COVID-19

All students are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and up to date with any required booster shots. 

You can access testing through our PennCares testing program. If you are experiencing symptoms, you should test right away. In the event of an exposure, call the contact tracing line at 215-898-0300 for guidance before testing. Any student who tests positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to isolate in place. 

You can find the most up-to-date guidance on Penn's coronavirus website. If guidance changes, you will be notified by campus-wide email. If you have additional questions, you can email covidtesting@upenn.edu or call 215-898-0300. 

Navigating COVID-19 With Your Roommates

Please be proactive and have honest conversations with your roommates about navigating COVID-19 before one of you is exposed or tests positive. Below are some questions to ask to get this conversation started: 

 

Tips for Talking to Roommates About COVID-19 1. Have the conversation sooner rather than later 2. Decide what your plan will be if one of you were to test positive 3. Discuss cleaning of shared spaces and frequently touched surfaces 4. Go through the university's guidelines together and ask questions to get on the same page about COVID 5. Fill out a roommate agreement 6. Remind each other there will be no judgement if one of you tests positive    Questions to Ask your Roommates: 1. What are your thoughts on the current COVID situation? 2. What precautions are you taking? (ex. masking, distancing, hand washing, etc.) 3. What COVID-19 mitigation strategies should we practice? 4. What will we do if one of us tests positive for COVID-19 and must isolate in place? 5. What other concerns do you have about COVID-19? 6. What will we do if one of us is exposed to COVID-19 and/or displays symptoms? Reminders -Conversations BEFORE someone tests positive minimizes conflict and ensures everyone is on the same page -Be open and willing to have honest conversations -If disagreements arise, look for compromises -Use "I" statements -Reflect on your thoughts and opinions before talking to your roommates -Be direct but respectful -Breathe and take breaks if things start to get heated

 

Please remember, if you or someone you live with is experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, begin masking immediately. If you or someone you live with tests positive for COVID-19, please remember to mask around others for 10 full days after testing positive or being exposed. Cleaning services are not provided in campus housing rooms, you are responsible for cleaning and maintaining the cleanliness of your own room, including in the case of you or someone you live with testing positive for COVID-19. Check out the FAQs posted on the coronavirus website for guidance on best practices for isolating in place.