Coronavirus Preparedness

Pittsburgh Theological Seminary is taking preventative measures to protect the well-being of our community as the coronavirus outbreak continues to be a rapidly changing situation. 

Here you'll see several campus communications regarding the coronavirus and related resources.

Information for Visitors

  • All visitors are required to complete the LiveSafe app health check to be on campus. Complete the form online https://livesafe.jotform.com/211685051786158 or consider downloading the app. 
  • Please note: visitors must not have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 5 days and must be symptom free. If unvaccinated visitors have been exposed to someone in the last five days who has tested positive for COVID-19, the visitor will not be permitted on campus.
  • Visitors should park in the visitor parking available in front of Long Hall and enter through the main doors. Proceed to the Reception Desk to complete the health check if needed and to meet your host.
  • Masks are required on campus when Allegheny County is in high community spread. Masks are available at the Reception Desk should you need one.
  • The Barbour Library is open to patrons. You must show your LiveSafe app green check mark upon arrival. Learn more about visiting the library.
  • The Kelso Museum of Near Eastern Archaeology is open by appointment only. You must show your LiveSafe app green check mark upon arrival. Learn more about scheduling a visit.

March 29, 2023

PTS Community,

Case Count
The Seminary had 0 campus cases of COVID-19 for the week of March 22-29.

Mask Status
The community level of COVID-19 in Allegheny County is Low; masks continue to be optional on campus.

Enjoy today’s sunshine,
Asa Lee, President

Previous Messages

Pittsburgh Seminary Health and Safety Plan

The is committed to the health and wellbeing of our community—students, staff, faculty, and neighbors. To that end and in accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Seminary has written as set of protocols which constitute our COVID-19 health and safety plan. This document provides guidance regarding the Seminary’s Phased Reopening Plan, Campus Safety—Physical and Operations; Human Resources and Work Policies; Health Monitoring and Support; Academic Programs; Tenants; Groups, Meetings, Gatherings and Events; Food Service; and Communications. Additional information is included in the appendices. Read the Plan.

Health-Screening Questionnaire 

Before returning to campus for the first time, faculty, staff, students, and visitors are asked to complete the health screening questionnaire

Seminary Policies - Positive or Exposed to COVID

What to Do If You’ve Tested Positive

If you’ve tested positive for COVID-19:

  • Alert Dean Teter (students) or your supervisor (employees);
  • Stay home for at least 5 days after your first symptoms or your positive test, whichever is earlier;
  • Wear a mask for 5 days upon returning to campus.

What to Do if You’ve Been Exposed

If you’ve been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19,

  • And you’ve been fully vaccinated and show no symptoms you should,
    • Wear a mask indoors in public for 5 days following exposure or until a negative test result.
    • Get tested 5-7 days after close contact with someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
    • Get tested and isolate immediately if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
  • And if you’re unvaccinated, you should
    • Quarantine for 5 days after your last exposure to the person.
    • Wear a mask for 5 days upon returning to campus.
  • For the time being, persons in close contact will get a red X when completing the LiveSafe app. Please contact Dean Teter (students) or your supervisor (employees) to discuss your specific situation and next steps before coming to campus.

Helpful Links

Health Care Tips

  • Wash your hands often with soap and hot water for 20 seconds, and make sure you wash your thumbs, wrists, and in-between your fingers. This is the best defense against the spread of all viruses.
  • Stay home when you are ill. A day or two of rest will assure quicker recovery and decrease the spread of infectious illness on campus.
  • Cover your cough/sneeze with a tissue or the crook of your arm, and then promptly wash your hands or use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available.
  • Get plenty of rest/sleep.
  • Get the seasonal flu vaccine. Though not protective against coronavirus, the seasonal vaccine may prevent against flu, which is known to cause possible severe respiratory illness.

Symptoms for Coronavirus May Include

  • Runny nose
  • Headache
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Fever
  • A general feeling of being ill

Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities

Protect yourself and your community from getting and spreading respiratory illnesses like coronavirus. Everyone has a role to play in getting ready and staying healthy. Check resources from the CDC about best ways to prevent the spread of diseases like COVID-19 in your community. 

CARES Act HEERF Report

HEERF I

PTS signed and returned certification with the U.S. government allowing access to funding to help students fund COVID-19 related expenses. PTS received a total of $40,736 of which regulation requires at least 50 percent be given directly to students. PTS decided the entire $40,736.00 will go to students in the form of emergency grants. 

PTS has approximately 175 students eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. However, only 37 students applied for COVID-19 emergency funding. To solicit applications PTS directly e-mailed all current students and invited application.To determine award amounts students self-reported their need and were awarded accordingly. Thirty-three students were awarded grants from the $40,736. We will continue to update this information every 45 days per federal regulation. 

HEERF II

PTS received an additional disbursement of $64,694.00 through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act. While PTS was only required to utilize $20,368.00 in emergency grants to students, the Seminary decided to use the entire $64,694.00 in the form of emergency grants to students.

PTS received 78 applications from students for emergency grants through the CRRSA Act. However, only 68 students were eligible for the emergency grants per guidance from the Department of Education. To determine the award, students self-reported their need and awards were disbursed accordingly. Sixty-eight students were awarded grants from the $64,694.

Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting under CARES Act - HEERF II

HEERF III

The Seminary received an additional $119,805.00 from the American Rescue Plan. Of those funds, $59,902.50 was required to be given in grants to students. The Seminary chose to use the majority of the funds for students financial support. Of the eligible 272 students,74 people received $44,002.50 total in summer emergency grants. Students self-reported their need, the awards were disbursed accordingly, and students were able to receive a check or have the funds applied directly to their Seminary account. Additionally, PTS allocated $13,327.60 in work-study funds for summer employment. The Seminary also spent $1,188 on the LiveSafe app for COVID-19 mitigation.

Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting under CARES Act - HEERF III

2022 Quarter 1 Report

The Seminary had $18,852.57 remaining in the student portion and $1,384.40 in institutional portion from the HEERF III grant of the American Rescue Plan. Of those funds, $20,136.97 was utilized to award students emergency grants in February 2022. Of the eligible 240 eligible students, 65 people received a portion of the $20,136.97. Students self-reported their need, the awards were disbursed accordingly, and students were able to receive a check or have the funds applied directly to their Seminary accounts. Additionally, PTS allocated $100 to host a Professional Judgment event on campus to promote and educate students on its availability.

Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting under CARES Act