Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Resources
Last updated: August 31, 2022
Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have monitored developments closely and kept the health and well-being of our Marymount community as our topmost priority. On this page, you will find our current response to the COVID-19 as well as related policies and procedures. All of our policies are modeled after those of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We encourage you to visit the CDC website for the most up-to-date information available.
Who to contact at Marymount:
- Health Concerns: Please reach out to Student Health Services at 703-284-1610 or shealthc@marymount.edu.
- International student travel concerns: Please call (703) 526-6922.
- Media inquiries: Please direct any media concerns or questions to Communications Specialist Nick Munson at nmunson@marymount.edu.
- You can view a list of Marymount Community members with expertise related to the COVID-19 pandemic here.
- Residence Life concerns (on Main Campus or at the Rixey): Please reach out to the Office of Student Living at rlife@marymount.edu.
- General COVID-19 questions: Please email covidhotline@marymount.edu. You may also reach out to Dr. Laura Finkelstein in Student Health and Well-being at 703-908-7561.
COVID-19 Suspected and Confirmed Case Protocol
General Information
If you believe you were exposed to COVID-19
If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or have tested positive
If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or have tested positive and reside on campus, live in the Rixey, or have visited campus in the past 14 days
FAQs
What is COVID-19?
What is the risk?
What are the symptoms?
How do I prevent getting sick?
Where can I find more information?
Do I need to wear a mask on campus?
Vaccine FAQs
How do I get vaccinated?
Student Health Services offers vaccinations for all registered students as supplies allow. To schedule your appointment, please reach out to Student Health Services at 703-284-1610 or shealthc@marymount.edu. Employees can contact HR for questions about testing or visit a local healthcare provider.
What is the vaccination rate on campus?
The vaccination rate on campus is currently 98%.
Has the vaccine been tested on people like me (race, ethnicity, age)?
The Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines were tested on people in different racial, ethnic and age groups prior to their initial approval by the FDA. Over 120 million vaccines have been given in the U.S. so far (as of 3/30/21), with many of those given to diverse populations. Federal agencies and drug companies will continue to monitor these vaccines for effectiveness.
Am I required to get the vaccine?
Yes. As part of Marymount’s efforts to bring students and employees safely back to campus, we require all community members to get the vaccine or submit an approved waiver.
Is it legal to mandate students, staff, or faculty to get the vaccine?
Yes, requiring a COVID-19 vaccine is consistent with both Federal and Virginia law.
Are other schools mandating the vaccine?
Yes, the vast majority of other private and public universities are mandating students and employees get the vaccine.
Can faithful Catholics receive the vaccines since they are connected to abortion?
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has affirmed that being vaccinated “can be an act of charity that serves the common good.” Both Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI have been vaccinated.
According to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), when ethically irreproachable COVID-19 vaccines are not available, “it is morally acceptable to receive COVID-19 vaccines that have used cell lines from aborted fetuses in their research and production process.” The CDF goes on to say that use of these vaccines does not equate with cooperating with the evil of abortion. Rather, due to the grave danger presented by COVID-19, “it must therefore be considered that, in such a case, all vaccinations recognized as clinically safe and effective can be used in good conscience with the certain knowledge that the use of such vaccines does not constitute formal cooperation with the abortion from which the cells used in production of the vaccines derive.” Find more info here.
How do I apply for a waiver?
To apply to waive out of the COVID-19 vaccination requirement, please contact Student Health Services.