As more testing has taken place across the nation, we have learned about new members of our community who have tested positive for COVID-19. These individuals have been contacting Dr. Vince WinklerPrins, chief public health officer, who then has connected with the appropriate health department responsible for contact tracing. We encourage others who test positive to continue to do so via the COVID-19 Screening Form or the Medical Campus COVID-19 Screening Form, so we can appropriately notify those in our community of possible risks of exposure. While there are no active cases on Georgetown’s campuses, we are notifying our community of positive cases reported to the university.
As of 5 p.m. on Monday, April 20, 40 total positive COVID-19 cases have been confirmed to Georgetown University (this includes students, faculty and staff). Previous messages containing details of confirmed cases can be found on the COVID-19 Confirmed Cases page.
Privacy
We are respecting the privacy and medical confidentiality of our community members who have tested positive for COVID-19. While it is understandable to question if you have come into contact with someone who has a confirmed case, please remember:
- The public health department in the jurisdiction where each person who tests positive lives will determine who needs to be contacted based on its investigation of each case.
- With the ongoing community spread of COVID-19, the most important thing for all of us to do is practice good health hygiene and social distancing and follow the guidance from U.S. and local health authorities.
The symptoms of COVID-19 can include a fever (temperature above 100.3), cough and difficulty breathing – similar to what you may feel with influenza or a bad cold. The incubation period (how soon the symptoms appear from the time of first exposure) for these types of viruses is typically 2-14 days.
Anyone who is feeling ill with symptoms that could be related to COVID-19 should self-isolate for 14 days.
For medical advice, students should call their personal doctor or the Student Health Center (202-687-2200). Other students, staff or faculty should call their personal doctor. Any person exhibiting symptoms should call a medical professional prior to going to a health care facility.