Attention:

Northern Vermont University is now part of Vermont State University! Please visit VermontState.edu for accurate information.

COVID: Important Case Update

A Message from President Elaine C. Collins

Dear NVU Students, Faculty, and Staff,

I am writing to update you on COVID cases at NVU. As of my last update to you on Friday, we have two new positives on the Lyndon campus involving commuter students. One of the positives came through our own testing and the other tested offsite. These cases bring our total for the semester to eight positives out of 5,115 tests conducted onsite and two at an offsite testing center.

Both students are in isolation at home. Our own internal contact tracing is well underway, and we are working with the Vermont Department of Health. We are working with the VT-DOH to isolate any close contacts to these positives. As reported Friday, close contacts of the previous still active positives are in isolation. We are taking any other necessary actions.

At Lyndon, the positive student is a commuting student who has been studying remotely for the semester. That student is in isolation at home. The presumptive positive is also a commuting student at Lyndon and is in isolation at home. Additionally, four students who have had direct contact with these cases are in quarantine.

As you all know, cases throughout Vermont and our nation are climbing. We urge all members of the NVU community to follow Vermont Department of Health guidelines:

  • Wear your mask
  • Limit contact and avoid gatherings
  • Do not travel. If you do, follow travel quarantine guidelines.
  • Get tested if you have been to a social gathering or exposed to COVID-19.
  • Answer the phone when the Health Department calls and work with contact tracers
  • And again, do not travel unless you are traveling to return home for the break.

Students heading home—in Vermont or out-of-state—be sure to refer to your home state guidelines for quarantining guidelines.

Testing for Current Campus-Based Students and Employees

NVU will hold testing for current campus-based students and employees who work on campus on Thursday from 10 am-1 pm in the Bole Gymnasium at Lyndon and in the Multi-Gym at Johnson. Remote staff and faculty will not be tested so please do not come to campus. Students, this is a final chance to test before heading out of town for the long break. Please consider using this online resource for testing locations and scheduling in all areas of Vermont and beyond during the break.

The Vermont Department of Health is in touch with anyone who needs to be notified. If you are called by their contact tracing team, please answer the call—this is to protect your health and to contain spread of the virus. You can find COVID-19 information, including travel guidance, at healthvermont.gov/covid19.

Stay tuned for updates. Keep an eye on email and web updates at NorthernVermont.edu/ReturntoNVU.

We are almost there, NVU! I am proud of you as we work to reach the finish line and the Thanksgiving break. Be vigilant to keep the NVU community and your family and friends safe.

#MASKUPNVU

Elaine