Pandemic Restrictions Ease and Vermont Businesses Adjust

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced last week that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks indoors and Vermont Gov. Phil Scott has followed suit. With the vaccination rates increasing the mask mandates are beginning to decline and Vermont stores across the state are saying that it is starting to look like “business as usual” for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

Many business owners have claimed that over the past four or five weeks there has been noticeable changes, especially on the weekends. There is more foot traffic and consumer activity, and data suggests that both are on the rise. Despite the loosened mask regulations, many businesses are still requiring masks due to employees only being half vaccinated and comfort level. However, with time many feel that things are on their way to being back to normal.

There is high optimism throughout the state as many businesses have reported sales are approaching “not quite, but almost” levels seen in 2019. Many feel that the light at the end of the tunnel is approaching as there seems to be a definite movement to normalization.

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Resource: Businesses adjust as pandemic measures ease up by Ellie French in VT Digger.