Pitt issues shelter-in-place order to students due to covid surge

The University of Pittsburgh has issued a shelter-in-place order effective midnight Sunday for students at the Oakland campus.

During the two-week shelter-in-place period, students are being told to only leave their dormitory rooms or apartments to attend classes or the library, pick up food, exercise, work and shop for essentials.

The elevated risk posture is in response to a substantial increase in positive cases among students over the weekend, according to a Pitt statement.

“There have been at least 40 confirmed cases since Friday, which we suspect are linked to gatherings that took place over the Halloween weekend,” the statement read.

Residence hall lounges, recreation rooms and kitchens began closing Sunday night. Campus dining will be available via takeout beginning Monday morning.

“I know that this shift may come as a disappointment to some of you, but we believe it’s necessary,” said Pitt Dean of Students Kenyon Bonner in a message to students. “It’s imperative that you limit your close contacts and stay vigilant about wearing your face covering and physical distancing. The next two weeks will test our resolve as a community.”

According to Pitt’s covid-19 dashboard, as of Nov. 6 there have been a total of 369 positive tests since Aug. 1 for students on the main campus.

The shelter-in-place order had originally been scheduled for Nov. 12 but was moved up to midnight Sunday. As part of the order, students are being asked to conduct group work for classes and student activities virtually.

“If we hold steady and work together, then we can stop the surge in the number of positive cases,” said Bonner.

Bonner said counseling support is available to students at the University Counseling Center.