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COVID 19 Updates

COVID-19, Influenza A, and Changes to State Testing

| by Smita Ruzicka and Mark Peluso

Spring 2022

Dear Middlebury Community,

In this email we will address the following:

  • Influenza A and COVID-19 Trends on Campus
  • State to Phase Out Testing Sites
  • PCR Testing on Campus
  • Antigen Tests for Students and Employees
  • Vaccine Clinic in Middlebury 

Influenza A and COVID-19 Trends on Campus

In recent weeks, we have identified a number of Influenza A cases among students on campus. This is unusual for this time of year, and the symptoms are similar to those of COVID-19. To avoid transmission, anyone with respiratory symptoms should consider staying home and wearing a mask when around others. 

We also have received reports from individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 who tested negative with an antigen test, sometimes more than once, before testing positive for the virus. We continue to recommend that anyone who has symptoms but tests negative with an antigen test confirm the result with a PCR test. 

State to Phase Out Testing Sites

Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine announced at a Tuesday press briefing that the state will phase out state-run COVID-19 testing sites starting this month and continuing into June. PCR testing will continue to be integrated into the healthcare system, doctors’ offices, and pharmacies. Home antigen tests also are widely available, which has decreased attendance at the testing sites.

The Vermont Department of Health released its latest COVID-19 Surveillance Report on Wednesday. This replaces the COVID-19 case dashboard, which no longer provides a comprehensive picture of prevalence, state officials said. You can find more information on the Current Activity page. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to designate many counties in Vermont, including Addison, with high COVID-19 community levels. 

PCR Testing on Campus

PCR testing for COVID-19 is available at the testing window at Centeno House, 136 South Main Street, accessible via the patio facing the Service Building. No appointment is needed. Testing is available on Monday and Wednesday, May 23 and May 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Students who need to take a PCR COVID-19 test after May 25 to comply with travel requirements should schedule a test at one of the following locations:

  • Vermont Department of Health sites will offer PCR tests, except on May 28 and May 29.
  • Local pharmacy
  • Porter Hospital offers testing by appointment only at the Ambulatory Respiratory Clinic. Testing is available from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Call 802-388-8865 to schedule an appointment. Results are available within 72 hours. 

More information about testing is available on the COVID-19 Testing page. Note that employees who are symptomatic may use a home antigen test kit and/or arrange testing through their healthcare provider, the Vermont Department of Health, a local pharmacy, or Porter Hospital. See also COVID-19 Testing and Reporting Instructions.

In June, Health Services will offer PCR testing once a week. The dates and times will be included in a future update. 

Antigen Tests for Students and Employees

We are distributing antigen tests on campus as follows:

  • For Students: Antigen tests are available in the dining halls at check-in, at the Davis Family Library circulation desk, and at Health Services, Centeno House. 
  • For Employees: Antigen test kits and N-95 and KN-95 masks are available at the Human Resources Office at Marble Works, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and at the Davis Family Library circulation desk. 

Vaccine Clinic in Middlebury

The state continues to offer a COVID-19 vaccine clinic that is walking distance from campus, at the Middlebury Regional EMS headquarters, 55 Collins Drive, next to Porter Hospital. Clinic hours are Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Vaccinations for the primary series and first or second boosters of Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson are available. 

You can learn more from the Vermont Department of Health. If you have questions, please talk to your healthcare provider. Students who receive their booster should upload documentation to their student health portal. Employees may upload their new record to Sentry MD.  

Thank you for your attention to these latest updates, and best of luck to our students on finals. Should you have questions, please write to COVIDInfo@middlebury.edu.

Sincerely,

Mark Peluso

Chief Health Officer and College Physician

Smita Ruzicka

Vice President for Student Affairs