Pitt says covid is 'widespread' in residence halls, adds 30 cases

The University of Pittsburgh saw another surge in cases over the weekend, according to the most recent report from the school’s Covid-19 Medical Response Office.

Pitt on Tuesday recorded 29 new cases among students and one new employee case on its Pittsburgh campus. There are 67 students in isolation, while the five-day moving average is 8.6 cases per day.

“Despite testing fewer students over the weekend, the moving average of positive cases per day continues to approach 10,” the update reads. “COVID-19 is now widespread across 13 residence halls, and the majority of new cases are on campus.”

The message assures readers there is still enough isolation housing for students, but students and staff are urged to stay vigilant and follow health and safety procedures.

Administrators encouraged people to avoid unnecessary travel and reminded those who do that they are expected to quarantine upon return for seven days and take a covid test (or quarantine for 10 days with no test).

“With the U.K. variant, B 1.1.7, present on campus and Allegheny County cases rising, we are deeply worried about the possibility that this trend will continue or worsen in the remaining five weeks of spring term. We must take action now to reverse this trend,” the message continues.

The message noted the easing of public health restrictions, including capacity limits for restaurants and other businesses that are set to increase this weekend.

“In this context, we want to remind every member of the Pitt community that just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should; just because someone else is doing something doesn’t mean it’s safe,” it reads.

Tuesday’s update follows a similar message Friday, in which the university announced 42 cases at the Pittsburgh campus. Cases are low at Pitt-Bradford (five new cases, Tuesday) and Pitt-Greensburg (two new cases). No new cases were announced at Pitt-Johnstown.