Pitt: Spring semester move-in Jan. 29

The University of Pittsburgh on Wednesday advised all students heading for spring semester to the school’s main and regional campuses — and surrounding neighborhoods — that they can arrive starting Jan. 29.

The advisory further refines a system to bring students back according to infection rate forecasts. Last Friday, the school told its 34,000 students they should delay travel at least until the final week of January, promising more information this week.

“Please note that this advice is always subject to change due to virus conditions or additional public health guidance,” read a statement from Pitt’s medical response office.

The first day of classes is still planned for Monday, although university leaders have said the school’s Flex@Pitt delivery system allows students and faculty to shift reliance between remote and in-person classes as infection risks from the pandemic rise and fall.

Wednesday’s advisory applies to the main Oakland campuses and branches at Bradford, Greensburg, Johnstown and Titusville.

In recent weeks, uncertainty over infections has prompted Pitt and other colleges and universities to modify their academic calendars and contemplate what share of classes can be held in person, at least in the semester’s early days.

Pitt health officials recommend that before students travel, they:

• Shelter in place for at least seven days, leaving their residence only for medicines, food or emergency situations;

• Adjust exercise routines by keeping 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 who is not sheltering in place;

• Eat separately if members of the household are unable or unwilling to shelter in place.

“Pitt will provide one COVID-19 test through

Quest for all students returning to our campus communities in order to maximize a safe return,” the university’s statement said.

“The test should be taken and returned to Quest on the first day of the seven-day shelter-in-place period prior to travel to campus.

“Students should register for the test to be delivered to their current loca-27,841 tion as soon as possible,” it added.

Also, on- or off-campus students arriving from out of state are required by the state to have a negative test result.