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COVID 19 Updates

Protective Health Behaviors

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements

In accordance with Middlebury’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, all students, faculty, staff, and visitors on campus are required to be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines, which includes booster shots when eligible, unless they have approved religious or medical exemptions.

Middlebury’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy includes detailed information about College requirements (including a list of approved vaccines) and procedures for providing vaccination and booster shot documentation. 

Monitor for COVID-19 Symptoms

Students, faculty, and staff should always monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms. Those with symptoms should stay away from others and follow the Instructions for Those Exposed, Symptomatic, or Positive for COVID-19.

Individuals with severe or sudden-onset symptoms should call 911.

Masks

In addition to vaccination and booster shots, wearing a well-fitted, high-quality mask is among the most effective methods to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, especially during times of high transmission. The CDC and Vermont Department of Health offer guidance on well-fitting masks.

We ask that all members of our community respect the choices of others about whether or not to wear masks, and consider the CDC Community Level and associated guidance when making decisions around mask use. In most campus locations, masks are optional.

Following are guidelines for the Middlebury College campus: 

  • Faculty will have the option to require masks in the classroom, labs, studios, and offices. 

  • Individuals notified of recent confirmed or suspected exposure to an infected person should wear a mask for 10 days around others when indoors in public and should follow the instructions for individuals who are identified as a close contact. 

  • Students in in-room recovery must wear well-fitted, high-quality masks when they are picking up meals at the dining halls or walking to and from bathrooms through Day 10 of their recovery, or follow new CDC guidance for using consecutive antigen tests to remove your mask sooner. 

  • Some departments and offices, such as Health Services, require masks. These departments typically post signs at entry points to inform visitors of the policy. 

  • All members of the community are encouraged to carry masks with them at all times.

Mask requirements will be indicated on the Campus Status web page. If a student or employee has a disability or medical condition that requires accommodations for a specific type of mask, they should contact the Disability Resource Center (students) or Human Resources (faculty and staff).

Mask Signs

Those who would like to display signs about mask preferences may download them for printing.

Hand Hygiene

Washing hands or using hand sanitizer reduces the risk of getting infected with a virus when someone touches their face, nose, or eyes. This practice prevents someone who is infected (even if they don’t feel sick) from spreading germs to others when touching shared surfaces.

Follow these steps:

  • Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially when entering a new area, after being in a public place, or after blowing their nose, coughing, sneezing, or touching their face. 

  • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Hand sanitizer is located inside the entrances to campus buildings and in classrooms and event spaces.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands, and do not touch any personal items or eat with unwashed hands. 

  • Disinfect personal items such as keys, cell phones, and keyboards frequently.

  • Individuals should always cover their mouth and nose with tissues when they cough or sneeze or direct the sneeze into the inside of their elbow. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.

Travel

Current travel restrictions will be on the Campus Status page.

Institutional Travel

Institutional travel is permitted with departmental approval and adherence to all CDC travel guidelines. College vehicle rentals may be used if approved by the appropriate department. 

International Travel

Middlebury-sponsored international travel for faculty, staff, and students is permitted under the rules of the College’s international travel policy. All travelers must follow CDC travel guidelines. Travelers should be attentive to the COVID-19 situation in their destination and are subject to all host country travel restrictions and quarantine requirements.

Personal Travel

Personal travel is not restricted by the College. Travel may increase the risk of potential exposure. Please consult the Campus Status web page. All individuals must follow CDC guidelines, as well as travel guidance at their point of destination. 

Visitors

Visitors to Campus

Visitors including approved vendors are subject to all applicable Middlebury College health policies, including but not limited to those pertaining to Middlebury’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy and masks.

Visitors must also follow all CDC travel guidance, and they may not come to campus under the following conditions:

  • They have tested positive for COVID-19 within five days of their arrival date.

  • They are experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms.

Visitors may not come to campus until they have recovered from COVID-19 and can end isolation as defined by the CDC. They must also wear a well-fitted high quality mask through Day 10 of their recovery. 

Many campus events can be held in a way that reduces the risk of exposure to attendees. The Department of Event Management review process helps prospective hosts put in place appropriate measures to minimize the chance of viral transmission. Event organizers are ultimately responsible for designing mitigation plans to minimize the risk of transmission. 

Given that the visitor policy may change based on local and regional health conditions, please check the Campus Status web page for the most current information regarding campus visitors.