Dear Pitt Community,
Now that in-person classes have resumed on all campuses, we remind everyone to be courteous community members. Do not come to class or work if you are positive or symptomatic. Be sensible about sharing meals outside of designated dining facilities with people whose vaccination or COVID-19 status is unknown. Continue to comply with Pitt’s health rules.
The best thing you can do right now? (1) Make sure you’re boosted and (2) keep wearing a mask.
The Pitt CoVax Vaccination Center is open five days a week (appointments preferred). Pittwire has the reasons to get boosted as soon as you are eligible—that’s five months after a primary two-dose series, or two months following a single shot of J&J. And don’t forget to get your flu shot!
Beginning next week, students and employees who are boosted are encouraged to update their vaccine information in the applicable Pitt systems. More details will be shared next week about how to update your vaccine information.
What to understand about masks
The most important aspect of any mask is that it be well-fitted and cover the mouth, nose and chin. For most people’s everyday use, a well-fitting surgical, cloth or KN95 mask is effective. Double-masking with a surgical mask and cloth mask on top can improve the fit.
Starting today, Thursday, Jan. 27, Pitt will have N95 respirators available for those who want them at the 45 concierge entrances to University buildings. Surgical masks, which are appropriate in many cases, will continue to be available. A limited number of respirators will be available on this initial distribution date, but Pitt will continue to receive N95 allotments throughout spring term based on supply chain availability.
The best mask is the comfortable, well-fitting one you reach for without thinking. Masks work best when we all wear them. Read frequently asked questions about face coverings including reuse and safe removal. Remember: You are only as safe as your riskiest behavior.
Case counts
Cases on our campuses remain high, as they are in the region. However, we may be starting to see the numbers stabilize on our campuses. Cases on our campuses remain mild or asymptomatic thanks to high vaccination rates.
Sincerely,
The COVID-19 Medical Response Office
COVID-19 case reporting
Period: Jan. 19, 2022 – Jan. 25, 2022
We report below each campus’ cumulative positive cases in the last seven days, along with the average of positive tests per day.
Pittsburgh campus
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Students: 327
Seven-day average of 46.7 positive student tests per day -
Faculty and staff: 111
Seven-day average of 15.9 positive faculty and staff tests per day
Bradford campus
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Students: 32
Seven-day average of 4.6 positive student tests per day -
Faculty and staff: 2
Seven-day average of 0.3 positive faculty and staff tests per day
Greensburg campus
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Students: 31
Seven-day average of 4.4 positive student tests per day -
Faculty and staff: 0
Seven-day average of 0 positive faculty and staff tests per day
Johnstown campus
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Students: 27
Seven-day average of 3.9 positive student tests per day -
Faculty and staff: 5
Seven-day average of 0.7 positive faculty and staff tests per day
Titusville campus
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Students: 0
Seven-day average of 0 positive student tests per day -
Faculty and staff: 0
Seven-day average of 0 positive faculty and staff tests per day
