We are extremely grateful for the extraordinary efforts of every member of our community as we navigated a very unusual, yet exciting and inspiring, fall semester. With our return from Thanksgiving Break and as we head into the final weeks of the semester, we know there are concerns about the new Omicron variant. We want you to know that we are working closely with Penn Medicine and our public health experts to monitor and respond to this situation as it evolves.
As a first line of defense, we strongly encourage everyone to get a booster shot and to be tested. We are currently in the final stages of planning a free clinic for booster vaccines in the weeks ahead and will share information as soon as the details are finalized.
We also continue to offer screening tests. As a reminder, tests are available to everyone on campus, at no cost, with no appointment. All students are required to undergo testing at least once every two weeks and will receive a Red Pass if they are not tested within two weeks after Thanksgiving. You can learn more on the Penn Cares Testing Program website.
We have made great progress working together, by following guidance on testing, masking, using OpenPass, and engaging in limited social gatherings. These measures remain more important than ever, especially as we near semester’s end and the return of many to their homes and families. We will keep you updated on any new developments. In the meantime, please know that we are continuing to monitor the developing situation to best support the Penn community.