Weekly VP Update February 4

Dear MIIS Community:

Happy Lunar New Year to those who celebrate! I hope the first week of the semester is going smoothly. After today, I will revert to sending out these updates on a bi-weekly basis. As always, you can view all return to campus policies and updates on our return to campus web page.

Students, Please Be Sure to Verify Your Vaccine & Booster Status in Sentry MD: If you have not already done so, please upload your booster verification (and vaccine verification for new students) into the Sentry system by logging in with your middlebury.edu email address. The deadline to provide verification of COVID-19 booster shots has been extended to Friday, February 11 for all members of the Institute community who will be on campus at any point during the spring semester. Students not yet eligible for a booster by January 28, due to the later timing of their second vaccination, should complete and submit the Booster Information Form.  Kudos to faculty and staff, already at more than 90% booster compliance!

Access to Free COVID Testing: There are several means by which you can obtain a free COVID test. Free PCR tests are available via Virus Geeks at the Portola Hotel & Spa at 2 Portola Plaza in downtown Monterey from 7 AM - 4 PM Tuesday through Saturday. There are other vaccine and testing locations in the local area, including at the Tuesday Farmers Market (including rapid antigen tests), the Monterey Airport, and Monterey Peninsula College. Additionally, you can now order 4 free rapid test kits from the United States postal service at this link.

What to do if you Test Positive for COVID-19: Below is a graphic from the Wall Street Journal that guides you through what to do if you or a family member is worried you might have COVID-19. In addition to the steps in the flowchart, staff, and faculty, please don’t forget to notify HR if you test positive. Students should notify the Office of Student Services. The Institute has a quick COVID-19 Response Plan that will help guide you if you test positive. 

Free Masks at Local Pharmacies: The U.S. federal government is now providing free masks through local pharmacies, based on availability. We’ve heard reports that N95 masks are available at some local pharmacies. Look for signage in the pharmacy, and you will need to request them at the counter.

Hope you get a chance to enjoy the dry weather and maybe even a celebrity sighting this weekend at the AT&T Pro-Am Golf Tournament. 

Sincerely,

Jeff Dayton-Johnson

VP for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Institute