Category: Messages to the Community

Title: Resources and Guidance for COVID-19 and Common Respiratory Illnesses

As we prepare for a new semester, the U.S. and our region are experiencing an enduring summer wave of COVID-19. We encourage you to take recommended precautions and to stay home when sick, to care for yourself and protect others. The latest University guidance and resources are summarized below.

Community members should self-monitor and follow the latest COVID-19 and respiratory virus guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding steps to take if you have symptoms of a respiratory virus, how to determine when to resume activities and recommended precautions such as wearing a mask when around others for 5 days after you return to work, classes and other activities. Following this guidance helps to protect all members of our community, especially those who may be at higher risk.

COVID-19 is no longer considered a public health emergency, as the severity of disease is lower in the wake of vaccines and prior infection. The latest guidance from CDC recognizes this shift, and the University no longer requires the reporting of positive COVID-19 test results or provides 7-day/week Care Navigation services. As COVID-19 remains a serious health issue, particularly for people who are at higher risk, the University continues to provide resources and support to aid our community in taking precautions and protecting ourselves and each other.

The Public Health team remains available to answer questions about the public health guidance and University health resources during regular operating hours at publichealth@georgetown.edu. For medical care and advice, contact the Student Health Center (if a student) or your healthcare provider.

The University continues to stock masks in stands at the entrances to most campus buildings, provides free antigen testing, and will host vaccine clinics for the updated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, among other routine vaccinations, during the fall and winter. Please contact publichealth@georgetown.edu for more information or with any questions.