Chief Wellness Officer Benoit Dubé emphasized that while the University s lower positivity rate is encouraging news, it does not signify that community members can become complacent in adhering to COVID-19 guidelines.
The decision comes days after the Perelman School of Medicine recommended that faculty pause in-person undergraduate research due to rising COVID-19 cases on campus.
West Philadelphia residents felt blindsided by Penn s decision to reopen campus for the spring, adding that people who are already disproportionately affected by the virus will be the most affected.
Students and RAGAs reported that some first years are gathering in large groups, violating the Quiet Period. Chief Wellness Officer Benoit Dubé confirmed that Penn has intervened with some students who have violated these guidelines, but added that no COVID-19 clusters among students are currently known.