Pitt’s COVID-19 community risk shifts from low to medium

Pitt officials said Friday that Allegheny County’s COVID-19 Community Level has shifted from low to medium risk due the current increased impact on the health care system. While indoor masking is not required, the email sent by COVID-19 Medical Response Office encouraged people to wear masks on Pitt campuses at any time depending on their comfort level.

The email said people should stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including booster shots. The CDC is now recommending a second booster at least four months after the first for immunocompromised individuals ages 12 and older, as well as individuals 50 and older. COVID-19 vaccinations are available at the Pitt CoVax Vaccination Center in Nordenberg Hall. The email also encouraged people to update their current vaccination status with the University.

The CMRO said PCR testing through Quest is still an option for students, faculty and staff over the summer. The email said onsite testing at the O’Hara Student Center is available on weekdays from noon to 6 p.m., and at-home tests are available through Quest. 

The email recommended to take the following steps in case of a positive COVID-19 test:

• Begin isolating for five days, and the date of your positive test or first day of symptoms is Day 0. 
• Let your close contacts know.
• Call your primary care physician to report your case. 
• Ask your provider or University health services whether you’re eligible for antiviral medication. Antiviral medications are available at the University Pharmacy. 
• Make sure to know when to safely end isolation based on both personal risk and severity of symptoms.