Administration

Omicron variant detected at University Park campus

University's senior leaders continue to monitor commonwealth during winter break

Penn State’s Testing and Surveillance Center (TASC) has detected the coronavirus omicron variant as part of the University’s ongoing COVID-19 surveillance and monitoring efforts. Credit: Curtis Chan / Penn StateCreative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s Testing and Surveillance Center (TASC) has detected the coronavirus omicron variant as part of the University’s ongoing COVID-19 surveillance and monitoring efforts.

The University has been testing for the omicron variant and has closely monitored its rapid spread in the northeast and around the world.

Penn State officials continue to encourage the campus community to take all necessary safety precautions, including wearing masks indoors, staying home if you’re feeling ill and seeking out testing if you are unwell.

The University strongly urges all individuals to get their COVID-19 vaccinations or booster shots as soon as possible. Booster shots can provide an added measure of protection against severe illness from the omicron variant.

University officials are continuing to monitor pandemic conditions across all locations ahead of the start of the spring 2022 semester. Penn State will update the University Park campus community on Dec. 30 should the University need to start the spring semester remotely.

For the latest COVID-19 information, go the Penn State virusinfo website.

Last Updated January 6, 2022