On December 15th, 2021, at approximately 1:31 PM EST, George Washington University Leadership announced that, due to a rise in COVID-19 cases, all social gatherings and in-person events are cancelled through the end of the semester. Further, exams scheduled for Friday, December 17th, and through the end of the semester will be held virtually.
For leadership’s full Public Health Advisory, see below, or visit the George Washington University’s Coronavirus Response Website.
Dear GW Community Members,
This week, our testing program identified a significant increase in positive COVID-19 cases among members of our university community. While these cases are not severe and vaccination continues to provide strong protection, it is critical that we act to limit the further spread of cases. In addition, according to the CDC, the Omicron variant is spreading more rapidly as compared to other variants.
Effective immediately, all in-person social gatherings and events are cancelled. In addition, exams scheduled for Friday, December 17, and through the end of the semester will be held virtually.
These actions are consistent with our foremost priority of protecting the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff.
Students, faculty, and staff will receive more detailed information soon, but we want to share the below guidance with you now:
Faculty have the option to begin offering virtual exams before Friday.
Eating is restricted to dining areas only.
We understand that this news comes at an already stressful time during finals and other scheduled end-of-semester activities. At this time, we have not made any changes regarding spring semester. We will continue to monitor COVID-19 transmission among our community members and in the region and will update you with more information soon.
Sincerely,
Thomas J. LeBlanc
President
Christopher A. Bracey
Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Mark Diaz
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
M.L. “Cissy” Petty
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Sabrina Minor
Interim Vice President and Chief People Officer
Ray Lucas, M.D.
COVID-19 Coordinator