‘Public health service’: Pitt students, staff talk COVID-19 vaccines

By Clare Sheedy, Staff Writer • August 18, 2021

As the fall semester approaches, students and University leaders discuss their thoughts on Pitt’s vaccine stance. Pitt isn’t mandating a COVID-19 vaccine, but Chancellor Patrick Gallagher said he hopes to achieve a high immunization rate on campus.

‘Last year it was tough’: Pitt community prepares for updated COVID-19 rules

By Punya Bhasin, Senior Staff Writer • August 18, 2021

As Pitt students, staff and faculty prepare to head back to campus for the fall semester, many still wonder how COVID-19 protocols will look on campus. One guideline will require students to register guests that aren’t part of the University community.

Health restrictions, spirits lift as Pitt updates COVID-19 guidelines

By Punya Bhasin, Senior Staff Writer • June 25, 2021

As more and more people become vaccinated, the CDC, Governor Tom Wolf and Pitt administration are not only lifting their COVID-19 restrictions, but also Pitt students’ spirits.

Gallagher ‘strongly’ recommends, expects community to be vaccinated by fall, unveils new strategic plan

By Natalie Frank and Jon Moss • June 25, 2021

Chancellor Patrick Gallagher said at Pitt’s Friday board of trustees meeting that while the University community can look forward to a more engaging fall semester, a fully normal academic year is unlikely unless those coming back to campus are vaccinated.

Staff Council discusses flexible work model amidst vaccine mandate discussion

By Dhara Patel, For The Pitt News • June 23, 2021

Pitt’s Staff Council spent their June meeting discussing the possibility of a flexible work model as the University returns to in-person instruction in the fall, as well as announcing new officers and reflecting on the council’s accomplishments over the last four years.

Pitt provides COVID-19 vaccine incentives, no plans for vaccine requirement

By Natalie Frank, News Editor • June 17, 2021

Pitt students, faculty and staff who are vaccinated against COVID-19 are now eligible to receive prizes, including up to $2,500 in cash. The University added that there are no plans to require COVID-19 vaccinations to be on campus this fall.

‘People are generally happier’: Oakland adjusts to new CDC guidelines

By Colm Slevin, Staff Writer • June 9, 2021

While CDC guidelines say those fully vaccinated no longer need to wear face coverings in most settings, some people say they’re unsure about not wearing masks since not everyone has gotten vaccinated yet and some may not be truthful about their vaccination status.

Pitt eases mask, physical distancing requirements

By Natalie Frank, News Editor • June 4, 2021

Vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear face coverings when on campus outdoors, according to a Pitt email announcement sent on Friday afternoon.

‘A way to give back to our community’: Pitt vaccine clinics continues to distribute shots

By Punya Bhasin, Senior Staff Writer • June 2, 2021

Despite the majority of Pitt students leaving campus for the summer, Jack Corey, a third-year pharmacy student, said he hasn’t noticed a significant decrease in visitors to the University’s vaccine clinics this summer.

Pitt adds 13 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday, announces Wednesday vaccine clinic

By Martha Layne, Assistant News Editor • April 20, 2021

Pitt added 13 new COVID-19 cases, composed of 12 students and one employee, between last Friday and Monday, with 37 students currently in isolation.