PANDEMIC UPDATE: At this point in time, lodgings in Vermont can take guests from in-state and counties in New England, Mid-Atlantic, and Ohio with low-Covid rates. Addresses will be required for reservations. Please check the map to see if your county qualifies:  

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If you are from outside Vermont or the designated counties, you must sign and complete a Certificate of Compliance to attest that you have met all quarantine requirements for the State of Vermont. For specific details from the State, see below.

 

Check back for updates and seasonal postings. We hope to see more changes as the summer progresses. And check out our newsletter for the latest in the bear shop. Bears are cleared for travel and we will ship!

 

In the meanwhile, we will be doing everything possible to comply with state regulations and make the Hugging Bear a healthy place to stay.  

 

We hope to see you soon!

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State of VT Lodging Covid Regulations

Lodging and Accommodations

Lodging operators, including short-term rentals, may resume limited lodging operations with specific health and safety requirements, and occupancy/capacity limits, for the purpose of serving Vermont residents and non-residents who can verify they have met the quarantine requirements as outlined by the Vermont Department of Health or travel from a non-quarantine county.

All operations must operate under the following restrictions:​

• Lodging operations and short-term rentals, campgrounds and marinas may accept overnight reservations from:

  • Vermont residents.

  • Out-of-state residents as follows:

    • Visitors coming from an area with <400 active cases/million residents, can travel to and from Vermont without quarantine requirements. Residents from these non-quarantine areas must travel directly to Vermont in their personal vehicle.

    • Visitors coming to Vermont from outside of one of the non-quarantine areas, as long as you travel directly to Vermont in your personal vehicle, can complete either a 14-day quarantine or a 7-day quarantine followed by a negative test in your home state and enter Vermont without further quarantine restrictions.

    • Visitors coming to Vermont from outside of one of the non-quarantine areas, and either taking public transportation like a bus, train, or plane, or if you driving and would need to stop along the way, will need to complete either a 14-day quarantine or a 7-day quarantine followed by a negative test when you arrive in a Vermont at either a lodging establishment or with friends or family.

• Operators shall require a signed document from the guest(s) attesting they meet the quarantine requirement, have traveled from a county with similar active COVID-19 caseload per ACCD, are an essential/authorized worker, or are a Vermonter. All guests must also complete a health questionnaire. The Agency of Commerce has provided a Certificate of Compliance form at accd.vermont.gov that meets both these criteria. However, operators may utilize an alternate method including those completed via electronic means such as email, upon check-in.

• Operators shall recommend that out-of-state guests register with Sara Alert to get daily reminders via text, email or phone from the Vermont Department of Health.

• Any guests that exhibit signs of illness or COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival may not be allowed to check in.  If symptoms begin during their stay they must be asked to leave and return home if possible. If departure is not possible, guests must self-isolate for the remainder of their stay and the Vermont Department of Health must be contacted immediately.

• Lodging operations and campgrounds must alter normal operations to maximize social distancing of guests.

• Check-in/out should be done via phone or electronic means to the greatest extent possible.  

• A room or accommodation must be thoroughly cleaned in accordance with CDC guidelines before another guest may use the accommodation.  

• Amenities may only be open if they are done so in accordance with the Executive Order and the Phased Restart Work Safe Guidance. Amenities must be cleaned and sanitized between guest usage and be managed to restrict access to 50 percent of fire safety occupancy or 1 person per 100 square feet, with a maximum of 75 people indoors and 150 people outdoors. Social distancing can be maintained.

• Food service may only be offered in compliance with current restaurant guidance. Indoor dining is restricted to 25 percent of capacity. Indoor dining is restricted to 50 percent fire safety occupancy or 1 person per 100 square feet.  There is a maximum limit of 75 people inside and 150 people outside.  See restaurant guidance.

• Direct contact services (such as check-in, bell, valet, housekeeping, etc.) must be limited to the greatest extent possible.  Cashless / touchless transactions are strongly preferred.  

• Operators must maintain an easily accessible log of customers and their contact information for 30 days in the event contact tracing is required by the Health Department. 

A Message from the Bears:

Wear your Mask! And don't forget to social distance.