Officials will not shorten COVID-19 isolation and quarantine protocols for community members who test positive even as the CDC shortened its recommended quarantine period last month.

Officials said in an email sent to the GW community Tuesday that they will not change GW’s current 10-day isolation period if a community member tests positive for COVID-19. The CDC announced last month that people who test positive for COVID-19 but have no symptoms only need to isolate for five days instead of the previous recommendation of 10 days.

“Our Medical Advisory Group continues to monitor the rates of COVID-19 transmission in the D.C. region,” the email states. “ At this time, we do not anticipate any changes to the guidance provided to you prior to winter break.”

GW will require GW community members to receive a COVID-19 booster shot by Jan. 10, which is three weeks earlier than the previous deadline. The booster deadline will not apply to those who are not yet eligible for the booster shot and officials will track community members’ booster dose eligibility status based on the member’s primary vaccination dates uploaded to the Colonial Health Center portal.

The Medical Faculty Associates is offering walk-in appointments for the COVID-19 booster shot at its vaccine clinic located at 949 23rd St. NW between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on all weekdays.

GW community members can request a temporary extension through the CHC before the Jan. 10 deadline because of a recent COVID-19 infection, recent treatment with monoclonal antibodies or booster availability, officials said in the email.

Officials also are asking campus community members to receive a PCR or antigen test 48 hours before they arrive on campus and to report any positive results through the CHC portal and start at-home isolation for 10 days before returning to campus.