Coronavirus | Penn Today

As Americans die by the thousands, Trump cronies cut in line for coronavirus treatments and vaccines

Holly Fernandez Lynch of the Perelman School of Medicine said giving the COVID-19 vaccine first to federal officials is unfair: “Consideration of political and social connections is absolutely not an acceptable allocation strategy.”

Governors are persuasive on COVID and Republicans have surprising impact: Researchers

Guy Grossman of the School of Arts & Sciences, Wharton doctoral student Jonah Rexer, and Harsha Thirumurthy of the Perelman School of Medicine wrote an op-ed about how governors can take action to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Sandwich board on a city sidewalk that reads SORRY WE’RE CLOSED DUE TO COVID-19.

What role should insurers play in covering pandemic business losses?

Wharton’s Howard Kunreuther speaks about businesses lacking insurance for losses during the pandemic.

Premature baby in an incubator in the ICU.

No change in preterm birth or stillbirth in Philadelphia during pandemic

Challenging earlier reports, a CHOP-Penn Medicine study employed a rigorous analysis of a diverse, urban pregnancy cohort and found no significant changes.

A photos of bunches of peanuts with soil and leaves in view.

Seven ways to be green at home

Eco-Reps across Penn offer sustainability tips to save money, help the environment, and consume less during the holidays.

Wearing a Penn scarf, Athletic Director M. Grace Calhoun stands a conference room in front of a long table with chairs.

AD Calhoun talks college sports (or lack thereof) during the pandemic

The director of athletics and recreation discusses COVID-19’s impact on college sports, her work with the NCAA, changing eligibility and compensation guidelines, and why the college basketball season may end with May Madness instead of March Madness.

Two pairs of socked feet, up on a bench next to a steaming mug of hot liquid. In the background is a fireplace with a fire.

Four strategies to find joy in a very different holiday season

Experts from Penn’s Positive Psychology Center suggest tweaking traditions, acknowledging the situation’s highs and lows, and seeking help from people in your life.

8 socially-distanced winter date nights so good, you won’t even notice it’s freezing

James Pawelski of the School of Arts & Sciences said that comparing this year’s winter activities to last year’s will likely yield frustration. “What we can do is acknowledge this year is different, but there are new opportunities,” he said.

Employers debate whether to require COVID-19 vaccine for workers

Allison Hoffman of the Law School weighed in on potential objections to a workplace COVID-19 vaccination requirement. “I think a lot of this will come down to how aggressive employers are with mandates, how are people feeling about the vaccine, how much time will there be for people to get comfortable with the vaccine. I think if employees feel safe, it will reduce the expansionary effect,” she said.

The elderly vs. essential workers: Who should get the coronavirus vaccine first?

Harald Schmidt of the Perelman School of Medicine said it is reasonable to prioritize essential workers over older adults for the COVID-19 vaccine. “Older populations are whiter,” he said. “Society is structured in a way that enables them to live longer. Instead of giving additional health benefits to those who already had more of them, we can start to level the playing field a bit.”

Filters