Important COVID-19 Notice to the NVU Community

A Message from President Elaine C. Collins

NVU Community,

I write this morning to let you know that late yesterday afternoon, we received our first positive COVID-19 test result. The case involves a remote commuting student from the Lyndon campus who is in isolation and receiving off-site services. We are working with the Vermont Department of Health and they will be involved in contact tracing and any other necessary response.

At this time, I want to reassure you that this is one positive case out of 3,849 tests over the course of the semester. We have prepared for this and have taken appropriate action.

The NVU community has done an incredible job adhering to health and safety guidelines during this pandemic. We must keep this vigilance up in wearing masks, keeping social distance, and washing hands, especially as we move inside as the weather turns colder. We cannot let up.

This positive case reinforces how incredibly important it is for our students to stay put during the next week’s two-day break. Vermont is surrounded by counties that are now considered unsafe for all but essential travel. Please, do not travel. Stay on campus or at home if you commute. We made this decision to support you, and we must ask that you support the full NVU community by doing all you can to keep members of the community safe. Strict adherence to the Vermont cross-state travel guidelines will be required, as it always is.

Once the Vermont Department of Health begins their work, they will be 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.

Please join me in keeping our NVU student’s health in mind.

Thank you. #MASKUPNVU

Elaine