Emily Jefferson, a senior at Penn State, observes and records the growth of bacteria her MICRB 202 (Introductory Microbiology Laboratory) class isolated during week-one of the 2020 fall semester. Students were outfitted with new masks, face shields, and gloves prior to every lab session, and their stations were set up to provide appropriate social distancing.
Keeping communities safe will take a collective effort. The campaign messaging is grounded in insights from surveys and focus groups comprised of students, faculty, staff and the State College community, and is a direct expectation for everyone to take personal actions to help create a safer environment as students return to campuses across the commonwealth.
Penn State has launched an integrated effort to remind faculty, staff and students at all campuses and in adjacent communities of the importance of doing their part to limit the spread of COVID-19. “Mask Up or Pack Up” is a research-based campaign that is also launched in State College to create a seamless message for students and other members of the community.