As the number of cases continues to rise nationally, and more people are getting tested, we have learned about new members of our community who have tested positive for COVID-19. We encourage those who test positive to notify us 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.
As of 9 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 85 total positive COVID-19 cases have been confirmed to Georgetown University (this includes students, faculty and staff) since March 15. 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 you would want to know if you have been exposed to 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 mask-wearing mandates, follow good hand hygiene practices, 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. In addition, the following symptoms may be indicators of COVID-19: fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, diarrhea, sore throat and/or new loss of taste or smell. 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 call student health or their physician right away, schedule coronavirus testing, and 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.