VPR News

Vermont is requesting ventilators, masks, gowns and other supplies for patients and medical workers from the federal government, but there are also efforts around the state to make more protective equipment for hospitals.

On Monday, Gov. Phil Scott issued a new executive order requiring anyone who travels into Vermont for non-essential business to self-quarantine for 14 days. The order also placed additional restrictions on lodging operations. As the number of cases of COVID-19 in the state rises to 293 with 13 deaths related to the virus, Gov. Scott joins Vermont Edition for an update on the state's response to coronavirus.

As the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 continues to rise, Gov. Phil Scott has activated the Vermont National Guard to boost health care capacity across the state.

Hospitals across the country are delaying elective procedures to preserve personal protective equipment to fight COVID-19. But what qualifies as elective isn't clear cut.

The Frequency is Vermont's daily news podcast from VPR. Get up to speed on what's happening every day in Vermont, along with deeper stories and interviews from VPR's team of journalists. Hosted by Henry Epp and Anna Van Dine, a 10 to 15 minute episode will be released every morning, Monday through Friday, by 6:30 a.m. Starting April 1.

As people are expected to do more from home, including work, school, and socializing, the gap between the technological have and have nots threatens to widen. This hour, we talk about access to information and hear from non-profit and for-profit organizations that are connecting Vermonters to the internet.

Work, school and daily life are being transformed by the coronavirus, as Vermonters heed Gov. Phil Scott's call to "stay home." There's no denying the stress and uncertainty caused by the pandemic, but some may nonetheless find themselves at home with extra time to pick up a new book or re-read a beloved one. We're talking about what to read when riding out the pandemic.

Gov. Phil Scott on Monday ordered people coming into Vermont to self-quarantine for 14 days and discouraged people living or staying in COVID-19 “hotspots” from coming at all, saying visitors have an obligation to “protect those already here.”

Because of coronavirus, people near and far are going to work, attending church services and even going to weddings using apps on computers and phones. But on Sunday, March 29, the residents of Grafton pushed aside their screens, left their homes, and gathered together to celebrate the 90th birthday of their beloved neighbor, Joan Lake.

Gov. Phil Scott announced Thursday that Vermont's schools would remain closed through the rest of the term to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Agency of Education Deputy Secretary Heather Bouchey joins Vermont Edition to discuss how they're helping schools move classroom instruction online, meeting the needs of students with disabilities, getting meals to students and more.

It’s a busy time of year for Vermont’s vegetable and fruit farmers. Spring is coming, and farmers across the state will soon be turning their soil and starting another growing season. Even though the new coronavirus is raising a lot of questions about how they'll market the vegetables and flowers they grow, farmers are plowing ahead.

Each week, VPR asks local newsrooms about their top stories. This week, County Courier reporter Ben Kaufmann discusses how Franklin County communities are adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vermont is teeming with local real estate agents who take great pride in showing their properties. But now that we're all supposed to stay six feet apart, plus working and schooling our kids at home, agents have had to change their practices to accommodate both buyers and sellers.

Gov. Phil Scott announced Thursday night that Vermont schools would remain closed for the rest of the academic year to slow the spread of COVID-19. An earlier order had closed schools between March 18 and April 6. It is news that will have a huge impact on kids, parents, teachers and staff.

Many hospitals around the region are now strictly limiting visitors to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. At UVM Medical Center, for example, just one individual can accompany a person in labor and delivery. This has meant a significant uptick in calls to certified midwives who facilitate home births according to Katie Bramhall, a midwife based in the Upper Valley and the President of the Vermont Midwives Association .