Category: Messages to the Community

Title: COVID-19 Update: Staying Healthy During Spring Break

Dear Students,

With spring break approaching, we want to offer guidance for staying safe and healthy. While there are no confirmed cases in the DC region, the health of our community is our top priority, and we are actively preparing for the possible appearance of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in our region.

For Those Staying on Campus

Residence halls will remain open over spring break, along with several dining options. You can find hours and operating information below:

  • Saturday, March 7-Sunday, March 15
    • Fresh Food Company (Leo’s Downstairs): 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
    • Epicurean and Company (Darnall Hall): 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
    • Starbucks (Leavey Center): 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Monday, March 9-Friday, March 13
    • Chick-fil-A (Leavey Center, Hoya Court): 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
    • P.O.D. Market (Pre-Clinical Science Building): 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

All undergraduate students with a GoCard may dine at Leo’s Fresh Food Company during spring break without financial impact. Students with meal plans who swipe in during the break will have those meal swipes returned to their account at the end of the break.

The university will work to adjust hours and opening status quickly if we see an increased demand for food services. If you are concerned about your ability to access food over spring break, we encourage you to contact the Division of Student Affairs.

In addition to residence halls and dining options, GUTS buses will run on regular schedules. Yates Field House and the Student Health Center will have a slightly modified schedule. Yates will close at 10 p.m. each night during the break, and the Student Health Center will be open 8:30 to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For Those Leaving Campus

As we have previously communicated, we strongly recommend all members of our community reconsider ANY personal international travel plans over spring break, Easter break and the coming weeks. While we are continuing to support university-related student travel within the United States, we are monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates accordingly.

Students should be aware of the associated risk of disruptions to their reentry to the United States or other countries. Based on the quickly evolving international travel guidance, your return to the United States or to campus may be interrupted by federal or state restrictions.

In the case of disruption following the break, students should be prepared to complete coursework and participate in the alternate instructional activities planned by faculty members instead of attending face-to-face in class. If you have questions about instructional continuity in your classes, please contact your professors.

We strongly suggest that U.S. citizens register international travel through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free registration allows U.S. citizens to be easily located by the nearest U.S. embassy’s personnel in the event of an emergency.

Any member of the university community who travels to a country designated as Level 3 or Level 2 by the CDC due to coronavirus — whether the country’s designation occurs before departure or during the trip — must contact Georgetown’s public health officer, Dr. Vince WinklerPrins, at vjw6@georgetown.edu before returning to campus for medical clearance review.

In accordance with CDC guidance for travelers returning from China, Italy, South Korea, Iran or any other country that is subsequently designated by CDC as Level 3 for coronavirus while you are traveling, please be aware that you will be required to self-quarantine — at your permanent address or away from Georgetown’s campus — for at least 14 days before returning to campus.

The university cannot reimburse you for flight change costs and additional expenses. Please be aware the CDC is making decisions rapidly, and that any country could quickly be designated Level 2 or 3 for coronavirus.

We live in a city where we are exposed to a wide variety of pathogens each day. We cannot close ourselves off from the world and should try to lead our normal lives while observing preventive measures. We urge you to take reasonable and prudent actions, again erring on the side of care and caution.

We will continue to evaluate the situation on a daily basis and update you as needed. Please be aware that we are working in a rapidly changing environment, and that we may need to amend our policies on short notice.

Sincerely,

Todd Olson, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs

Vince WinklerPrins, MD, FAAFP
Chief Public Health Officer