COVID-19 FAQs

Woodstock Town and Village employees are working in Town Hall. We are taking measures to
ensure the safety of employees and residents.

  • The office is sanitized at opening and closing including the counter top, door handles, etc.
  • Plexiglass has been installed at the counter in the front office
  • Employees take their temperature every day and will not be at work if they are sick or have any of the symptoms of COVID-19
  • Employees wear masks and practice social distancing except for the limited contact needed to conduct required business transactions
  • Only three members of the public are permitted to come upstairs at any given time and are requested to stand at a distance following the floor markings. Please wait in the lobby.
  • Only one member of the public is permitted in any office at any time. Please wait in the lobby or conference room.
  • The conference room will be used if a larger meeting is needed.
  • Members of the public are not permitted in offices if they are not wearing a mask. Staff will either meet you in the lobby or in the conference room and will maintain social distancing guidelines.

If you are coming into Town Hall please follow these guidelines

  • Use the hand sanitizer available in the lobby and on the counter in the municipal manager’s office.
  • Wear a mask.
  • Please do not come to Town Hall if you are sick or showing any of the symptoms of COVID-19.

You are encouraged to call or email
Town Office - 802-457-3456.
Planning & Zoning - 802-457-7515
Listers - 802-457-3607.
You can find individual emails here.

Living with uncertainty during the outbreak of COVID-19 is stressful for everyone. Health, financial and other concerns can increase anxiety. Things that were normal a couple months ago are no longer the norm. The Vermont Department of Mental Health has compiled some tips to help us get through this unsettling time.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

Feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless is common during an infectious disease outbreak If you need emotional support

Anyone without symptoms can now be tested for FREE at a pop-up location. Health care workers, first responders and childcare providers and people who have attended recent demonstrations are encouraged to get tested. People who are returning to Vermont, and who are at day 7 or later in their quarantine period, can also be tested. Find testing locations and dates and register for a test here.

Call your health care provider if you or your children have any of these symptoms: cough, fever, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, loss of taste or smell. Your health care provider will ensure you receive proper care and treatment. If you don’t have a health care provider: Dial 2-1-1 to connect with a community or hospital-connected clinic.

VT Department of Health has created guidance on small steps you can now take to safely visit with a friend or family member. It is important to continue physical distancing when you leave home, to prevent new cases from quickly increasing.

VILLAGE OF WOODSTOCK
COVID-19 EMERGENCY ORDINANCE
WEARING FACE COVERINGS REQUIRED

Requirement to Wear Face Covering

The Woodstock Village Trustees recognize the widespread value of face coverings to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and the Vermont Department of Health.

In accordance with Addendum 14 to Governor Scott’s March 13, 2020 Executive Order, which includes in paragraph 3, the following authorization for municipalities: “The legislative body of each municipality may enact more strict local requirements regarding mask use than those set forth herein,”

In an effort to protect residents and visitors and to reduce the possibility of COVID-19 spread, the Village Trustees issue the following COVID-19 Emergency Ordinance to require wearing a face mask or a face shield.

  1. Commencing July 9th, municipal buildings and all establishments located in the Village of Woodstock that invite the public into their  premises for the purpose of receiving services, purchasing products, or otherwise transacting business, shall require both staff and customers (or visitors) to wear face coverings or face shields over their nose and mouth while inside the establishment.
  2. Outdoor requirements: A face mask or a face shield is required to be worn by any person on any Village owned public outdoor location in the Village including but not limited to Village sidewalks, The Village Green, Vail Field (excluding active sports activity), East End Park, Teagle’s Landing and Tribou Park.

Exceptions
Face coverings or face shields are not required inside dining establishments once seating or dining has commenced or outside dining on sidewalks or village parks; while engaging in athletic activities such as running or bicycle riding; should not be placed on young children 2
years old and younger; on anyone who has trouble breathing; or on anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. Municipal employees engaged in strenuous physical activity are also excluded. Federal, state, and county properties
that are within the village that are excluded by law may be excluded from the ordinance.

Enforcement
This face covering ordinance can be enforced by the Woodstock Village Police, Health Inspector or the Village Parking Attendants. These Village employees should approach any person not wearing a face covering, inform them of the ordinance and offer a free mask if the person does not possess one. Enforcing employees should use discretion at all times.

Effective Period
This Order shall remain in effect until the Woodstock Village Trustees amend, rescind or suspend this Order or until the Governor declares an end to the COVID-19 State of Emergency in Vermont, whichever occurs first.

MORE FROM THE VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Make wearing cloth face masks or coverings a habit whenever you leave home. The covering should go over your mouth and nose. Since COVID-19 may be transmitted by someone who does not have symptoms, this covering helps you protect others. It is not a substitute for physical distancing and other prevention measures. You still need to stay at least 6 feet away from people. Learn more about how to use and make cloth face masks or coverings and where you can buy one.

Examples of when to wear a face covering Examples of when you do not need to wear a face covering
Trips to the grocery store, pharmacy, doctor, or hospital Going for a walk in the woods. But bring one in case you encounter other people and stop to chat
Essential workers at a grocery store, pharmacy, or other business setting where there they cannot maintain at least 6 feet distance between themselves and others At home if everyone in the home is not showing symptoms
At home if you are sick and have other people in the house Going for a run if it is not too crowded
Home care workers caring for vulnerable populations Who should never wear a mask:

  • Children under the age of 2
  • anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious
  • anyone who is unable to remove the mask without assistance
Riding the bus, taxi, or rideshare
Walking on a busy and crowded street

Source: Vermont Department of Health

Find the latest guidance for traveling to Vermont
https://www.healthvermont.gov/response/coronavirus-covid-19/traveling-vermont

If you are required to quarantine volunteers are available to deliver food and supplies to your door. To request this assistance, call 802-457-7516.
This table explains the difference between isolation, quarantine, and self-observation

Woodstock Emergency Management is here to help support you and your family if you need to self-isolate.

To request assistance, call 802-457-7516. This line is answered 24/7 and a responder will get back to you as soon as possible.

Woodstock is a caring community, and many of you are eager to help your neighbors. It’s a good idea to call them every day, especially if they are elderly and live alone. A friendly voice will go a long way in relieving their isolation. Moreover, your daily check ins will help Woodstock Emergency Services ensure they are safe and sound. If you notice a change in their behavior, or they don’t answer their phone or return your calls, call the police department (802) 457-1420.

This information changes several times in a week.

Visit this website for a list of local retail and restaurants that are open for in-person, curb-side and online purchases

The Agency of Natural Resources provides guidance for how Vermonters can get outside and enjoy the fresh air safely:

  • Stay close to home. Stay in-state.
  • Practice social distancing while outside.
  • Wear a facemask when activities are not strenuous.
  • Be cautious and choose low-risk activities to avoid injury. This will help lower the burden on our hospitals and health care system.
  • Contact sports and games are discouraged.
  • Organized sporting events and spectator events are not permitted at this time.

For more information on safe practices, visit the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation.