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Get the most interesting and important stories from the University of Pittsburgh.9 Things for Students to Know Before Coming to Campus
Coming to campus this week? Here are 9 things you need to know, in as few words as possible. But if you remember anything, it’s this: Keep a safe distance (six feet), wash your hands (20 seconds) and wear a face covering, even outside.
1. Shelter in place and pod week
Every on-campus student is being asked to shelter in place for the seven days before they move in and during the seven day period after they arrive. Pitt’s calling this second part “pod week.” Off-campus students must shelter in place for a total of 14 days, but can split that between their permanent residence and off-campus house or apartment in the way that works best for them. Read more about forming your pod.
Sheltering-in-place for two weeks might seem tough, but it’s also the best chance we have at reducing the spread of COVID-19 and staying healthy well into the semester.
2. Fill out the health check
Before you come to campus, and throughout your pod week, you need to fill out the Daily COVID-19 Health Check. You only need to do it once a day through My Pitt. Look for the gold and blue thermometer icon on the My Pitt homepage.
It’s easy to do and takes 30 seconds: Just two yes/no questions that ask about symptoms and any known exposure to COVID-19. This is not a waiver or a legally binding document—just a way for you to say, “I’m healthy.”
Authorized visitors and guests should also complete the health check, accessible via this form.
3. Wear your face covering in any public space, including outside
Pitt is providing one face covering to every person on campus. You can also buy Pitt-branded masks that support COVID-19 research.
4. Have your hand sanitizer handy…
…but know that there will be hand sanitizing dispensers at entrances and exits to every building.
5. Read and follow the Pitt Community Compact
Students have drafted the Pitt Community Compact—a statement of personal accountability they’re asking all people at Pitt to read and affirm as on-campus activities resume.
6. Get to know Pitt’s operational postures
The operational postures define what’s allowed for people, places and programs. Guarded Risk, Elevated Risk and High Risk postures can be thought of as similar to the state’s Green, Yellow and Red phases—though sometimes Pitt’s posture will be more restrictive. The Pittsburgh campus is currently in the Elevated Risk posture. Each campus’ status will be reevaluated each week and will be available and up to date on coronavirus.pitt.edu.
7. If you’re symptomatic, call Student Health Service
You can call Student Health Service 412-383-1800.
In addition, a random sample of each wave of people arriving on campus will be tested to gauge prevalence of the coronavirus in the overall population.