How long do I need to shelter in place?
We strongly encourage you to shelter in place for at least 14 days before interacting with others at home without wearing a face covering and practicing physical distancing. The beginning of the shelter-in-place period should start at least 10 days before you plan to leave the campus and extend at least 4 days once you return home.
What if I am leaving campus earlier?
All undergraduates on the Pittsburgh campus should shelter in place beginning November 9. All undergraduates on the regional campuses should shelter in place beginning November 12, even if you are leaving campus earlier than November 21.
What if I am leaving campus later?
All undergraduates on the Pittsburgh campus should shelter in place beginning November 9. All undergraduates on the regional campuses should shelter in place beginning November 12, even if you are leaving campus later than November 21.
Should graduate students also shelter in place?
If you are traveling during the break, we strongly encourage you to shelter in place for at least 14 days prior to traveling. You can continue in-person academic activities (like teaching, attending required clinicals, labs and advisor meetings) during your shelter-in-place period but other extracurricular activities should occur virtually as much as possible.
Can I go to my class and/or exam?
Yes, in-person classes and exams will continue and students may continue to attend in person if they wish.
What can I do while sheltering in place?
At your college residence:
- Try and limit close contacts to just your pod or roommates
- Only leave your room or residence students should only leave their rooms or apartments to attend classes, in-person exams, labs, or clinicals in person, pick up food, exercise safely, study in the library, work when necessary, and shop for essentials and medical needs. Group projects and student activities should be held virtually.
- If you have family or friends who are at a higher risk or part of a vulnerable population at home, you should combine shelter-in-place with masking and physical distancing even within your pod or with roommates to provide an increased degree of protection for your transition home.
At home:
- Only leave the household for work, medicines, food or emergency situations.
- Modify your exercise routines for outside if possible, maintain a physical distance of 6 feet, or wear a face covering when 6 feet of separation is unlikely.
- Wear a face covering and maintain a safe physical distance around any household member.
- Eat separately if members of your household are unable or unwilling to keep a safe distance.
Do I have to complete the Daily Health Check app even if I’m not coming to campus?
We are advising all students to complete the Daily Health Check app during the entirety of their shelter-in-place period as a way of ensuring that they pay particular attention to their health during this period.
Where can I exercise on campus?
Campus recreation facilities will remain open, but reservations are required. Gyms and recreational facilities in residence halls will be closed beginning November 8 on the Pittsburgh campus and November 12 on the regional campuses. Outdoor exercise is also a great option, but face coverings should be worn if you’re within six feet of others while exercising.
Can I study in the library?
Yes, libraries remain open, but please check hours online.
Can I go to my job or internship?
Yes, you may continue to go to your job or internship during the shelter-in-place period. You should be sure to wear a face covering, maintain physical distance and wash your hands frequently while at work.
Can I go to the lab or a clinical experience?
Yes, you may continue to go to your lab or clinical experiences during the shelter-in-place period.
What if I test COVID-19 positive during the shelter-in-place period?
Contact student health service at your campus for assistance with planning your campus departure strategy.
What if I am in isolation or quarantine when I am scheduled to travel home?
Contact student health service at your campus for assistance with planning your campus departure strategy.
Am I able to take a COVID-19 test before returning home?
No. However, the University is exploring options to make testing available after you arrive home for students who are interested in being tested before interacting with family and friends without a face covering or physical distance. Those who elect to do this testing should remember that a negative test result a day or two after you arrive home does not prove you do not have the virus in your body. Rather, it may only mean that the virus has not yet reached detectable levels in your nose. Therefore, extra precaution like face coverings and physical distancing should continue through at least the remaining days of your shelter-in-place period. More details on this program will be provided in the near term.
What if my state requires quarantine after travel?
You should follow all state or local guidelines for quarantine after travel. Our recommendations are supplemental to any such guidance and are designed to be protective of any friends or family you may interact with after leaving the campus environment.
What if my roommate does not comply with shelter-in-place plans?
Please contact your resident assistant or resident director.