| by Mark Peluso

Faculty, Fall 2020, Staff, Students

Dear Middlebury Community,

I am writing to share some initial results from our most recent COVID-19 tests for students who arrived August 26 and 27. Of the 322 results received so far, one student tested positive, 316 tests were negative, and five individuals will be retested due to insufficient samples. We expect to receive more results later today but wanted to keep you informed.

The student who tested positive was already in quarantine after learning of an exposure at home, and is now in isolation. The student’s Day 0 arrival test was negative, and they learned about the possible exposure after arrival. The student is being followed closely by College health professionals and is doing well. We have informed the Vermont Department of Health so they may begin contact tracing, and we have instructed those who may have had close contact with the individual to begin room quarantine until contact tracing is completed. They will all be receiving meal delivery and other support.

While we expected to see additional positive results in our Day 7 testing and were prepared to respond, we know this news is concerning to our community. It cannot be said enough that we must remain vigilant during this period of campus quarantine and beyond. The entire campus must follow strict health and safety protocols—including the wearing of face coverings, regular hand washing, and physical distancing—and abide by our codes of conduct to ensure a successful semester.

Our COVID-19 Reporting Dashboard will be updated by noon and 6 p.m. each day that we receive results. The dashboard reflects the total number of tests taken along with confirmed positive and negative results, as well as the number of individuals in quarantine. The number of tests exceeds the number of individuals tested because each student is tested on Day 0 and Day 7 after arrival. Insufficient sample/retest results are not included until confirmed results are received. We continue to monitor one other active case on campus, and 10 individuals are quarantining.

Any student who is on campus or who is enrolled to study on campus and living off campus and is experiencing symptoms should immediately contact the Health Services nurse line at 802-443-3290 or after hours contact MiddTelehealth. Any student who wishes to speak to Counseling Services may do so by calling 802-443-5141. Any faculty or staff member or student not living on campus who develops symptoms should call their own healthcare provider directly and inform their supervisor, if applicable, of any needed accommodations. Campus-based contact exposures will be addressed through our weekly Targeted Dynamic Testing program.

Sincerely,

Mark Peluso

Director of Health Services and College Physician