March 25, 2020

MARSHFIELD, Vt. (AP) — Gov. Phil Scott on Tuesday ordered in-person operations of non-essential businesses to close and Vermonters to stay home to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus as the number of deaths in the state rose by two to seven and confirmed cases increased to 95.

“I want to be very clear about this: We need everyone to limit activities outside of the home and to practice social distancing at all times to slow the spread of this highly contagious and potentially deadly virus,” he said in a written statement.

All businesses and not-for-profit entities not specifically exempted must suspend all in-person business operations by Wednesday at 5 p.m., the governor said. Online or phone operations, or sales through curbside pickup or delivery only, can continue, he said. Grocery stores, pharmacies, hardware stores, and health care operations and news media are exempt.

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This unfortunately means that NESA will not be able to conduct any flight operations (including tows of private single seat ships which we had previously hoped to be able to continue) until this restriction is lifted by the state.

We will of course monitor the situation and send updates when and if things change. Thank you all for understanding. Stay safe. Hope to see everyone on the Safety Seminar Webinar on the 4th (lets face it, what else would you be going to do :-).

This years Spring safety meeting will be held as planned at 10am on the 4th but given the current COVID-19 situation, it will be conducted as an on-line WEBINAR not an in person meeting.

Agenda and webinar connection details will be distributed to everyone a few days before the event.

With respect to flight operations, we are continually monitoring the latest COVID-19 recommendations and re-evaluating how, when and if we can safely begin flying. The primary challenge being two-seater operations necessary for Spring check flights and training operations.

Six ships rigged today representing NESA, Post Mills and GBSC (BU,DW,EA,TH,i1,FS). Wind backed down to manageable level before noon. Four flew. Didn’t get the story from everyone at the end of the day, but the one pilot I did get a report from found wave lift to 14K+. Nice.

Spring is almost here. Hope to see folks at the airport soon. A 200ft rope currently qualifies as sufficient for social distancing/self isolation 😉