The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has updated the Community Level COVID-19 status for Allegheny, Armstrong and Indiana counties to low. Jefferson County continues to be classified as low.
The Community Level status is a measure of the illness’s impact on health and healthcare systems in that area.
IUP will continue to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control regarding masks/face coverings based on county transmission rates. This status is updated at 8 p.m. weekly on Thursdays and is available on the CDC website.
Information on the CDC Community Level County Status will be posted on the IUP COVID-19 Response Plan webpage. Please continue to check this page for updates.
The most current Bivalent omicron-specific booster has not yet been received at IUP Health Service. Email messaging will be sent with updates when this vaccine is available.
Other COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are available for free to students and employees at IUP Health Service.
As a reminder:
- Masks are not required for IUP buildings or facilities; the exception is that masks will continue to be required in the IUP Health Service.
- IUP supports the CDC recommendation to wear a mask if an individual has COVID-19 symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19.
- Free masks are available at building entrances and from IUP Central Stores.
- While wearing a mask is not required in most cases, it remains the expectation that any visitors to individual offices or to residence hall suites and rooms must follow the preference of the people in those offices or living areas regarding use of masks. Every member of the university community should understand, support, and follow the request for masking in an individual’s personal space.
- IUP also supports and respects the individual personal choice to wear a mask or face covering. Anyone who prefers to use a mask is encouraged to do so.
- Free COVID-19 testing for students and free COVID-19 test kits will continue to be provided at the IUP Health Service.
- For students for whom self-isolation has been recommended due to a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, housing and care will be offered in Delaney Hall.
- CDC-recommended cleaning and sanitation procedures continue to be followed in our buildings.
The well-being of the IUP community remains the priority and guiding principle for our decision making. If there is a shift in the pandemic in our communities and the CDC provides updated recommendations related to face coverings or other mitigation efforts, IUP policies will change accordingly.