FAQs about Planning
“I’m flipping out, I don’t have a plan, what do I do?”
First, relax and take a deep breath. The planning process is designed to make your life easier if a real pandemic were to occur. While the prospect of a pandemic is certainly frightening, simply going through the planning process should make you feel more at ease in the event that a pandemic occurs. You have some time, and we are going to continue to develop resources to help you plan. It might be best to begin by discussing this issue with your family.
What is an influenza pandemic?
A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges for which there is little or no immunity in the human population, begins to cause serious illness, and then spreads easily person-to-person worldwide.
How do pandemic viruses occur?
New influenza viruses emerge as a result of a process called antigenic shift, which causes a sudden and major change in influenza viruses. These changes occur when proteins on the surface of the virus combine in new ways as a result of mutation or exchange of genetic material between multiple influenza viruses. If such changes result in a new influenza A virus subtype that can infect humans and spread easily from person to person, an influenza pandemic can occur.*
Will a pandemic influenza occur? If so, when will it happen?
Many scientists believe it is a matter of time until the next influenza pandemic occurs. However, the timing and severity of the next pandemic cannot be predicted. Influenza pandemics occurred three times in the past century — in 1918-19, 1957-58, and 1968-69.*
What age groups are most likely to be affected during an influenza pandemic?
Although scientists cannot predict the specific consequences of an influenza pandemic, it is likely that many age groups would be seriously affected. The greatest risk of hospitalization and death – as seen during the last two pandemics in 1957 and 1968 and during annual influenza – will be infants, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions. However, in the 1918 pandemic, most deaths occurred in young adults. Few if any people would have immunity to the virus.*
What information do you have about using masks during a pandemic?
Surgical mask and respirator use (N-95 or higher) is one component of a system of infection control practices designed to prevent the spread of infection in health care settings (e.g., hospitals, emergency departments, out-patient facilities, residential care facilities, emergency medical services, home health care delivery).
It should be noted that there is limited information on the use of surgical masks for the control of a pandemic in settings where there is no identified source of infection (in the workplace or in public places). There is little information on respirator use in such scenarios since modern respirators did not exist during the last pandemic.*
Why do I have to have two locations?
Just like on an airplane where “the best exit may behind you,” during a pandemic, you might find that the second location is easier to get to or is less affected by the pandemic. For most students, the primary location will be home with their family. However, if you live more than a day’s drive from campus, having a second location that is closer is a good idea, even if only for a short time. For planning purposes, we must assume that once the College closes, you will not have access to your dorm or any services; thus, having a second location nearby would be a good idea.
Won’t I be safer in Middlebury?
While it might be safer to avoid large cities and stay in a small Vermont town, the college campus environment does not adequately provide the social distancing necessary to prevent the rapid transmission of illness. In fact, staying on a residential campus with others might actually increase the likelihood of infection.
I heard that during the 1918 flu pandemic, Middlebury College students stayed on campus. Why can’t we stay?
Based on local historical accounts of Middlebury in 1918:
·There was a far smaller student body at the time
·Survival depended on quarantine under martial law, which is not a likely scenario today
·The nation did not have the benefit of the ability to prepare alternatives
·Frankly, they were probably lucky that the quarantine worked and that the virus did not get into the dorms.
Will I be able to fly or travel to distant locations during an evacuation?
You might, but do not count on it as your only strategy. While air travel may be possible, staffing and fuel shortages may cause delays. It is essential that you have an evacuation location within reasonable driving distance from the College.
What about classes and graduation?
Middlebury College is considering strategies to allow students to continue working toward their graduation requirements.
What are other schools doing?
Due to the need for social distancing, many colleges and universities are also considering evacuation and closure at this time.
Will I still have access to email and information from the College?
While we hope so, and will strive to maintain a connection for you, there may be periods where the ability to connect with the College is disrupted due to staff illness or shortages. We anticipate that any disruptions will be temporary.
What do I do if my plan does not work?
It is important to take the planning process seriously and develop plans that have a high chance of success. Middlebury College is not going to verify your plan, and you are really the best person to make a plan for yourself. If your plan were to fail despite your best efforts, Middlebury College might not be in a position to help you, and you would have to quickly come up with an alternative.
*Adapted from information accessed at
www.pandemicflu.gov