FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2020
Contact: Jordan Redell
802-881-7020
Statement from Mayor Miro Weinberger Regarding Emergency Regulations
Burlington, VT – This week during daily public briefings, the City forecast that it would be issuing new enforcement measures and road closures consistent with the Governor’s Stay Home Stay Safe order. Late Friday, in order to have these measures in place for the weekend, and following the Attorney General’s afternoon release of a new directive for enforcement of the Governor’s COVID-19 executive order, the Mayor issued two emergency regulations with the goals of protecting public safety and creating more open space for people to do solitary exercise in compliance with social distancing guidelines.
Today the Mayor issued this statement regarding these new emergency regulations:
"I am grateful that the overwhelming majority of Burlingtonians are complying with the Stay Home Stay Safe order from the Governor. However, unfortunately, there are some individuals still choosing to put themselves and the greater public at risk with their actions, and the City has a responsibility to act to ensure public safety. The purpose of these citations is not to interfere in any way with people who are exercising outdoors, going to work, etc. in full compliance with the governor’s orders, but to address those who intentionally violate the orders, putting themselves and others at risk of spreading this disease.
"In response to overwhelming constituent outreach that the Bike Path and sidewalks were too crowded to stay compliant with social distancing guidelines, the City is limiting some streets to local traffic only in order to allow for individuals or households taking walks and exercising to more easily keep a 6-foot distance with others. These temporary measures will start this weekend and be expanded next weekend, and are intended to be in place only during the public health emergency. Public feedback on these measures is welcome and the City will consider making adjustments as this emergency evolves.”
For additional information, please see the Mayor’s daily briefings from Thursday, April 2 and Friday, April 3.
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