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COVID 19 Updates

COVID-19 Trends, May Testing Schedule

| by Smita Ruzicka and Mark Peluso

Dear Middlebury Community,

We are writing with updates about the latest COVID-19 trends and testing opportunities on campus. In this email, we’ll address the following topics:

  • Latest COVID-19 Trends
  • State of the State
  • Vaccine Clinic in Middlebury 
  • Testing on Campus
  • Antigen Tests for Students and Employees

Latest COVID-19 Trends

As of last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) once again designated many counties in Vermont as having high COVID-19 community levels. Addison County is experiencing a slight increase in cases, even as campus case totals remain low, and most individuals continue to report mild to moderate illness. 

Omicron continues to be the dominant variant of concern circulating globally. The World Health Organization reported an increase in both the number of cases and the number of countries reporting three subvariants of Omicron with slightly different genetic mutations: BA.4, BA.5, and BA.2.12.1.

The rise in cases in general is not accompanied by a notable rise in hospital admissions or other signs of increased severity. Preliminary data from South Africa indicated there is no difference in the risk of hospitalization for BA.4 and BA.5, compared to BA.1. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as information becomes available. 

State of the State

Governor Phil Scott and state officials at their weekly press briefing Tuesday said they continue to watch these trends. Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine noted that individuals are only fully protected if they have had the primary vaccination series plus a booster shot. He encouraged Vermonters to assess their own personal risk in deciding which measures to take to protect themselves and others, including wearing a high-quality mask in some indoor settings. He encouraged everyone to take a test if they develop symptoms and to stay up-to-date on their vaccinations. 

The state this week received an increased supply of an antiviral medication that can be prescribed by physicians in the first five days of infection with COVID-19. 

For more information about cases, vaccination, and resources, visit the Vermont Department of Health COVID-19 website.

Vaccine Clinic in Middlebury

Thank you to all who participated in Monday’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic on campus. Our Addison County Home Health and Hospice partners administered 32 doses overall.

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 of this to their student health portal. Employees may upload their new record to Sentry MD.  

Testing on Campus

PCR testing for COVID-19 continues to be available at the testing window at Centeno House, 136 South Main Street, accessible via the patio facing the Service Building. No appointment is needed. 

PCR testing will be available for students and employees on campus as follows:

  • Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., through May 19.
  • Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., between May 23 and May 27.
  • Students who need to take a PCR COVID-19 test for travel requirements after May 27 should schedule a test at Vermont Department of Health sites or contact Health Services. Please note that the lab that processes results will be closed on Sunday, May 29, and Monday, May 30, so there may be delays.

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, or a local pharmacy. See also COVID-19 Testing and Reporting Instructions.

Antigen Tests for Students and Employees

We continue the distribution of antigen tests on campus as follows:

  • For Students: Antigen tests are available in the dining halls at check-in and 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. 

Thank you for your attention to these updates. 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