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COVID 19 Updates

Advisory: COVID-19 Prevalence in Vermont and Recommended Precautions

| by Smita Ruzicka and Mark Peluso

Students, Faculty, Staff, Fall 2021

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

We are writing to inform you about a recent increase in COVID-19 cases in Vermont and recommended precautions to keep our community healthy and safe. 

The Vermont Department of Health has reported 533 new cases of COVID-19 in our state during the past two days, including 219 today and 314 yesterday—the highest number of cases in a single day since the start of the pandemic. State officials still are working to confirm the data to determine if it represents a surge in COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant or if it is a result of delayed reporting. 

As of now, the level of community transmission in Addison County is designated as “substantial.” Cases on campus remain low, and we do not plan to implement additional quarantine measures at this time. We recommend, however, that students, faculty, and staff take some precautions to avoid transmission and exposure to COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, as follows:

  • Delay unnecessary trips away from campus or Addison County.

  • Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.

  • Wear a mask in indoor public places when you are away from campus. Keep in mind that restaurants and bars where masks are off, and movie theaters where you are in closer proximity, put you at higher risk for COVID-19.

  • Wear a mask in crowded outdoor settings and for activities where you will have close contact with others who may not be fully vaccinated.

  • When outside, try to distance yourself from people you do not live with.

  • Avoid spending time with and/or distance yourself from people who are sick.

  • Wash your hands often.

  • Cover coughs and sneezes.

  • Monitor your health daily.

With cases in Vermont rising, we could see an increase in cases on our campus. Please remember to self-isolate (stay home or in your dorm room) and seek testing right away if you begin to experience symptoms. Mild symptoms that might be mistaken for a cold or allergy could be COVID-19.  

Students with symptoms must quarantine in their rooms and arrange for a test by contacting Health Services at 802-443-3290. Students experiencing symptoms after business hours should contact Midd Telehealth and then contact Health Services on the next business day to schedule a test. Employees can access testing through the Vermont Department of Health website.  

Please check the Campus Status website for the latest protocols and guidelines.

Sincerely,

Mark Peluso

Chief Health Officer and College Physician 

Smita Ruzicka

Vice President for Student Affairs