University of Alabama Extends Indoor Mask Mandate Through October 1

The University of Alabama announced Thursday it would extend its indoor face covering requirement through October 1. Masks will now be required to be worn inside all non-residential buildings on campus, regardless of someone's vaccination status.

This updated policy requires masks in all classrooms and academic buildings, and on campus transportation. Limited exceptions still include:

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• In office workspaces when distanced
• When alone in offices and private workspaces
• In residence hall rooms
• In residential common rooms when distanced
• While actively eating or drinking (in dining venues, while seated at a table)
• While actively exercising
• When teaching, if distanced and behind plexiglass

UA first reinstated its mask requirement in early August at the start of the school year, with the intention to revisit it later in the month. Now as COVID-19 cases continue to climb throughout the state, the university is going forward with the mask requirement extension, as it continues its efforts to limit the spread.

Dr. Richard Friend, Dean of UA's College of Community Health Sciences, once again emphasized the effectiveness of masks and vaccinations if UA is to maintain its full in-person fall semester experience.

"UA COVID-19 positives continue to trend below similar timelines from last spring semester, and substantially below last fall," the release said. "This update will keep us headed in the right direction."

The on-campus Situational Response Team and UA System Health and Safety Task force will continue monitoring the situation on campus and in the community. The University will continue to listen to the guidance and data provided by medical professionals when considering future revisions to mask requirements.