Pitt drops outdoor mask requirement for those fully vaccinated

Fully vaccinated individuals on the University of Pittsburgh’s campus will no longer be required to wear face coverings while outdoors, according to university officials.

An announcement posted to the university’s Twitter account Friday afternoon said the new recommendations will go into effect Monday, June 7.

Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, must continue to wear face coverings while inside university buildings.

Effective Monday, June 7, face coverings will no longer be required outdoors on campus for vaccinated individuals. Face coverings are still required for everyone inside University buildings. Physical distancing is no longer required. Learn more here: https://t.co/muYqr0A08d pic.twitter.com/Z2ZqaavoaE

— University of Pittsburgh (@PittTweet) June 4, 2021

The decision, which was made in consultation with the school’s Heathcare Advisory Group, came almost a month after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention eased indoor mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people in most places. The CDC suggested people would not need to wear a mask while outside in a crowd.

Shortly after the CDC’s May announcement, Pennsylvania updated its covid-related guidance to match the recommendations regarding masks.

The move by Pitt also comes as colleges and universities grapple with whether to require vaccinations for students and staff during the upcoming school year. Duquesne University on Thursday joined a growing list of area schools requiring a vaccine, which also includes Carnegie Mellon and Chatham.

“As a reminder, wearing a face covering is not a signal of vaccination status,” a notice on Pitt’s website reads. “Some people will continue to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status as a matter of individual preference and comfort. Please have patience for yourself and others as we navigate these changes.”

Changes to university-based mask mandates will be reflected in the standards and guidelines starting Monday.