Health restrictions, spirits lift as Pitt updates COVID guidelines

HEALTH RESTRICTIONS, SPIRITS LIFT AS PITT UPDATES COVID-19 GUIDELINES

Punya Bhasin Senior Staff Writer

As more and more people become vaccinated, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Gov. Tom Wolf and Pitt administration are not only lifting their COVID-19 restrictions, but also Pitt students’ spirits.

Lauren Carter, a sophomore forensic psychology major, said with Pitt’s updated COVID-19 guidelines, she is looking forward to the in-person activities and opportunities that will be available this upcoming year.

“I hope the University holds more activities and opportunities for us and I’m looking forward to having them host stuff out on the lawn, getting involved in clubs and just really reaching out and trying to meet new people,” Carter said.

University spokesperson Kevin Zwick said vaccinated students will no longer be required to wear face coverings outdoors, although everyone — regardless of their vaccination status — must wear face coverings inside University buildings. According to Zwick, social distancing is also no longer required.

As the University continues to update its COVID-19 safety protocols, Pitt continues to encourage students and staff to get vaccinated and offers free clinics on campus to provide COVID-19 vaccines.

There were much stricter COVID-19 protocols on campus last year. Students were required to wear masks both indoors and outdoors, weren’t allowed guests inside residence halls and in-person classes and activities were cancelled. More than 1,300 students and 240 employees tested positive for COVID-19 during the year.

Student Affairs spokesperson Janine Fisher said Pitt has not decided yet on any specific guidelines or capacity limits for student organizations, but Student Affairs is planning to resume in-person activities.

Luis Cantu, a senior philosophy major, said he is “optimistic” about the upcoming academic year and sees the change in mask rules as a sign of returning to normalcy.

“I got the Moderna vaccine so I think I will feel safe returning to campus and going to classes in person,” Cantu said. “I expect things to go back to normal, so I'm pretty optimistic and I don't have any worries about the upcoming semester.”

Carter said she doesn’t have an issue continuing to wear masks, despite being vaccinated. She said she is willing to wear a mask if others are wearing masks, or if it makes people feel more comfortable.

“If a lot of people in the area are wearing a mask, I’ll wear a mask,” Carter said. “I don't think it's that big of a deal and I never really had a huge issue with them, and I will wear a mask if it makes people feel comfortable.”

Carter also said she will continue to

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