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Coronavirus

How the pandemic has changed us already

How the pandemic has changed us already

Katy Milkman of the Wharton School said pandemic-related behavior changes, like increased hand washing, may not last forever. “Certainly there will be some stickiness [in people’s behaviors], and no one’s ever going to forget going through this, but I think people are overestimating the degree to which their future actions will be shaped by the current circumstances,” she said.

Presidential campaigning during the coronavirus crisis
A conference room full of empty chairs in front of an empty podium on a stage with an American flag on the left side.

The coronavirus pandemic has transformed traditional presidential campaigning into a mostly online effort.

Presidential campaigning during the coronavirus crisis

From targeted ads on Facebook and Snapchat to Zoom celebrity events and email blasts, the coronavirus pandemic is forcing the Trump and Biden campaigns to get creative as they make their bids for the presidency.

Kristen de Groot

High school students lead ‘Maskathon’ during remote summer program
Face of high school student wrapped in a paper face covering mask with sensors attached that are glowing green.

One student’s “Smile Mask” used a combination of sensors and LED lights to promote social distancing. Get too close and the green smile switches to a red frown. (Image: Penn Engineering)

High school students lead ‘Maskathon’ during remote summer program

A virtual Maskathon showcased high school students’ problem solving, product development, and creativity with their tech-integrated face masks.

From Penn Engineering Today

Countering anti-vaccination influences from social media—with conversation
small child receiving a vaccine shot in the upper arm.

Countering anti-vaccination influences from social media—with conversation

A new study explores to what extent social media messages effect vaccination behavior, and finds individuals exposed to negative online discussions about flu vaccines makes them less likely to get a flu shot.

From the Annenberg Public Policy Center

What does the COVID-19 summer surge mean for your cats and dogs?

What does the COVID-19 summer surge mean for your cats and dogs?

Shelley Rankin of the School of Veterinary Medicine spoke about pets and COVID-19 transmission. “If you are not taking precautions … you are putting both yourself and your animal at risk,” she said. “If you are a responsible pet owner, then it is probably safe to say that your animal’s risk [of infection] is lower than yours.”

Defense Department should avoid a rush to vaccinate

Defense Department should avoid a rush to vaccinate

PIK Professor Jonathan Moreno and CERL board member Stephen N. Xenakis argued that the Department of Defense should be cautious in its approach to vaccinating military personnel for COVID-19. “In a politically charged atmosphere, the men and women who wear the uniform should not suspect that they are being used as ‘guinea pigs’ for an unproven vaccine,” they wrote.