Dear Colleagues,
As the University announced earlier today, the Healthcare Advisory Group has updated the University’s mask guidance to reflect that of the CDC. As each of the communities in which our campuses are located are currently designated by the CDC to be areas of low or medium COVID-19 levels, effective Monday, March 28, 2022, masks will be optional inside University facilities on all campuses. We are encouraged by the high community vaccination rate and decreasing virus transmission, locally and nationwide, and believe that this change can be made safely.
Consistent with CDC guidance for public transportation, masks will continue to be required on University-operated shuttles. Also, since masks are still required in health care settings, you will need to continue to adhere to masking guidance for those spaces we share with UPMC and other designated clinical settings.
Outside of Pitt’s campuses, community members are encouraged to follow local recommendations and requirements for face coverings.
While no longer required by the University starting on March 28, members of our community who choose to wear a face covering should feel welcome to do so. Staff and supervisors should keep the following in mind:
- Please respect individual decisions regarding whether or not to wear a mask.
- While no longer required by the University starting on March 28, all members of our community are welcome to wear a face covering at any time, for any reason.
- All Flexible Work Arrangements (FWA) will remain in place; however, supervisors are encouraged to review and revise, as necessary, agreements that are currently in place based on their effectiveness and the needs of the University.
- Staff cannot request a revision to their FWA agreement due to the updated mask policy; individuals who have a health issue and may need an accommodation should contact Disability Resources and Services.
As a reminder, supervisors should remain flexible to assist those who may be impacted by closure of schools or child care centers or the temporary stoppage of other important functions in our communities.
Please continue your remarkable effort in keeping our community safe and healthy, especially as we continue to explore this new environment, by getting vaccine boosters and maintaining good hygiene. If you have received your booster, you are encouraged to update this information with the University.
If you have questions or concerns, please submit your inquiry online.
Thank you for your cooperation, support and patience.
Regards,
James Gallaher
Vice Chancellor for Human Resources