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COVID-19 Guidance for GW Community Members

Updated June 8, 2023
 

The university has modified COVID-19 requirements and operations. Please see below for important information.

• 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.
• Community members do not need to upload vaccine documentation if they have not previously done so.
• The university’s COVID-19 testing ended May 25. Contact tracing and related services ended 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 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 will continue to monitor the incidence of COVID-19, share any additional information on this site, and make adjustments as needed to support the health and safety of our community.

Frequently Asked Questions

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COVID-19 Operations

Why is GW ceasing its COVID-19 operations?

Following the end of the federal government’s public health emergency and after a thorough assessment of the current state of COVID-19, the university concluded its COVID-related public health resources and services on June 1, 2023. 

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?

No, you do not need to submit documentation to the university.

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

Is COVID-19 testing available?

COVID-19 testing is no longer available at the university. PCR testing is available through physicians' offices and local pharmacies; antigen test kits can be purchased at local pharmacies and retail stores.

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? 

No, contact tracing and informational services provided by the Campus COVID-19 Support Team, as well as services provided by GW Occupational Health, ended 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 6/8/2023