Dear Members of the Georgetown University Community,
With the public health emergency regarding COVID-19 set to expire on May 11, 2023, and following improved public health conditions, we are adjusting Georgetown’s COVID-19 protocols and Paid Time Off (PTO) programs.
COVID-19 Protocols
COVID-19 Vaccination
As of May 11, Georgetown will strongly encourage but no longer require students, faculty or staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Health professional students who have clinical placements with affiliated organizations (e.g., MedStar Health) will still need to comply with their associated immunization requirements, including for COVID-19.
We strongly recommend that all community members stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and receive the latest booster or any new dose that becomes available and recommended by the CDC moving forward.
Visitor Protocols
As of May 11, visitors will not be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
All visitor protocols will revert back to pre-pandemic status, including in University libraries, recreational facilities and residential buildings, and for events.
COVID-19 Testing
Free antigen and PCR testing for COVID-19 continues to be available to all community members as needed. Wastewater testing will continue to be used to monitor COVID-19 transmission on our campuses.
Masks
Masking is optional in University-owned and operated buildings. Beginning today, April 11, masks will be optional on University-sponsored public transportation (e.g., GUTS), as well as in University health facilities (e.g., Student Health Center) unless otherwise instructed by a clinician.
Free high-quality masks continue to be available at entrances to most campus buildings. Everyone has the right to wear a mask whenever and wherever they wish on our campuses.
We will provide additional information regarding isolation and reporting requirements, as well as any other COVID-19 protocols, in the coming days.
Our Public Health team will continue to monitor local and national public health conditions and make adjustments to the University’s COVID-19 protocols as needed.
Though the public health emergency is ending, and we are updating our protocols accordingly, COVID-19 remains circulating in the population. Please continue to take measures to protect yourself and others against COVID-19, especially those who may be at higher risk for complications. You can do that by staying home, testing and wearing a mask if you have symptoms.
COVID-19 PTO Programs
COVID-19 PTO Donation
As of May 11, 2023, University employees will no longer be able to request donated PTO through the COVID-19 PTO Donation program.
PTO donations are no longer being accepted and unused PTO in the Donation Pool will be returned on a prorated basis to current employees who donated PTO. Donated PTO should be returned on or before June 30, 2023. If an employee who donated PTO is at the cap of 288 hours, there will be a one-time exception to the cap so that they can receive their returned PTO.
COVID-19 PTO and COVID-19 Vaccination PTO
The COVID-19 PTO and COVID-19 Vaccination PTO programs will end on June 30, 2023.
After June 30, we encourage employees experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 to stay home, following their department’s call-in procedures, and to use their paid sick leave.
Please reach out to your HR Business Partner if you have any questions about these upcoming PTO changes.
Thank you for your care for one another throughout the pandemic, and we are grateful for your continued efforts to protect the health and safety of the Georgetown community.
Sincerely,
Ranit Mishori, M.D., MHS, FAAFP
Professor of Family Medicine, Vice President and Chief Public Health Officer
Tony Kinslow, J.D., M.A.
Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer