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. A shelter-in-place period will begin on November 12, allowing you to complete your shelter-in-place period before the Thanksgiving holiday.
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?
Your shelter-in-place period should begin 10 days earlier than the day you are planning to depart campus.
What if I am leaving campus later?
Your shelter-in-place period should begin 10 days earlier than the day you are planning to depart campus.
Can I go to my class and/or exam?
Yes, in-person classes and exams will continue and you should continue to attend in person if you wish.
What can I do while sheltering in place?
At your college residence:
· Only have close contact with your pod or roommates
· Only leave your room or apartment for picking up food, outdoor safe exercise, Wellness Center exercise, attending class in person, working when necessary, and essential shopping and medical needs.
· Group work 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 by maintaining a physical distance of 6 feet, when possible, or by wearing 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?
Yes, all students must complete the Daily Health Check app during all 14 days of their shelter-in-place period.
Where can I exercise on campus?
The Pitt-Johnstown Wellness Center will be open but at its current limited capacity of 25 students as we operate in the Elevated Posture. Face coverings and physical distancing are required and enforced. 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, the Owen Library remains open, but please check hours online at https://library.pitt.edu/johnstown.
Can I go to my job or internship?
Yes, if your job or internships is required, then you may continue to go during the shelter-in-place period. Speak with your supervisor about wearing a face covering, physical distancing and frequent hand washing while at work.
Can I go to the lab or a clinical experience?
Yes, if your lab or clinical experience is required, then you may continue to go during the shelter-in-place period.
What if I test COVID-19 positive during the shelter-in-place period?
You cannot travel on public transportation if you have tested positive for COVID-19 within 14 days of your travel date. You may need to adjust your travel plans if you test positive during the shelter-in-place.
What if I am in isolation when I am scheduled to travel home?
We strongly recommend remaining in isolation until you have been medically cleared for travel. You cannot travel on public transportation if you have tested positive for COVID-19 within 14 days of your travel date.
Am I able to take a COVID-19 test before returning home?
The University is exploring options to make at-home testing available to those students who are interested in being tested before interacting with family and friends without a face covering or physical distance. More details on this program will be provided in the near term.
What if my state requires quarantine after travel?
The 14-day shelter-in-place period that we recommend is not the same as a 14-day quarantine at home. You should follow your state or local guidelines for quarantine after travel.
What if my roommate does not comply with shelter-in-place plans?
Please contact your RA or HRA.