With winter weather kicking in, independent Vermont news outlet VTDigger reports a fear is beginning to materialize among snowplow crews statewide: who would clear the roads if a whole crew were to be out sick with COVID-19 when a snowstorm hit?

That question has fueled planning efforts in public works departments across the state, with solutions that range from hiring extra drivers to setting up mutual aid networks between towns to making new websites for communicating delays to the public.

The state government’s 350 or so plow drivers are practicing social distancing and mask-wearing to avoid a mass outbreak, said Todd Law, director of maintenance with the Agency of Transportation. The drivers are also required to stay home if they have a fever, sore throat or other potential Covid symptom. 

To find out more about how the state is preparing, check out the report here.