Dear Georgetown Main and Medical Center Faculty and Staff,
Following Mayor Bowser’s May 10th announcement regarding COVID-19 reopening plans, we are immediately beginning to increase density in research laboratories. Our plans are subject to change based on further review of federal guidance by DC Health.
We expect our expansion to be phased in over the coming weeks. Effective immediately, we will authorize those with already-approved research resumption plans to double the density of their laboratory operations to 50% capacity, but individuals must still maintain physical distancing as in accordance with University guidelines. As we expand, faculty, staff and students will be required to comply with the University’s public health protocols, including COVID-19 testing and wearing masks. COVID-19 testing will continue for all those on our campus, with frequency varying by vaccination status (detailed below).
All employees, students and visitors are required to wear a mask meeting University mask guidelines when on campus at all times, except when eating, alone in a private room with a closed door, or in a private vehicle. Our existing mask guidance stands as the University evaluates recently released guidance by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As with all our plans, they are dependent on the public health conditions on our campus and in the region.
Lab Capacity Expansion
Lab researchers with already-approved research resumption plans do not need to submit a new plan. Any members of your lab or research group not currently approved to be on campus will need to request access to campus, but the expansion of density in your space does not need approval. Laboratory faculty directors and department chairs are responsible for assuring their personnel adhere to the density levels and public health protocols as required.
Campus Eligibility Request
If you or someone in your group does not already have access to campus and would like to return, you will need to submit a request by completing the Campus Eligibility Request form. Approvals will be made on a regular basis.
Testing Protocol Checklist
All returning faculty, staff, and students returning to research activities must enter the COVID-19 testing protocol in order to obtain a green Building Access Badge via the GU360 mobile app or website permitting them to enter buildings on campus. Please follow the instructions outlined in the Georgetown University COVID-19 testing protocol.
Before June 1
Fully vaccinated faculty and staff who have submitted their vaccination record will need to get a COVID-19 test on their first day on campus and do not need to wait for a negative result before accessing campus buildings. Those who are not fully vaccinated or choose not to submit a record of vaccination must get a COVID-19 test and wait for a negative result before coming to campus. Everyone must test one to two times per week depending on their frequency on campus as outlined in the testing protocol. All individuals coming to campus must complete the COVID-19 Daily Check-In survey in the GU360 app or website.
Beginning June 1
Fully vaccinated faculty and staff returning to research activities who have submitted their vaccination record will need to get a COVID-19 test on their first day on campus and do not need to wait for a negative result before accessing campus buildings. They will then test once every 30 days. Those who are not fully vaccinated or choose not to submit a record of vaccination must get a COVID-19 test, wait for a negative result before coming to campus and then test one to two times per week depending on their frequency on campus as outlined in the testing protocol. All individuals coming to campus must complete the COVID-19 Daily Check-In survey in the GU360 app or website.
Submitting Your Vaccination Record
In order to participate in the testing protocol for fully vaccinated individuals, you must submit your documentation of vaccination with a COVID-19 vaccine accepted by the University through the GU360 mobile app or website. Currently, University-accepted vaccines are those authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the World Health Organization (WHO).
We are very pleased to be returning to campus and to be taking the steps that will lead us back to full in-person operations. We look forward to seeing you on campus very soon.
Sincerely,
Moshe Levi
Interim Dean for Research, GUMC
Billy Jack
Vice Provost for Research, Main Campus