Dear Members of the Georgetown University Community,
Consistent with local and national trends, we are experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases on our campuses. Thankfully, we have not seen any serious illnesses on campus at this time. With this in mind, I want to share a few reminders. Please take the measures described below to protect yourself and others against COVID-19, especially those who may be at higher risk for complications.
If You Test Positive
The DC Department of Health still requires that individuals who test positive isolate for a minimum of five days after the onset of symptoms or a positive test result. One of Georgetown’s Care Navigators, a team of university staff focused on supporting public health on campus, will provide individualized guidance about the length of isolation.
- Students: Follow your instructor’s policy for making up coursework, as needed, which may include attending class remotely or completing work by other means. If a large proportion of the class will be absent from in-person instruction, faculty will follow their instructional continuity plan, as needed.
- Faculty: Contact your department chair or program head if you are unable to teach.
- Staff/AAP Employees: Use sick leave or Paid Time Off (PTO) following your department’s established call-in procedures or by submitting a request in GMS, based on your department’s established practice.
Residential students who test positive must either isolate in their campus residence or make alternate arrangements for off-campus housing during their isolation period.
COVID-19 Testing
We are offering free COVID-19 testing on campus. PCR tests can be obtained via the vending machines on the Hilltop campus and at the Law Center. Antigen tests can be obtained via contacting the Public Health team at carenavigators@georgetown.edu.
Please report positive results obtained through outside testing to the Public Health Team.
Vaccination
We strongly recommend everyone to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and receive the latest dose that becomes available and recommended by the CDC moving forward. In the coming days, we will share information about on-campus vaccine clinics for COVID-19 and the flu this fall.
Masks
Free high-quality KN95 masks are available to everyone on campus and can be found at the entrances to most buildings. If you notice an empty container, please notify workmanagement@georgetown.edu.
If You Have Symptoms
If you experience symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home or in your campus residence; complete the COVID-19 Check-In survey through the GU360 mobile app or website; if, needed, call the Student Health Center (if a student) or your physician; take a COVID-19 test; and do not return to class or work until cleared by your physician or after a consultation with one of a Care Navigator.
If You Have Been Exposed to COVID-19
If you have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, wear a mask when around others for ten days following the date of exposure. As long as you don’t develop symptoms, you may participate in your regular activities. For guidance from a Care Navigator, complete the COVID-19 Check-In Survey.
If You Have Questions
Additional details about Georgetown University’s policies can be found on the COVID-19 Resource Center page.
Please contact carenavigators@georgetown.edu if you have any questions. If you have questions about vaccination, please email hoyavaxa@georgetown.edu.
Thank you for your continued efforts to protect the health and safety of the Georgetown University community.
We are in this together,
Ranit Mishori, M.D., MHS, FAAFP
Professor of Family Medicine, Vice President and Chief Public Health Officer