Two colleagues wearing masks

VBSR Supports Indoor Masking Mandates and Welcomes OSHA Vaccine Requirements

Burlington, VT – From supply chain disruptions to complete business closures, the public health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have created a ripple effect throughout our economy, and business owners continue to struggle to maintain operations while keeping their employees and communities healthy and whole. While Vermont has set the benchmark for pandemic response both regionally and nationally, the rise in the recent Delta Variant of the COVID-19 virus threatens to compromise not only the health of our communities but that of our shared economy.

For the safety of our employees and enterprises, VBSR has adopted the following policy position surrounding the use of vaccine and/or masking mandates to contain the spread of the virus.

Masking Mandates

VBSR strongly supports a statewide indoor masking mandate until such time that all counties in Vermont are deemed to be of ‘low or moderate transmission risk’” as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Public health professionals are united on the importance of masking to contain the spread of COVID-19, and we must be proactive in mitigating this spread, particularly as we head into colder weather when people spend more time inside.

 Vaccine Mandates

 VBSR welcomes the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)’s forthcoming emergency temporary standard (ETS) requiring employees get vaccinated against the coronavirus or submit to weekly testing. We agree that vaccination is the best course of action to defeat the pandemic and revitalize our economy.

 We also recognize Vermonters’ rights to bodily autonomy and the right of a business to operate consistent with its values.

 We encourage every business, regardless of size, to consider mandating vaccinations, masking, and/or ongoing testing for their employees—taking into account their individual company culture and implementing what they consider to be best for their business and community.

VBSR is a statewide, non-profit business association with a mission to leverage the power of business for positive social and environmental impact. VBSR’s 650 member businesses and organizations strive toward a just, thriving, and transformative economy that works for all people and the planet through shared learning, building connections, and collective action. Learn more or join the cause at www.vbsr.org.