Support for Students with Possible COVID-19 Symptoms

Dear Students, 

I hope that you are doing well during this unprecedented and challenging time. While we are fortunate that there has not yet been a COVID-19 case on campus, cases are starting to appear in the town of Middlebury. I am writing to let you know that Parton Health Center is here to help and support you for any of your health needs, including if you begin to feel sick.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you begin experiencing these symptoms, or have another health issue you would like to discuss, please follow the directions below for accessing healthcare services. Please note that the day of the week and time of day will determine whether or not you should contact Parton Health Center or go to Porter Medical Center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as trouble with your breathing, call 911 immediately for help.

Monday- Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Parton Health Center will continue to be open Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. If you are sick or have any health-related concerns, please contact the Parton nurse line at 802-443-3290. If a nurse does not pick up, please leave a message and someone will call you back as soon as possible. While you are waiting, it is best to distance yourself from others as much as possible to avoid spreading illness. Stay in your room if possible. If health center staff suspect that you may have COVID-19, testing at Porter Medical Center will be considered in consultation with the Vermont Department of Health. The College has separate isolation rooms for students who may be sick with COVID-19. We will make transportation arrangements to those rooms and provide you with food and support.

Evenings and Weekends

Middlebury students can continue to access services at Porter Medical Center. Porter is receiving all patients through the Emergency Department entrance. There is no need to call Porter in advance. Porter staff will ask you some preliminary questions and then determine if they will see you at Express Care or in the Emergency Department. Transportation can be arranged to and from Porter by calling Public Safety at 802-443-5911. The transport van will bring you to Porter, and then either back to your room, or to a designated isolation room. Parton staff will provide you with follow-up care.

If you go to Porter with the expectation of being tested for COVID-19, this is unlikely to happen. Porter is following CDC and Vermont Health Department guidance regarding testing with priority for:

• Health care workers caring for patients with COVID-1
• Patients who are:
  • Hospitalized
  • Immunocompromised
  • o   Incarcerated
  • o   Requiring dialysis
  • o   Residents of long-term care facilities (nursing homes)

Risk factors for serious disease associated with COVID-19 include older age and underlying health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes. Most Middlebury students will not meet these criteria

Please contact the Parton nurse line at 802-443-3290 if you have any questions. 

Sincerely,

Mark Peluso

Director of Health Services and College Physician