University of Alabama to Reinstate Mask Mandates in Tuscaloosa

The University of Alabama will temporarily require students, faculty and staff to wear face coverings while inside most buildings on its campus in Tuscaloosa, regardless of vaccination status.

In an email distributed to students Thursday afternoon, the University said beginning Friday, August 6th, it will require the use of face coverings to "further protect the Fall Semester."

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All people inside buildings on campus must wear masks under these circumstances:

In classrooms and classroom buildings, regardless of distancing
In personal meeting spaces, such as meetings with faculty and advisors
When gathering in common spaces, such as the Student Center
On-campus transportation

Exceptions include

Indoor areas not specified above when social distancing can be achieved
When alone in offices and private workspaces
In residence hall rooms
While eating or drinking
While exercising
Faculty teaching, if distanced and behind plexiglass

According to the email, this requirement is intended to be temporary and will be reviewed after the first two weeks of classes, somewhere in early September.

Dr. Richard Friend the dean of UA's College of Community Health Sciences, urged everyone to get vaccinated to slow the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus.

“Vaccinations are the key to a successful fall semester and the key to moving beyond these types of requirements,” Friend said. “Everyone is strongly encouraged to be vaccinated. Data continue to show the vaccines provide very strong protection against serious illness and hospitalization.”

Small cash incentives are still in place for UA students who get vaccinated or prove that they already have been. Click here to learn more.