Vermont halts operations at all hotels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds

Governor Phil Scott has ordered the suspension of all lodging services, including hotels, Airbnb, and campgrounds, starting Monday.

Scott explained that the latest order provides further clarification on the lodging types he initially suspended last week.

The suspension applies to hotels, bed and breakfasts, short-term rentals like Airbnb, and campgrounds, with Scott emphasizing this includes online ads and bookings as well.

“If you don’t need to travel to Vermont, please stay home,” he urged. “Our top priority is public health and safety.”

On March 26, Scott issued a stay-at-home order. “It’s crucial that everyone minimize outside activities and consistently practice social distancing to prevent the spread of this highly contagious and potentially deadly virus,” Scott stated at the time.

This new directive follows a weekend inspection of Vermont’s 318 lodging properties for compliance with state regulations.

Lodging facilities are now only permitted to accommodate health care workers, public safety personnel, and other essential workers, as well as emergency shelters for the homeless, state-arranged quarantine facilities, and select “extenuating circumstances” for the safety and care of residents.

Michael Schirling, Vermont's Public Safety Commissioner, confirmed that state police and local authorities conducted compliance checks across all 318 lodging properties over the weekend. Last week, Scott had ordered the suspension of all state lodging operations.

Out of those 318 properties, which excluded Airbnb and other short-term rental options, 88 were still operating.

The governor’s order permits current guests to stay until the end of their scheduled reservations. However, no new bookings or extended stays are allowed unless under the exceptions outlined earlier.

Schirling reported that half of the 88 open properties were following the governor’s directive, housing military personnel, visiting medical staff, flight crews, and other essential workers.

The other 44 properties that were not compliant received a notice from the Vermont Department of Health and the Department of Public Safety yesterday, instructing them to align with the regulations.

The Vermont Attorney General’s Office is expected to follow up with those properties today.

Ongoing monitoring will take place, with Schirling noting that this could involve law enforcement observing parking lots and checking in with staff to ensure adherence to the order.

“This is all about safeguarding the health of Vermonters and ensuring our healthcare system can handle the demand,” he stated.

Scott also issued a new directive today, requiring anyone entering Vermont from another state to self-isolate for 14 days.

“That means traveling directly to your destination without any stops along the way,” Scott explained during a press briefing.