Dear Students,
We are writing today to share both our gratitude and some important reminders with you. With the warmer weather and spring break approaching, we continue to have a shared responsibility to protect the health and safety of our community.
We are extremely grateful to the many students who regularly follow the University’s public health guidance, including wearing a mask, practicing physical distancing, avoiding indoor social gatherings, respecting the requirement to quarantine or isolate, and meeting testing commitments. Thank you for continuing to do your part and for remaining vigilant in following health and safety guidelines so we can resume more on-campus activities.
Unfortunately, a large number of students gathered on and off campus last Saturday night – many not social distancing or wearing masks – in the wake of our men’s basketball victory over Creighton to win the BIG EAST Championship. While we appreciate the celebratory moment, it is crucial that we all adhere to public health guidance to stop the spread of the virus and to protect all members of our community. The University has received reports about this gathering, and the Division of Student Affairs is actively following up on each report. As a reminder, noncompliance with the University’s COVID-19 Health and Safety Measures is a violation of the Code of Student Conduct.
With Georgetown’s first NCAA Tournament game this Saturday, the safest way to celebrate is to gather virtually or only with the people in your household. Please avoid crowds and always wear a mask, even when outside. It is important to remember that individuals without symptoms or with a recent negative test result can still spread COVID-19 to others. You can still represent the Hoyas digitally on your phone, laptop or Zoom call and show your support by sharing a video or written message with the team.
Because COVID-19 spreads more easily indoors than outdoors, we are looking forward to warmer spring weather. When spending time with anyone from outside your household, it is safest to do so outdoors, but you should still wear a mask and maintain at least six feet of distance. Gatherings – indoor or outdoor – are still limited to 10 people or fewer to reduce the risk of transmission and allow for proper physical distancing.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released encouraging guidance for everyday activities for fully vaccinated people, but they do not permit the mixing of multiple households and are applicable only to indoor activities. Recommendations for outdoor activities remain the same regardless of vaccination status. It remains critically important for everyone on campus and students living near campus, even those who have received the vaccine, to continue to practice ALL public health measures – including when you are outdoors.
The weather is improving and there’s more hope on the horizon with the rollout of safe and effective vaccines, but it is still critical that Every Hoya Everywhere do their part to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. We appreciate your patience and your partnership in this vital effort.
Sincerely,
Todd A. Olson, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
Ranit Mishori, M.D., MHS, FAAFP
Professor of Family Medicine, Interim Chief Public Health Officer