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COVID 19 Updates

Preparing for a Safe Departure from Campus

As we approach the final weeks of the spring semester, this guidance is provided to help students prepare for a safe and healthy departure from campus, travel to various destinations and to reunite with family and friends.

Departure Checklist 

COVID-19 Health and Safety Campus Departure Checklist: 

  • I have reviewed CDC’s COVID-19 Travel website for the latest recommendations on domestic and international travel, including guidance for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. 
  • I am aware of any travel quarantine and testing requirements for my destination state or country and have a plan to comply with necessary requirements. 
  • If my travel plan requires a COVID-19 test before leaving campus, I have booked an appointment using the link on the COVID-19 Testing webpage. 
  • I am aware of the COVID-19 situation in the place I am traveling to, including the presence of any high-risk individuals, and have a plan to help reduce my risk of either catching or spreading COVID-19. 
  • I have a travel plan that will reduce my exposure to infection during travel and the possibility of exposure to others as much as possible. 
  • If unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, I have a plan to obtain vaccination at my target destination (unless there is a medical or religious exemption).

COVID-19 Testing

As part of our pre-departure protocols, we will offer optional COVID-19 testing for all students the weeks of May 17 and May 24:

  • Monday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Thursday, May 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Monday, May 24, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, May 25, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, May 26, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, May 27, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Advanced sign-up for testing is required. Check the COVID-19 Testing Schedule page to make an appointment.

Please take note of the following:

  • The CDC and Vermont Department of Health advise that fully-vaccinated individuals (two weeks after the last dose of vaccine) do not need to be tested unless required by the destination.
  • A COVID-19 negative test does not mean you will remain negative at any point after that test. 
  • A negative test result only means that you did not have COVID-19 at the time of testing or that the sample was collected too early in an infection to be detected. 
  • You could be exposed to COVID-19 after the test and become infected and spread the virus to others. 
  • Even with a negative test, you should take steps to protect yourself and others by following the important precautions of monitoring for symptoms, wearing a face covering, maintaining physical distancing, washing hands frequently, and avoiding gatherings with others where these precautions are not followed.  

Travel to Destinations Requiring a Negative COVID-19 Test

Students who are traveling to a location that requires a COVID-19 test, such as an international location that requires proof of a negative test within 72 hours of a flight, should check the COVID-19 Testing Schedule page to sign up for a test. The COVID-19 testing available at Middlebury’s testing center is a RT-PCR test offered through Broad Institute. 

Vermont Department of Health also offers free testing at a number of sites.

Preparing to Visit High-Risk Individuals

If you are traveling to a location where high-risk individuals reside, you should not rely on a negative test to ensure you will not expose others. Remember that testing reflects only a point in time and is not prevention. A negative test can provide a false sense of security.   

Because symptoms may start between two and 14 days after exposure to the virus, it is important that you follow prevention measures carefully in the two weeks leading up to your departure from campus to reduce your risk of bringing infection with you when you depart campus. 

Following are some important guidelines:

  • Wear face coverings when around others (even those you live with). 
  • Avoid locations where physical distancing is difficult to maintain or where face coverings will be removed (for example, when eating or drinking). 
  • Utilize takeout dining options and limit indoor dining with others. If you eat with others, choose outdoor locations or ensure strict physical distancing is maintained. You should limit the time you are indoors with others and face coverings are removed.
  • Use good hand hygiene. 

These prevention measures protect you and others (including high-risk individuals), regardless of where you are and what you are surrounded by.

Resources 

CDC Webpage: People at Increased Risk 

CDC Webpage: How to Protect Yourself & Others 

CDC Webpage: Safer Travel Ideas 

CDC Webpage: Domestic Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic 

CDC Webpage: International Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic

VT Department of Health Web Page: Preventing COVID-19