University of Pittsburgh COVID-19 Dashboard Update

Dear Pitt Community,

As of Thursday, Feb. 25, the Pitt COVID-19 dashboard reflects the following:

 

Pittsburgh Campus


SINCE OUR LAST UPDATE ON TUESDAY, FEB. 23:

» 10 students have tested positive.

   » Feb. 22: 1 positive case out of 326 surveillance tests.

   » Feb. 24: 0 positive cases out of 273 surveillance tests.

» 20 students are in isolation.

» 1 new faculty or staff case has been reported.

» The 5-day moving average of positive cases per day is 3.

Regional Campuses


SINCE OUR LAST UPDATE ON TUESDAY, FEB. 23:

» No new student, faculty or staff cases have been reported.

   » Bradford: 0 positive cases out of 51 surveillance tests.

   » Greensburg: 0 positive cases out of 23 surveillance tests.

   » Johnstown: 0 positive cases out of 29 surveillance tests.

Operational Postures


The Greensburg campus is in the Guarded Risk posture.

The Bradford, Johnstown, Pittsburgh and Titusville campuses are in the Elevated Risk posture.

The scope of our dashboard and these updates is limited to people who have been on a Pitt campus within the last 14 days.

 

Unpacking the data

On the Pittsburgh campus, new case counts as well as isolation housing capacity are holding steady. On the regional campuses, case numbers remain very low.

We return to reporting the 5-day moving average of positive cases in this update, as campus repopulation has concluded and the spring term is well underway. At an average of 3 new cases per day, infection rates on the Pittsburgh campus continue to remain stable.

Mitigation continues to be crucial. We believe it’s possible to avoid exponential growth in infection rates this spring. Please celebrate small this St. Patrick’s Day. Continue to wear a well-fitting face covering, wash your hands, avoid crowds, minimize new contacts and keep your distance from others.

 

Next surveillance testing dates

Pittsburgh: Mondays 8 a.m. - noon and Wednesdays 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Bradford: Mondays 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Greensburg: Mondays 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Johnstown: Tuesdays 9 a.m. – noon

If you are invited to participate in surveillance testing, please make every effort to come. Exceptions include:  

  • You have tested positive in the last 90 days.
  • You have tested negative in the last 2 weeks.
  • You are fully vaccinated and 2 weeks out from receiving your second dose.
  • You do not plan to be on any Pitt campus at any time during the spring term.
 

Always wear your face covering in residence hall lounges and common spaces

As a reminder, food and beverages are prohibited in residence hall lounges and common spaces. On Tuesday, we provided guidance for dining indoors, which only applies to designated dining areas. As explained in our Face Covering Standards and Guidelines, face coverings can only be removed while eating in a designated dining area when at least 6 feet apart unless with members of your household or pod. Face coverings must be worn at all times in residence hall lounges and common spaces.

 

Vaccine reminder

A lot goes into setting up the facilities, infrastructure and peoplepower to prepare to distribute vaccines on an uncertain timeline. Pitt Pharmacy has taken the lead on the Pitt vaccine effort and stands ready to spring into action once vaccine is available. As we anticipate our own supply, teams at Pitt have:

  • Partnered with UPMC to begin vaccinating patient-facing healthcare faculty, staff and students.
  • Established a mass vaccination clinic with Allegheny County at the Petersen Events Center.
  • Organized volunteer rosters and trained vaccinators and other personnel from all six Schools of the Health Sciences to staff future clinics.
  • Staffed and supported two Allegheny County mass-vaccination sites in the Hill District and Homewood for older residents.
  • Purchased ultracold freezers to be able to store the Pfizer vaccine and other equipment. 
  • Continued to refine IT infrastructure for registering and booking vaccine appointments.

Here’s how you can do your part: Complete the Pitt Vaccine Survey. This is an important way you can support an efficient, equitable rollout to the Pitt community.

We still do not know when Pitt will be supplied with vaccines from the state, but stand ready to administer shots as soon as supply allows. Please keep in mind that this will take time. Thanks as always for your continued efforts to keep the community safe.

Sincerely,

COVID-19 Medical Response Office