The Pitt–Titusville Education and Training Hub and the Pitt–Greensburg campus have moved from Guarded to Elevated Risk posture, joining the rest of Pitt’s locations in the more restrictive status.
The decision was made because of the rising numbers of positive COVID-19 cases across Pennsylvania, including in Crawford and Westmoreland counties, and the anticipated surge in cases because of holiday travel and close contacts. This decision comes at the fall semester’s end and affects minimal staff remaining on campuses.
Since the COVID-19 Medical Response Office’s Dec. 4, 10 students have tested positive on the Oakland campus, and 10 new cases have been reported among employees. Ten students remain in isolation.
Surveillance testing of students who live on or near the Oakland campus will be done on Dec. 9, 10, 15 and 16.
On the regional campuses, two new employee cases were reported at Pitt–Johnstown.
“The new faculty and staff cases on record are likely due to community spread and the fact that, statewide, case counts are surging,” the Dec. 8 reports said. “It’s important to note that we have not observed an increased risk of transmission in our work environments.”
Most Pitt facilities are now closed or have limited access and will not reopen until at least Jan. 4. Most of the libraries on the Oakland will remain open until Dec. 11, despite some complaints from library staff.
The medical response office report said that planning is ongoing for the spring term including the return of students to campus and increased student testing. “We are closely monitoring the rapidly changing virus conditions, which are a key factor in our decisions,” the report said.
Spring semester classes are scheduled to resume on Jan. 19.
— Susan Jones
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