Dear Members of the Georgetown University Community,
As we begin the spring semester, I’m writing to provide a reminder about Georgetown’s public health guidance and resources. COVID-19, flu, and other respiratory illnesses have surged nationwide, including in DC, following holiday travel. These trends are expected to continue, and as our community comes together again, there are steps we can all take to care for ourselves and protect others.
It’s not too late to get your annual vaccinations for COVID-19 and flu, if you haven’t already. If you get sick, stay home, get tested, and seek care if you need it. The University is offering additional vaccine clinics this month (see below for details). We appreciate everyone’s continued efforts to protect the health and safety of our University community.
COVID-19
Please monitor yourself for symptoms consistent with COVID-19. If you have any symptoms:
- Please stay home;
- Students should stay in their residence, not go to class or other social gatherings, and follow their instructor’s policy for making up coursework, as needed, which may include attending class remotely or completing work by other means.
- Faculty should contact their department chair or program head if they are unable to teach.
- Staff/AAP employees should use sick leave following their department’s established call-in procedures or by submitting a request in GMS, based on their department’s established practice.
- Complete the COVID-19 Check-In survey through the GU360 website;
- Call the Student Health Center or your healthcare provider, if needed, and if it is an emergency call the Georgetown Emergency Response Medical Service (GERMS) at 202-687-4357 if you are on the Hilltop campus or 911 otherwise;
- Take a COVID-19 test; and
- Do not return to class or work until cleared by your health care provider or after a consultation with the Care Navigation team.
If you receive a positive test result:
- Report positive results from an antigen test or PCR test to Georgetown through the COVID-19 Test Result Submission Form in a timely manner.
- Georgetown’s Care Navigator team will provide guidance regarding isolation.
Antigen tests are available free of charge to community members. Please contact the Public Health team at carenavigators@georgetown.edu for more guidance and to arrange picking up a test during the week, Monday-Friday, holidays excepted.
While free PCR tests are no longer available on our campuses, students can discuss PCR testing with the clinicians at the MedStar Georgetown University Student Health Center. Students, faculty, and staff may also consult with their primary care physician or access care via One Medical.
Flu or Other Illness
If you have symptoms of influenza (flu) or other illness, please stay home, following the procedures described in the COVID-19 section above, so that you can rest and recover. Staying home and taking care of yourself will also help keep our campus community healthy. Testing for influenza is available at the Student Health Center and at your primary care physician’s office, as well as antiviral treatment. If you are experiencing severe or concerning symptoms, please call the Student Health Center or your healthcare provider, and if it is an emergency call GERMS at 202-687-4357 on the Hilltop campus or 911 otherwise.
Masks
Wearing a properly-fitted, high-quality mask (e.g., N95, KN95, KF94) when around crowds or during group gatherings is effective in preventing infection with and transmission of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and the flu. Wearing a mask is optional in university-owned or operated buildings and transportation, as well as in University health facilities (e.g., Student Health Center), unless otherwise instructed by a clinician.
Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 or who have been exposed to someone who has tested positive must wear a mask when around others for the full 10 days from the date of exposure or infection, following DC Health and CDC guidance.
Vaccines
Georgetown strongly recommends that all community members stay up to date with all CDC-recommended vaccines, including for COVID-19, flu, and those recommended based on an individual’s risk, such as for RSV and pneumonia. COVID-19 vaccines will likely remain fully covered by your insurance and available at your doctor’s office and local pharmacies. Visit Vaccines.gov to find a location near you.
The University is offering additional vaccine clinics in January. The flu and COVID-19 vaccines, as well as other CDC-recommended vaccines, will be available at these clinics.
Clinics will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 23, and Tuesday, Jan. 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Bulldog Alley in the Leavey Center. Register in advance and bring your insurance information and GOCard.
Contact Information
Thank you for helping to protect the health and safety of the Georgetown community. Please reach out to the Care Navigation team at carenavigators@georgetown.edu with any questions.
Sincerely,
Ranit Mishori, M.D., MHS, MSc, FAAFP
Professor of Family Medicine, Vice President and Chief Public Health Officer