Pitt adds 78 new COVID-19 cases since Aug. 27

Pitt officials said Thursday that 56 students and 22 employees tested positive for COVID-19 over the course of a 10-day period from Aug. 27 through Sept. 7. The report also said 89% of undergraduate students on the Oakland campus has uploaded proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

According to an email sent by the COVID-19 Medical Response Office, 96% of undergraduates living on campus and 84% of those living off campus submitted proof of vaccination. The office also said 88% of graduate students, 78% of faculty and 81% of staff uploaded proof of vaccination.

The University also said 94% of instructors who are scheduled to teach in person have reported that they’re vaccinated. The CMRO encouraged all members of the Pitt community to provide their vaccination status.

The CMRO reported last Thursday that an 87% overall undergraduate vaccination rate. At the time, 86% of graduate students, 77% of faculty and 80% of staff had provided proof of vaccination.

“We are encouraged that the reports of vaccination continue to increase, though more work is needed to increase the rates of vaccination and reporting,” the email said. 

The CMRO also said the majority of reported cases are mild and among vaccinated individuals. They said this emphasizes the importance of people wearing masks — especially when in large gatherings — and getting vaccinated as soon as possible. The Pitt CoVax Vaccination Center is open six days a week with expanded hours throughout September.

The email said individuals who have not submitted proof of vaccination must produce weekly negative COVID-19 tests, which can be ordered through Quest. Anyone who does not comply with this rule will lose access to University buildings.

The University also will hold three flu shot clinics — two at the Petersen Events Center Sept. 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sept. 21 from 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and one at the HealthyU Fair Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., outside the William Pitt Union.

The CMRO reminded the Pitt community that the pandemic is ongoing, and it is a group effort to keep everyone safe.

“Our collective ability to experience this semester in-person and minimize the risk to vulnerable populations in our community including immunocompromised individuals and children who cannot get vaccinated depends on our willingness to get vaccinated and practice healthy behaviors wherever possible,” the email said.