Covid
Penn lifts double-masking requirement as COVID-19 cases continue to decline
University administrators wrote that the requirement to double-mask or use a KN95, N95, or KF95 mask in campus buildings is now reversed. They added that wearing masks indoors is still required.
SEPTA to alter service and schedule due to overcrowding and understaffing
Seventeen bus routes will undergo slight frequency reductions, and those resources will be shifted to other routes with greater ridership.
Penn announces return of indoor social gatherings as COVID-19 cases fall to semester low
In response to the favorable trends across the Penn community, particularly undergraduates, the University announced that indoor social gatherings and event registration can resume.
Tested positive for COVID-19? Here’s what you need to do next
With positive COVID-19 cases among undergraduate students continuing to soar, more students than ever need advice on what to do after receiving a positive test result.
Undergraduate case count continues to climb, rising to over 600
A total of 757 community members tested positive for COVID-19 during the week of Jan. 30 to Feb. 5 — continuing a three-week increasing trend.
USPS mails rapid COVID-19 tests to West Philadelphia residents via federal initiative
President Biden promised to mail 500 million free, at-home rapid COVID-19 tests to Americans. Since Jan. 18, individuals have been able to request up to four tests per household online.
Despite decrease in COVID-19 cases, Philadelphia will not lift restrictions for months
According to Philadelphia Health Commissioner Cheryl Bettigole, most Philadelphians have not yet received the booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine which is necessary to combat the Omicron variant.
PennOpen Pass updates to give isolation guidance to students with red passes
Students who report their positive test can expect instant information and answers from PennOpen Pass and will automatically be put on the Penn Wellness team’s radar.
Students disappointed by Penn’s failure to readily enforce COVID-19 policies
Some students said that they felt the University's COVID-19 policies — such as double-masking, testing, and isolation — are not being enforced with enough rigor.
Undergraduate COVID-19 case count nearly triples
In a Feb. 1 email, Penn announced that the restriction on indoor social gatherings and event registration will remain, citing the doubling of COVID-19 positivity among undergraduate students.
Over 1,400 petition for Penn to revoke COVID-19 booster mandate
Citing Penn’s almost 100% vaccination rate and recent campus record high positivity rates, the petition demands the University remove the booster shot requirement.
Students studying abroad in spring 2022 balance health and learning amid COVID-19
Penn has been working with the Committee on International Travel Risk Assessment to review study abroad programs and ensure safety among student travelers amid COVID-19.
Penn's COVID-19 case count and positivity rate continue to lower as spring semester begins
A total of 467 community members tested positive for COVID-19 during the week from Jan. 16 to Jan. 22 — continuing a three-week declining trend in positive cases.
While Philadelphia's COVID-19 cases are decreasing, hospitals remain understaffed
Compared to the previous week's rate of 2,000 cases per day, Philadelphia reported an average of 996 daily cases this week, PhillyVoice reported.
Students who isolated on campus in December recount poor living conditions, communication
Penn students in University isolation housing have been forced to grapple with confusing instructions, inadequate communication, and an overall frustrating process.
Penn loosens restrictions on indoor social gatherings
The University updated its Public Health Guidance on Jan. 25, resuming indoor gatherings for attending class, studying, meetings, and events.
Penn's Gene Therapy Program partners with the Center for Breakthrough Medicine
GTP will receive up to $100 million through the sponsored research agreement over 15 years and have access to a 700,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility.
Penn's new indoor masking policy, explained
In a Jan. 7 email to the Penn community, administrators announced that all community members in campus buildings must either double-mask or wear a KN95 or N95 mask.
Penn Medicine's Drew Weissman, Katalin Karikó receive $3 million VinFuture Grand Prize
Two Perelman School of Medicine Professors were awarded $3 million dollars in Vietnam for their breakthrough mRNA research which led to the technology behind the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.