Dear Pitt Community,

We are nearing the end of the term, but data worldwide indicate that we’re nowhere near the end of the pandemic. Mitigation strategies are especially important as you plan to depart campus amid the commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s travel order and Allegheny County’s advisory, if you travel home for the holidays. We strongly encourage virtual visits instead of in-person gatherings in the weeks ahead.

Students who are departing campus or traveling during the break – if you haven’t already done so:

• Use the chatbot to learn how to best shelter-in-place for your personal circumstances.
• Schedule your optional free test so that it’s waiting for you at your preferred home address when you arrive.

In line with Pennsylvania’s travel order, and in an effort to reduce the number of potential close contacts, travelers coming to pick up students should remain in their vehicle, when possible, while on campus. In most cases, no guests, including parents, will be permitted inside residence halls or campus facilities.

While on campus, everyone must follow our health standards and guidelines, whether inside or outside. This includes wearing a face covering and maintaining at least 6 feet of physical distance at all times. These rules will be enforced and public access to our buildings is restricted.

Faculty, staff and students staying on or near our campuses during winter break – please pay close attention to the commonwealth orders and Allegheny county’s advisory, and also read our guidance on holiday travel and consider adjusting your plans accordingly this year. Remember: Faculty and staff are expected to complete the Daily COVID-19 Health Check every day they are on campus.

Now, for our latest dashboard update.

As of Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020, the Pitt COVID-19 dashboard reflects the following:

Our regional campuses continue to fare well and report few to no new cases.

As case counts in Allegheny County continue to rise exponentially, our Pittsburgh campus holds steady.

Contract tracing is still underway for the new faculty and staff cases on the Pittsburgh campus. So far, however, we have found no discernable connection among these cases and no evidence that work-related transmission has occurred.

In the weeks ahead, we’re asking you to finish what we’ve started. Keep sheltering in place, wearing a face covering, practicing safe physical distancing, minimizing your number of new close contacts, and washing your hands. We know that you can do it, because we have watched you embrace these strategies—and excel at them—all term long.

Sincerely,

COVID-19 Medical Response Office