with their contracted wedding professionals. The process will begin focusing on people who are 75 and older and then expanding to younger people, Smith said. In order to manage our COVID-19 response, our temporary call center hours for Member Services will be 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Here is a sample email you can use as a starting point to communicate your decision with guests: We were so excited about the gathering to celebrate [event name], but like many other emails I'm sure you're receiving right now, we have decided to [postpone/cancel]. Whatever you choose, your milestone is worth celebrating - now and later. It's okay to feel sad, angry, or nervous. While others will respect your decision, they may not be able to instantly commit to your rescheduled event. Note: This guide is based on the professional advice of the experts mentioned, and current recommendations at the time of publication. In addition to phone and email, update your wedding website with the new details. The relatively good news about the virus comes as Vermont health officials continues to vaccinate those at highest risk — health care workers — and those considered at the highest risk of death from COVID-19, the usually frail, elderly people living in long-term care facilities. At least 5 new coronavirus deaths and 165 new cases were reported in Vermont on Jan. 5. If you're on the receiving end of a change notice, please offer sympathy and kindness to the couple. And unfortunately, you may have guests who are vocally disappointed in your decision. A response like "I'm sorry you've had to make this decision. Or, you may reimagine your plans. Be prepared that each vendor may be handling this situation differently. For the most current guidelines and mandates please refer to: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reach out on the original date of their event to let them know you're thinking of them.). Four Vermonters died of COVID-19 over the past two days, the health department reported on Sunday, bringing the death toll to 111. You may wonder: is there a right away to tell guests about a cancellation or postponement? The wedding’s officiant is said to have come from the Calvary Baptist Church in Sanford, where church services were held on Sunday even after the … If you would like to hold onto the gift until we're able to celebrate in person, please do so. From weddings to celebratory showers and planned trips, COVID-19 has forced couples to postpone or cancel long-awaited events. So far, 248,986 people have been tested. State officials are now planning who should receive the vaccine in the second priority group and then expanding the vaccination campaign into the general population. A detailed report from the CDC said the wedding reception, attended by just 55 people, was the likely source of a series of outbreaks in a rural town in Maine. The original print version of this article was headlined "Mem and Pep | COVID-19 claims a Hardwick couple who were inseparable for nearly 68 years" Get news about coronavirus in Vermont … is perfect. Micro Weddings are a Big Trend; Is One R... Get to Know Hope Sharp, the Artist Behin... A Guide to Postponing Your Wedding or Event Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Who gets the vaccine will be based on age and underlying health conditions, Smith said. Review your contracts, paying special attention to the terms for canceling or postponing your event. Please be understanding and patient with vendors; they are likely answering other clients' questions as well as yours, while trying to maintain their own livelihoods as well. "It's important to remember the three principles of etiquette: respect, consideration and honesty," says Leah. 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