University Research Guidance
Forms & Training
Lab & Workplace Guidance
Questions & Concerns
The University will adhere to CDC guidelines for COVID-19 testing, which may change over time (current guidelines: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/clinical-criteria.html)
Currently, the CDC does not recommend baseline testing for all employees, nor does it endorse antibody testing for diagnostic purposes or verification of immunity.
COVID-19 testing is not required for researchers prior to returning to campus.
If you are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, do not come to campus and seek medical advice and recommendations regarding testing. Testing is available.
Social distancing is required on campus. In most cases this means 6 ft separation, face coverings in general spaces and surgical masks in many labs, and frequent hand washing and cleaning. Activities are scheduled to minimize density in spaces where research takes place and where general activities occur, such as break rooms. Elevator occupancy is limited. Details of the plans are specific to each building.
If you have suggestions for improvements or concerns about social distancing you can contact your supervisor/research director, department, or building administrator.
You can also submit suggestions or report noncompliance to https://secure.ethicspoint.com/domain/media/en/gui/22868/index.html
Confidential and anonymous reports can be made through the 215-P-COMPLY phone line or in a web form.
Note: These guidelines apply regardless of where you are coming from, whether domestic or international.
Participation in research on campus during Phase II is voluntary and each school has developed a process for graduate students and post docs to opt in. Some use survey tools, others email communications. Masks and the ability to observe social distancing is required. All members of the University community that opt-in and are approved to return to campus must participate in the PennOpen Pass program. Information about PennOpenPass can be found here.
There are many options for discussing concerns regarding the process or undue pressure to participate in research during Phase II. You can contact your dept chair, grad group chair, the school official responsible for student or post doc programming, or students can confidentially report concerns at provost-ed@upenn.edu and post docs can confidentially report concerns at vpr@upenn.edu .
Biomedical Graduate Students (BGS) and Biomedical Postdoc Programs (BPP) can opt-in via knowledge link.
When someone is being tested or has tested positive for COVID-19, contact Environmental Health & Radiation Safety (EHRS). Access to the lab will be restricted until Facilities and Real Estate Services arranges for enhanced cleaning of the lab and areas outside of the lab.
Currently contact tracing for faculty and staff is done by EHRS 215-898-4453 or ehrs@ehrs.upenn.edu. and for students by Campus Health at 215-746-3535. Options for digital tracing are under development.
The unit will receive a report that someone is being tested for COVID-19. If you don’t receive a notification, there is no further action that needs to be taken on your part. Please continue to monitor yourself closely for symptoms and practice disease prevention behaviors such as hand washing and social distancing. Should you not feel well, please stay home and contact your primary care provider.
See the complete protocol for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case here. https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/wellness-worklife/communicable-disease-health-and-safety#hrguidance
Symptom screening is required daily before entering the buildings. At present, Schools have slightly different processes for screening but all require a self-assessment of a list of symptoms, including temperature, based on a short survey.
The University is developing a three-tier approach to using digital tools to help lower the risk of COVID-19 spread on campus. It is anticipated that the first tier will be a bidirectional testing or a mobile app for daily symptom screening with a day pass. The second tier will involve a COVID app that would also assist contact tracers, and the third tier would support exposure notification. Updates will follow as the project progresses.
These tools will be combined with a regimen of regular testing and rigorous human contact tracing within 24 hours following any new positive test results as well as quarantine of cases and high-risk contacts.
Contact your supervisor, research group leader, faculty mentor, or department with any questions about the process in your school.
By returning to campus, researchers agree to daily symptom screening, compliance with social distancing guidelines, testing if requested and self-isolating, if requested.
In case of potential or verified positive cases, traditional contact tracing is being used to notify individuals that might have come in contact with a positive case. Currently contact tracing for faculty and staff is done by EHRS 215-898-4453 or ehrs@ehrs.upenn.edu. Students by Campus Health at 215-746-3535.
A digital platform is being developed to assist contact tracers, and eventually would support exposure notification.
Human Resources has information on contact tracing that applies until a digital platform is in place. https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/wellness-worklife/communicable-disease-health-and-safety/covid-19-guidance-for-managers#FAQ
What are the arrangements for parking on campus during Phase I of Research Resumption?
Permit Holders. Penn Parking will continue to offer free parking to its permit holders until July 31, 2020. Permit holders are asked to park in the garage or lot to which they are assigned. Additionally, payroll deductions remain suspended at this time.
Commuters with Penn-Affiliated Identification. Commuters who are not permit holders but can display a valid Penn, UPHS, or Penn affiliate identification card upon exiting the parking facility also will be allowed to park for free in Penn garages (not lots) if space is available.
All Other Customers. The temporary $6.00/day rate for all other parkers ended on June 1, 2020. Normal rates resumed on that day.
See: https://cms.business-services.upenn.edu/transportation/coronavirus-information