I'll be honest, I don't live in Vermont and so was not initially aware of the prohibition against taking a walk with another person.
Prior to this relaxation of the rules governing individual behavior (I guess we have those now), you could only go for a walk alone, the better to ponder in silence your deepening loneliness.
The rules were part of a package of restrictions that Vermont Governor Phil Scott issued last week in the face of rising positivity rates of Covid.
"Given our recent case growth, we have no choice but to restrict social gatherings, whether at a home, a bar or in a parking lot, multi-household gatherings, both inside and out, whether in public or private spaces, are prohibited."
You are "prohibited" from gathering in a parking lot under the authority vested in him under "because I said so."
"The restrictions apply to upcoming Thanksgiving celebrations and include not taking a walk with a neighbor."
Oh, they can do that? I guess they can do that.
"Individuals who live alone may gather with members of their immediate family residing in a different household."
See, it's not like he's a monster or anything. He's doing his best given you don't seem to know how to follow orders.
"But the fact is, people getting together, not being careful and letting their guard down, is why we're in this position today."
The problem? Living, apparently. The principal violators?
"Baby showers, tailgate parties, deer camps, and other small gatherings like barbecues where multiple households are getting together and not wearing masks or staying physically separated for long periods of time."
Why could people still dine-in restaurants but not go for a walk with a neighbor?
"We're not saying you can go to a restaurant with your neighbor; you can go to the restaurant with your immediate family, your household members, and there are guidelines in place once you get there. It is much different from you going out with your neighbor for an hour or two when you don't know what your neighbor has done."
Who knows what she's done. Maybe ate some pork ribs or similar crimes against humanity.
"This is different from the beginning. This is about socially isolating, separating in some respects."
"You shouldn't get together for horseshoes or having a beer or coffee or anything like that, you need to stay away from each other."
"You need to stay away from each other."
The positivity rate is running just above 1%.
While the other restrictions remain in place, the governor gave in on the ban on going for a walk with someone after he came under surprising pressure, most likely from right-wingers who want to engage in extremist behavior like going for a walk with someone.
"We wanted to inject some common sense and be sure that people who wanted to bike together, or hike together, or walk together, could do so…"
Finally, some common sense!
"…but no more than two at a time."
