University of Pittsburgh announces indoor mask mandate, other protocols for fall

The University of Pittsburgh announced covid-19 protocols for the fall semester on Thursday.

The protocols mandate masks in all indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status, with the exception of enclosed private offices or dwellings. Pitt also said individuals who are not fully vaccinated, as well as those who are or live with someone who is immunocompromised, should wear face coverings when outdoors and unable to maintain physical distancing.

Officials said the policy, effective Aug. 9 on all Pitt campuses, will be subject to review but is expected to remain in place throughout the fall semester.

This week, Carnegie Mellon University announced it will require students to wear masks effective Aug. 15.

Unlike a number of private universities in the region, Pitt is not requiring staff and students to be vaccinated. The university has asked students to document their vaccination status and has said those who are not vaccinated may be subject to frequent testing and other requirements.

Pitt’s announcement comes on the heels of an uptick in covid-19 infections that this week pushed Allegheny, Westmoreland and other counties in the region and state into the risk-transmission status of “substantial.”

Citing surging infections, fueled by the highly contagious delta variant in pockets of the nation with low vaccination rates, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week called for the return of indoor masking in regions with substantial transmission rates.

Although Gov. Tom Wolf has said he has no intention to seek the renewal of a statewide mask mandate, the surge in infection rates already have prompted a number of businesses to require customers and employees to mask up inside. Some businesses have taken the additional step of requiring employees and customers to show proof of vaccination.