What is a Pod?

“Pod” is a small and consistent group of students who associate with each other based on agreed upon, shared practices. Pods must be used in conjunction with other primary prevention strategies (masking, hand-washing, physical distancing) to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the community while maintaining social connection.  

The safest Pod is within a household—those who share a kitchen and/or bathroom. Because household sizes vary so much across the student population, a maximum pod number cannot adequately be defined; however, the smaller the pod, the better. 
 
A pod should agree to the following: 

  • Maintain a 6-foot physical distance from any individuals not in the pod, and to wear face coverings when interacting with others and when physical distance cannot be maintained. 
  • Wear face coverings in all indoor spaces other than those where permission to go without a face covering has been explicitly given (for example, student rooms and pod lounges). 
  • Continue to practice recommended hand hygiene and avoid sharing utensils and drinks with anyone, including members of the pod. 
  • Have open and honest conversations about activities, behaviors, and expectations of one another. 

A pod demonstrates the shared responsibility for one another’s safety and the safety of the greater Penn community, and also holds all members accountable for their behaviors and activities.