Corona Virus Recommendations

City Actions to address the threat of COVID-19

In a meeting with City/Town managers last week, a senior representative from the Vermont Department of Health updated us on the status of the virus and implored us  to monitor the Department’s website for up-to-date and accurate information. 

The official further stressed that all communities should follow the guidance being offered by the Department so that there is a consistent statewide response to the virus and that measures are not taken that might make the situation worse.  The City is following this guidance by the Department and is actively monitoring their website for any recommended actions.  We strongly encourage all residents to do the same.

In addition, the senior staff are meeting daily with our Public Safety leadership to share information about what we are hearing from the Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control as well as what we are hearing on the street.  These meetings will help us to make thoughtful decisions about City services and further responses we can take as a community to slowing the spread of the virus.

At this moment the Department of Health is not recommending that community meetings be canceled.  Be assured that we are closely monitoring the website with the safety of the public and our employees foremost in mind.

Below are common suggestions offered by various health providers and resources to help limit the spread and risk of infection. 

• Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds and use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Disinfect surfaces by using disinfectant sprays instead of wipes, which can spread germs from one surface to another. It is advised to let the surface remain wet for three minutes prior to drying.
• Get at least seven hours of sleep a night.
• Exercise regularly, aiming for 30 minutes every other day.
• Improve your air quality by using a humidifier because viruses dislike humid air.
• When you are on an airplane, sit next to the window: “It’s better for you because that germ zone is that little limited area,” which includes the row before and after you, he noted. “The air that comes in from outside is actually pretty clean."
• Meditate because that can support your immune system.
• Avoid handshakes. Dr. Oz said handshaking transfers 10 times more germs than fist-bumping, but he also discouraged fist-bumping. “A fist bump passes one-tenth the germs as a firm handshake,” Dr. Oz said on Monday. He encouraged people to “embrace the power of a good head nod.”
• Eliminate face touching.
• It is encouraged to have a two-week supply of essential items, including freezer-friendly food items and non-perishable foods, medications and household supplies, including toilet paper, soap and detergent.
• Eat foods and take vitamins that support the immune system. Eating leafy greens and fruits high in vitamins like citruses, blackberries, and kiwi provide your body with essential vitamins and minerals.
• Get the flu shot to avoid confusing seasonal flu with COVID-19.
• If you are sick, take 80 milligrams of zinc daily, 250 milligrams of vitamin C twice daily, 250 milligrams of beta-glucan daily and take elderberry syrup or lozenges four times a day for five days.

More information: