Over the last several weeks it’s become clear we are entering a new phase of the COVID-19 emergency—a phase that will last for months, probably until there is a vaccine or a more effective treatment. This phase will be less focused on preventing a surge of patients in hospitals (although we will remain vigilant) and more focused on preventing outbreaks and re-opening the health care system to address the needs of Vermonters that have been neglected in the immediate response to the crisis. Vermonters still have high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. They still need to have their teeth cleaned. Children need to be immunized against the diseases for which we already have vaccines. There is a lot of planning left to do.
