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Updates to COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate and University Response

May 9, 2023

Dear Members of the George Washington University Community,

With the expiration on Thursday of the federal government’s COVID-19 public health emergency, we are modifying GW’s COVID-19 requirements and operations. 

After a thorough assessment of the current state of COVID-19, the university strongly recommends, but will no longer require, vaccination for all community members. We urge everyone to stay up to date with the latest booster or new vaccination recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The current recommendation is for the primary series of an original monovalent mRNA vaccine plus a booster dose or a single bivalent mRNA vaccine dose. We continue to ask that those who are vaccinated and have not previously provided documentation to do so in the medical portal.

Additionally, the university will begin to wind down our campus COVID-19 testing operation. This process will occur gradually over the next few weeks. Please note the following:

• The university’s COVID-19 testing will end May 25. Contact tracing and related services will end June 1.
• Students should continue to visit the Student Health Center for their medical needs, and faculty and staff should consult with their physicians. 
• Masks will remain optional but may be required in some spaces, such as health care facilities, at the discretion of each facility’s leadership. Even where not required, anyone is free to wear a mask if they wish.

Members of our community should continue to follow guidance from the CDC regarding isolation, testing, masking, vaccination, and symptom monitoring, especially in cases of a positive COVID-19 test. Following this guidance helps to protect all members of our community, including those who may be at higher risk for complications.

We are grateful to the public health and medical experts who helped guide the university through the pandemic. The work of many positioned us well to maintain our public health preparedness. We will continue to monitor the incidence of COVID-19, share any additional information on the COVID website, and make adjustments as needed to support the health and safety of our community.

Sincerely yours,

Mark S. Wrighton 
President

Christopher Alan Bracey 
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Sharon Reich Paulsen 
Executive Vice President and Chief Administration Officer

Frequently Asked Questions

Jump to a topic:

COVID-19 Operations

Why is GW ceasing its COVID-19 operations?

As the federal government’s public health emergency concludes and after a thorough assessment of the current state of COVID-19, the university will begin to wind down its COVID-related public health resources and services. This process will occur gradually over the next few weeks through June 1, 2023, to minimize impact on our community and operations. 

What if there is another resurgence of COVID-19? 

As we have done throughout the pandemic, the university will continue to monitor federal and local guidance, research and data, and the incidence of COVID-19 on our campuses to best support the health and safety of our community.

Vaccinations

Will GW require community members to be vaccinated against COVID-19?

Vaccination is no longer required. The university will now strongly recommend vaccination for all community members.

If I am vaccinated, should I submit documentation to the university?

Yes, the university strongly encourages those who are vaccinated and have not previously provided documentation to do so in the medical portal. 

Based on recent changes to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) authorization of COVID-19 vaccines, you may upload proof of either of the following:

• The primary series of an original monovalent mRNA vaccine plus a booster dose

    OR

• A single bivalent mRNA vaccine dose

Instructions on how to upload documentation are below:

• Take a photo or scan your vaccination record(s), and keep a copy for your own records. 
• Log into the medical portal.
• Click on the "Enter My COVID-19 Vaccination Information" button on the Home screen.
• On the pop-up window, click the "Upload" button to upload a copy or photo of your vaccination record(s). (You are not required to enter any dates.)

Where can I get a COVID-19 vaccine? 

The bivalent vaccine is available at local pharmacies and doctors’ offices. To find one near you, visit VaccineFinder.org.

COVID-19 Testing

When will COVID-19 testing end? What are the current testing sites and hours? 

COVID-19 testing will be available through 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 25, 2023. Test results will be available by the end of the day on Friday, May 26, 2023. 

Testing sites and hours are:

Foggy Bottom Campus Asymptomatic (no symptoms) Testing

1957 E Street Lobby
Monday - Friday: 6 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Monroe Hall/Hall of Government Lobby
2115 G St., NW
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Science and Engineering Hall Lobby
800 22nd St., NW
Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.  
Friday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Foggy Bottom Campus Symptomatic Testing*

University Student Center, 800 21st Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20052
Monday - Thursday: 6 a.m. - 4 p.m. 
Friday and Saturday: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. 

* Antigen test kits are available for pickup at this location for those individuals exiting isolation only.

Virginia Science and Technology Campus Asymptomatic (no symptoms) Testing

Enterprise Hall Main Floor Lobby (between rooms 175 and 176), 44983 Knoll Square
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.  

Staff assistance is available on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

Mount Vernon Campus Self-Testing

West Hall, Room B110, 2110 Foxhall Rd., NW, Washington, D.C. 20007
Sunday - Thursday: 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday: 6 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Arlington, Alexandria, and Rockville Self-Testing Locations

Appointments are available through the medical portal. Appointment days and times are limited and walk-ins are not allowed. Please check the links below for location hours.

Arlington Education Center

950 N. Glebe Road
Arlington, VA 22203

Alexandria Education Center

413 John Carlyle Street, Suite 250
Alexandria, VA 22314

Rockville Biostats

6110 Executive Blvd Suite 750
Rockville, MD 20852

Will COVID-19 testing be available at GW after May 25, 2023? 

No, COVID-19 testing will no longer be offered at the university. Testing is widely available at doctors’ offices and many local pharmacies.

Masks

Are masks required in any university-owned or -operated buildings or facilities?

Masks will remain optional but may be required in some spaces, such as health care facilities, at the discretion of each facility’s leadership.

Will masks remain available for free on campus? 

Masks are available until the university’s supply is exhausted. Masks can be purchased at local grocery stores, pharmacies and online.

Contact Tracing and Campus Support

Will the university still provide contact tracing services and COVID support? 

Contact tracing and informational services provided by the Campus COVID-19 Support Team, as well as services provided by GW Occupational Health, will end June 1, 2023.

Where can GW community members get help with COVID-related health questions?

Students should continue to visit the Student Health Center for their medical needs, and faculty and staff should consult with their physicians.

The university strongly encourages all members of the community to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding isolation, testing, masking, vaccination, and symptom monitoring, especially in cases of a positive COVID-19 test.

Do I need to let the university know if I test positive for COVID-19?

No, you do not need to report a positive test to the university. You should follow CDC guidance on isolation and precautions.

Campus Access

Will campus access remain tied to COVID-19 protocols?

GWorld will no longer restrict building access based on COVID-19 related protocols.

Updated 5/9/2023