Coronavirus | Penn Today

a person on public transportation wearing a mask while listening to music on a smartphone

Can contact tracing stop the spread of COVID-19?

Penn experts discuss how contact tracing works, the differences between traditional “analog” and new “digital” approaches, and how these two strategies could shape what everyday life looks like in the next phase of the pandemic.

Coronavirus exploited failure of Pa. health officials to improve long-standing problems with nursing home oversight

Rachel Werner of the Perelman School of Medicine said relaxing nursing home regulations during the pandemic was a matter of “balancing risks.” “The trade-off was, had they not been relaxed, other things would be worse,” she said.

Virus cases continue to rise, undermining states’ reopening

Jeffrey Morris of the Perelman School of Medicine said the uptick in COVID-19 cases amid state reopenings may be due people not wearing masks or practicing social distancing.

Is it safe to take an Uber, Lyft or taxi during coronavirus?

Kit Delgado of the Perelman School of Medicine offered guidance to those considering riding in cabs during the pandemic. “Using a rideshare or taxi can be moderate to high-risk venues for exposure if someone with coronavirus is in or has recently been in the vehicle,” he said.

A pre-pandemic image of a person sitting with arms widespread at a table stacked with books.

Virtual cataloging for community school libraries

Penn Libraries Outreach is now cataloging library inventory remotely using images from libraries across the Philadelphia School District.

Person in a black dress standing on stairs for a portrait.

Q&A

The case against separating breastfeeding mothers and infants during the pandemic

In a Q&A, Diane Spatz of Penn Nursing and CHOP discusses why it’s safe and beneficial to keep them together, even when the mother tests positive for COVID-19.

Reflections on public spaces in the age of COVID, protest

Ken Lum and Paul Farber of the Weitzman School of Design remark on how the public might perceive public spaces and art differently in the time of COVID-19 and protests.

How to soothe your ‘re-entry anxiety’ as COVID-19 lockdowns lift

Lily Brown of the Perelman School of Medicine said that people are experiencing two distinct types of re-entry anxiety as stay-at-home orders are lifted: the fear of unwittingly catching or spreading COVID-19 and general social anxiety associated with a lack of practice over the last few months.

‘Superforecasters’ are making eerily accurate predictions about COVID-19. Our leaders could learn from their approach

PIK Professor Philip Tetlock spoke about why superforecasters have often made more accurate predictions about the coronavirus than scientists and other experts. “The experts were really good at warning us about the fundamental danger, but they may be less adept at adapting nimbly to the dynamics about this phase of the crisis,” he said.

Person wearing face mask and latex gloves stands in an empty subway car holding a newspaper.

Local news volume does not increase pro-social behaviors during COVID-19

Previous research found people were more likely to engage in civic behaviors—like voting, recycling, or wearing a face covering—when their local newspaper includes coverage of these activities. New research finds that may not be as relevant anymore.

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