Coronavirus Resource Guide
While the COVID-19 crisis is constantly changing, we are making sure to update this page regularly with the resources you may need. Please call us at 802-839-1928 and tell us how you are affected.
The Vermont Department of Health has updated their guidance surrounding COVID-19 Exposure and isolation time to better reflect recent changes to the CDC policy on isolation following a close contact. Find the latest CDC guidance here. Mask Use for Employees: Cleaning: Useful Printouts: Agricultural Related COVID-19 Resources Let's Grow Kids Childcare Options The Wage and Hour Division FAQ NRF Guidance for Essential Retail Services Small Business Administration Disaster Loans Tips from the Attorney General and Business Leaders Guidance for Preparing the Workplace HR Compliance Bulletin on Coronavirus Covid 19 What you need to know A number of towns throughout Vermont have implemented municipal mask mandates since the legislature passed a bill allowing the practice during a late November special session. The bill, passed on November 22nd and signed by Governor Scott on November 23rd, allows municipalities to vote on town level mask mandates that sunset on or before April 30th, 2022. So far the towns of Brattleboro, Burlington, Rutland Town, and Warren have implemented masking mandates of varying complexity. The town of Waitsfield has signaled that they are considering a mandate. The next Waitsfield Selectboard meeting is December 6th.VSFA is tracking these mandates in a spreadsheet available here. Check back weekly for updates. This tracking includes effective dates, penalties (if any), requirements and direct links to the orders. We will maintain this for members as long as it is the best option to convey this information. VRGA recently sent this letter to select boards around the state, asking that municipal mask mandates do not shift the burden of enforcement to retail workers statewide. We will continue to support and advocate for retail workers throughout the life of these mask mandates. CURRENT LABOR LAW: Labor law during COVID-19 has rapidly changed and adapted to the situations that have arisen. Check the Vermont Department of Labor website for consistently up to date information. For specific issues you cannot find answers to, reach out to the VRGA team so we can assist. Breakdowns of major changes/additions to the labor law system are below. Refusal to Return to Work If your employees have refused to return to work and are instead continuing to draw unemployment benefits, you must report this to the state Department of Labor. Employers should complete the online refusal to work form. Work Search Requirement Reinstated for UI Recipients The work search requirement was waived last spring when Governor Phil Scott’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order went into effect. Details on upcoming work search events can be found here. Curbside and to-go alcohol will continue through 2023 due to the Governor signing H. 313/Act 70. This bill does not allow for continued delivery of alcohol. Per H.313 restaurants, bars, and retailers can continue to offer for take out and curbside: If you are considering offering this, we strongly encourage you to contact your Insurance agent to discuss your current Liquor Liability coverage. The CDC has issued an updated recommendation that those in COVID hot spots (red areas on this map) wear masks while indoors regardless of vaccination status in order to maximize protection from the Delta variant as it spreads. VSFA is monitoring these developments and will keep members apprised of changing guidance and regulations. As of June 14, 2021, more than 80% of eligible Vermonters have received at least the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and Governor Phil Scott has authorized the move to Step 4 of the Vermont Forward Plan, lifting business, gathering, and travel related restrictions, nearly two weeks ahead of schedule. What does this mean: Universal Guidance includes: As Vermont has now entered Stage 4 of Vermont Forward, there is no longer a statewide mask mandate in place. Unvaccinated Vermonters are encouraged to wear masks and socially distance. Business owners should keep in mind that OSHA and VOSHA have their own guidance on masking in the workplace, please follow the guidance in the section below entitled “Mask Use for Employees” before making changes to your business processes. The Office of Governor Scott has issued a new Executive Order to ensure federal funding continues to flow to the state as it combats remaining COVID-19 matters. This order: Maintains the Vermont National Guard’s State Service Status to allow them to continue to assist in pandemic relief, maintains access to federal funding for housing and feeding Vermonters in need, and allows the continuance of to-go drinks until H. 313 becomes effective on July 1st and continues their sale by law.
Additional Resources
The Department of Labor reminds unemployment claimants who have been placed on temporary layoff or furlough related to COVID-19 that they must return to work if called back by their employer. Refusal to return to work, when being offered the normal rate of pay and number of hours per week, may result in the termination of unemployment benefits and the need to repay certain benefits.
As of Sunday, May 9th, 2021 the Department of Labor’s work search requirement is back in effect. Claimants who are filing in regular UI and do not have a COVID qualifying reason, as well as claimants filing in PUA who are not categorized as self-employed or independent contractors, and who do not have a COVID qualifying reason, will be required to begin making three work contacts each week beginning the week of May 9 – May 15. Only legitimate work inquiries will be considered valid.
