Vermont Business Magazine In light of the recent surge in COVID-19 cases throughout the state, including Chittenden County, the University of Vermont said in a statement Tuesday evening that it "deeply regrets" that is not in a position to provide classroom space to Burlington High School.
“This has been an extremely difficult decision, especially given the needs of BHS students and the productive conversations we had with school administrators prior to the surge,” said UVM Provost Patty Prelock. “However, the university must do all it can to protect the staff, students and faculty—many of whom are involved in medical research and healthcare services—who will remain on campus over winter break.”
In recent remarks, Vermont Commissioner of Health Dr. Mark Levine stressed the precarious nature of the state’s current coronavirus infection rates, noting the challenges now being faced are in many ways more serious than those confronted in the spring. Dr. Levine also emphasized the ease with which the virus can spread.
Despite very low infection rates throughout the semester, UVM saw an increase in positive COVID-19 cases over the past week. Following Governor Scott’s November 13 executive order which, among other measures, prohibits multi-household gatherings, the university cancelled several planned on-campus events, including athletics games. UVM also provided undergraduate students the opportunity to move to remote instruction earlier than planned to help minimize the number of people on campus.
Prelock said BHS’s role in serving the educational needs of the community’s high school students was a compelling factor in the university’s consideration of the proposal and noted that the high school serves many UVM families. However, the increase in COVID-19 cases made it clear that bringing an additional 1,100 people to UVM’s campus was not in the best interest of public health.
"We understand the great importance of in-person instruction for high school students and we have been committed to trying to make this work,” said Prelock. “However, since our initial conversations, the community context has changed significantly. We sincerely empathize with BHS and hope the school can secure a long-term location soon.”
Source: UVM 11.17.2020