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SINCE OUR LAST UPDATE ON FRIDAY, FEB. 26:
» 7 students have tested positive.
» 24 students are in isolation.
» 1 new faculty or staff case has been reported.
» The 5-day moving average of positive cases per day is 1.6.
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SINCE OUR LAST UPDATE ON FRIDAY, FEB. 26:
» 4 new students have tested positive at Pitt-Johnstown.
» No new faculty or staff cases have been reported.
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The Greensburg campus is in the Guarded Risk posture.
The Bradford, Johnstown, Pittsburgh and Titusville campuses are in the Elevated Risk posture.
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The scope of our dashboard and these updates is limited to people who have been on a Pitt campus within the last 14 days.
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Unpacking the data
At an average of 1.6 new cases per day, infection rates on the Pittsburgh campus continue to remain low. The new student cases at Pitt-Johnstown are notable. Contact tracing and appropriate measures are in place to mitigate further spread. In general, regional campus case numbers remain very low.
If we want to continue to avoid exponential growth in infection rates this spring everyone must remain vigilant. As the weather (slowly) gets warmer, please continue to wear a well-fitting face covering, wash your hands, avoid crowds, minimize new contacts—and celebrate small this St. Patrick’s Day.
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Pennsylvania revises mitigation restrictions
A press release from Governor Tom Wolf’s office on March 1, 2021 announced revisions to some mitigation measures, including travel restrictions—while emphasizing continued caution. We are reviewing Pitt’s policies on safe travel.
As Governor Wolf’s announcement notes, “Reduced cases, hospitalizations and deaths, and the more than 2.3 million vaccinations are good signs, but the CDC advises that now is not the time to introduce expansive loosening of mitigation efforts known to put people at more risk.” Learn more about the reasons behind revisions to restrictions.
In general, we strongly encourage everyone to avoid nonessential travel. If you do travel, please do so safely and take extra precautions upon your return. As of Feb. 18, 2021, the CDC recommends getting tested 3-5 days after travel and staying home and quarantining for a full 7 days after travel.
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On vaccines
Pennsylvania is in Phase 1A of its vaccine rollout, which includes individuals 65 and older, certain front-line workers and those at higher risk for COVID-19 complications. Though we still do not know when the state will supply Pitt with vaccines, we stand ready to administer shots to the Pitt community as soon as supply allows and in accordance with CDC, state and local guidance. We continue to work with UPMC, county health departments and state and community partners every day to get eligible 1A people connected with vaccine.
As a reminder, being vaccinated is not an invitation to change your mitigation habits for three reasons: (1) We are still in a pandemic. (2) There are plenty of people, including those in higher risk categories, who have not had access to a vaccine yet and the rollout process is imperfect. (3) There is much to be learned about whether the vaccination prevents transmission. Even two weeks after your second dose, when the vaccine hits full effect, please continue to wear a face covering and keep your distance from others at all times.
Thank you as always for your continued patience and efforts to keep the community safe.
Sincerely,
COVID-19 Medical Response Office
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