Title: Preparing for COVID-19 Variants and Flu Season

Dear Members of the Georgetown University Community,

We are preparing for a winter that may see an increase in COVID-19 variants and cases, in addition to an active influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season. Please review these important public health reminders to help keep our university community safe and healthy in the weeks and months ahead.

• Report positive COVID-19 test results from an antigen test or PCR test taken off campus to Georgetown. (required)
  • You must report results through the COVID-19 Test Result Submission Form in a timely manner.
• Isolate if you receive a positive COVID-19 test result. (required)
  • Isolation is required for all individuals who have a confirmed positive COVID-19 test result.
  • Georgetown’s Care Navigation team will provide guidance to community members who receive a positive test result.
• Report COVID-19 symptoms. (required)
  • If you are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19:
    • Stay home or in your on-campus residence,
    • Complete the COVID-19 Symptom Check-In survey,
    • Schedule a COVID-19 test,
    • Wear a high-quality mask if you need to be around others, and
    • Self-quarantine until cleared by your health care provider or after consultation with a Care Navigator.
• Report any recent exposure to COVID-19. (required)
  • Complete the COVID-19 Symptom Check-In survey to indicate your exposure.
  • Get tested on Day 5 following your most recent known exposure.
• Get a COVID-19 bivalent booster as soon as possible. (recommended)
  • We strongly recommend that you get the COVID-19 bivalent booster, when eligible.
  • If you recently had COVID-19, you may consider delaying getting your booster until three months after your infection.
  • There is no need to space out the flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine shots.
  • The bivalent booster is available at local pharmacies and in DC COVID Centers.
  • You may visit vaccines.gov to find a location to schedule your booster or reach out to hoyavaxa@georgetown.edu for help.
• Get a flu vaccine as soon as possible. (recommended)
  • We are now offering free flu vaccination clinics for all faculty and staff, who can schedule an appointment via LabCorp today. (Free clinics for students were held earlier this fall.)
• Follow hygiene best practices. (recommended)
  • Please use hygiene best practices such as frequent hand washing, and masking.

Please reach out to Georgetown’s Public Health team at carenavigators@georgetown.edu if you have any questions.

Thank you for taking advantage of these university resources and these best practices to help keep our community healthy and safe.

Sincerely,

Ranit Mishori, M.D., MHS, FAAFP
Professor of Family Medicine, Vice President and Chief Public Health Officer