Officials said one percent of the student population will be unvaccinated against COVID-19 this fall as GW returns to in-person classes and operations.

Administrations announced in April that they would require students, faculty and staff to be fully vaccinated before returning to campus this fall, with “limited exceptions” for medical or religious reasons. University spokesperson Crystal Nosal said those who have not been vaccinated have an approved exemption from the vaccine, and said unvaccinated people must continue to wear masks, undergo weekly COVID-19 testing and daily symptom checks to maintain campus access.

“We have a process for students, faculty and staff to receive an exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine for deeply held religious beliefs or medical reasons,” Nosal said. “Each request is personal, so we cannot discuss reasons people have been exempted.”

She said unvaccinated undergraduates living on campus during the upcoming academic year must also quarantine in their room for up to 10 days until they receive two negative COVID-19 tests.

“However, do not assume someone with a mask is unvaccinated,” Nosal said. “Many vaccinated people continue to choose to wear a mask in order to protect themselves or a family member who may have a medical condition, or just for increased protection and peace of mind.”

Fully vaccinated students’ tap access is restricted to their residence hall, the testing sites and parking garages until they receive a COVID-19 test administered by GW, which they must continue monthly, according to GW’s coronavirus information hub.

COVID-19 testing is available for GW community members by appointment. Officials hosted two COVID-19 vaccine clinics earlier in the summer and are offering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at the University Student Center.