Resumption: Returning to Research

Please see the President’s May 18th Message to the Penn Community Regarding Operations During the Summer.

Message from Senior Vice Provost Dawn Bonnell regarding Research Resumption: Phase III, Summer 2021

Updated May 21, 2021

With significant progress made in managing the impact of the pandemic, our research community has entered Phase III of the Research Resumption Plan.   This Phase is characterized by a return to full research operations in alignment with University policy and guidance, as well as national, commonwealth and city directives.

Included in this Phase is a full resumption of undergraduate research and field work.  Travel, in-person meetings and use of general spaces will be based upon University and government guidance, as will appropriate social distancing, use of personal protection equipment (PPE), population density and cleaning protocols.

Centralized approval of research or resumption plans is not required; however, a school may elect to maintain its own policies regarding research activity.  Researchers should be prepared to respond to potential cycles in community transmission and local government directives, as well as University alerts, therefore, potential short-notice quarantines that would require ramp-downs of activity in labs, floors, and buildings should be anticipated.

As of May 21, 2021

• The University will no longer require the use of masks while outdoors for those who are fully vaccinated. Being fully vaccinated means that it has been two weeks since the final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
• Minors and those participating in summer camps are still required to wear masks while on campus, regardless of vaccination status.
• Masks must be worn indoors, regardless of vaccination status. Physical distancing of 3’ is required
• Outdoor group activities are possible, with 3’ distancing.
• The travel suspension for Penn affiliated activity is lifted, but guidelines regarding vaccines and some international travel are found here.
• Visitors are welcome to campus and to must comply with all Philadelphia health guidelines and policies.