Building access restrictions will end July 1

Pitt is lifting pandemic-related access restrictions for University buildings on all campuses, effective July 1, according to a June 29 announcement.

A Pitt ID will no longer be required to enter campus buildings. Also, guests will not have to register in advance to gain access to campus facilities. Buildings that had restricted access before the pandemic will continue to be limited to those authorized for each space.

Like many of Pitt’s COVID-related policies, the building access rules could change if health reasons arise. Similarly, the University’s masking requirement for inside buildings kicks in when the community level rises to high in the counties where Pitt’s campuses are located. Currently, all of those counties are at medium or low COVID levels. You can view the current campus CDC community levels at coronavirus.pitt.edu.

Pitt first closed buildings to almost the entire University community in March 2020. When students began to return in August 2020, safety concierge stations were set up at building entrances with security personnel and student workers checking that everyone was masked and making sure people swiped their Pitt ID to enter.

After Pitt started requiring everyone to be vaccinated or have an approved exemption in December 2021, the swiping stations also served to limit access to buildings to those who had complied with the requirements.

Some faculty have said that the card readers and limited access to buildings have increased safety.

Ted Fritz, vice chancellor for public safety and emergency management told the Senate’s Campus Utilization, Planning And Safety committee in March of this year that the security level of Pitt buildings is determined by a committee, which rates the spaces on different tiers. Tier 1, with the most restrictive access, includes several labs, research facilities and residence halls, while Tier 3 is for business offices, recreation centers and libraries. He said it’s been a couple years since the committee has met and it is planning to do so soon.

— Susan Jones

 

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