University of Alabama Releases COVID-19 Protocols for New Semester in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The University of Alabama released its plans to prevent the spread of the novel Coronavirus as students return to campus this fall.

The Health & Safety Plan, shared Tuesday, places added emphasis on students, faculty and employees' receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

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"A robust, on-campus educational experience is important. Prioritizing the health and safety of our campus communities is also essential. The best way to protect your community and sustain continued on-campus operations is to receive a COVID-19 vaccine," said Finis St. John, Chancellor of the University of Alabama System.

President Stuart Bell also stressed the importance of the vaccine.

"We are grateful to everyone who has made our return possible. Widespread utilization of the life-saving COVID vaccine has helped us plan our Fall 2021 semester experience," Bell said. "We strongly encourage every member of our campus community to be vaccinated — to keep you and our campus safe."

The University of Alabama will not require masks on campus this semester unless in a clinical setting. Students and faculty will no longer be required to practice social distancing or participate in sentinel and re-entry COVID-19 testing.

All faculty, staff, and students are still required to report positive COVID-19 test results and isolate themselves following guidance from the ADPH and CDC, and unvaccinated individuals who test positive or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive are required to quarantine in their residence.

The complete University of Alabama System's Health & Safety plan may be viewed here, and the University of Alabama's Fall 2021 return plan may be viewed in its entirety here.