Dear Pitt Public Health faculty, staff, and students,
Earlier today, the University announced the plan to move back to the “Elevated” operational risk posture at midnight tonight. The purpose of this message is to elaborate on what that means for Pitt Public Health.
What happens with classes?
All classes will revert to being fully remote.
What about other academic activities?
Practice experiences that have been approved as in-person may remain in person as long as the student is comfortable doing so under the Elevated posture.
Advising, committee, and exam meetings must be remote.
Does this change anything for research?
No. Lab research will continue in the building as before, and other research should continue to be performed remotely.
Any individual who is not comfortable working in person under the Elevated status should contact Laura Schmid.
How will building access work?
The building will revert to being used for laboratory research only. Other individuals who need specific access (for example to pick materials up from an office) should request permission from their department administrator.
Do the shelter in place guidelines pertain to Pitt Public Health?
The shelter in place guidelines announced by the University are good practice but do not specifically apply to Pitt Public Health faculty, staff, and students. As described above, in-person research and practice activities can continue.
We hope that everyone will continue to do our utmost to protect our own health and that of our community.
Social/physical distancing, mask-wearing, and handwashing remain essential to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to protect yourself and others from the virus.
Policies on the handling of confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases can be found here: coronavirus.pitt.edu/covid-19-campus/guidelines-responding-symptomatic-individuals.
Eleanor Feingold, Executive Associate Dean
feingold@pitt.edu
Jessie Burke, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
jgburke@pitt.edu
Renae Brinza, Associate Dean for Administration and Finance
brinza@pitt.edu
11/19/2020