Guidance to Understanding Pennsylvania Governor Wolf's Stay-at-Home Order

Dear Carnegie Mellon Students:

Wherever you are in the world, I hope your first week back to classes has gone smoothly and that you’re settling in as best you can in this new world of remote education and social distancing. We know that finding new ways to maintain social connections during this challenging time is important to support our well-being, and I hope you have also been able to to stay engaged with your peers and support network in a virtual world.

For those of you in Pittsburgh, you likely read about the recent stay-at-home order issued by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf to mitigate the community spread of COVID-19. The directive, which aims to combat the increasing number of cases of the coronavirus in Pennsylvania, continues through at least April 6, and requires all individuals to stay at home and avoid social gatherings.

Please take this order from the Governor seriously as this is a government mandate. Do not organize or participate in social gatherings, and always adhere to social distancing guidelines. You must keep at least 6 feet (2 meters) of distance between you and others, even your friends and classmates. It is important that we all comply and we do our part to help keep our community healthy and safe.

There are few exceptions to this government mandate. Individuals generally are permitted to go out only to get groceries and take-out food, to obtain medical supplies, to provide care for others, and to exercise while maintaining social distancing guidelines.

To align with the stay-at-home order, Gesling Stadium, the outdoor track, the soccer field, the outdoor basketball court, and the tennis courts have been closed to all community members. Signage will be posted around these and other outdoor spaces prohibiting social interaction and sports competition. Rather than a game of football, soccer or frisbee, take a walk or run around campus or Schenley Park to exercise — but please keep 6 feet of distance between you and others. The Department of Athletics and Recreation will soon be offering a number of virtual opportunities and challenges for all members of our community to stay active and fit, while maintaining appropriate social distancing.

Students who still live in on-campus residential housing will soon be receiving an update from Housing Services about what we will be doing to ensure we can serve your needs and preserve your safety, while still maintaining social distancing protocols. More information on this will be sent tomorrow to students who have registered to continue living on campus. Please check your emails and respond to any inquiries from Housing Services so we can best attend to your needs and maintain your safety.

In this strange time of isolation, we are here for you. Your network of support is eager to connect: advisors, faculty, housefellows, coaches, college liaisons, spirituality and religious life supports, student support resource coordinators, student employment supervisors — wherever you feel a sense of connection. We miss your energy on campus and would welcome hearing from you individually. Counseling and Psychological Services is also available by calling 412-268-2922 if you need to get connected with support or care. As always, if you need medical assistance, please call University Health Services at 412-268-2157.

Finally, please continue to visit our coronavirus website for the most up-to-date information about CMU’s response to the pandemic. Thank you for your thoughtfulness during this most difficult time. If you need help, please reach out. We are always here for you!

Sincerely,

Gina Casalegno
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students