Update COVID Protocols: Masks Required Indoors on UAB Campus Until Further Notice
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Posted about 4 years ago
in UAB News, Parent and Family News, First Year Families, Second Year Families, Third Year Families, Fourth Year Families, Health, Wellness, & Safety.
UAB University Community,
Due to the recent surge of COVID-19 and updated CDC guidance, UAB will require face coverings indoors on campus – regardless of vaccine status – effective Thursday, July 29.
There are limited times when individuals can be unmasked indoors on the university campus (exceptions may not apply to clinical buildings – please continue to follow established protocols for clinical buildings).
- Employees can unmask if alone in a private workspace (e.g., office or cubicle)
- Students can unmask in their residence hall room
- Individuals can briefly unmask while actively eating or drinking if a minimum of 6 feet of social distancing can be maintained
We will continue to monitor key data with public health and infectious disease experts and update this temporary guidance as necessary.
It is still critically important that all eligible individuals get vaccinated as soon as possible so we can end this surge and the pandemic.
While it is possible for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals to transmit COVID-19, the vaccinated remain largely protected from infection — especially serious complications — compared to those who are unvaccinated. An increasing number of unvaccinated people, including more younger people, are being hospitalized and losing their lives due to COVID-19.
Recent data reveal that 97 percent of people hospitalized from COVID-19 are unvaccinated.
In addition to the overwhelming health benefits of the vaccine, vaccinated individuals on campus can avoid inconveniences such as quarantine after a close contact. Students can get free swag if they get a vaccine on campus and Blazer Bucks if they upload their vaccine card to Student Health Services.
Vaccines are free, safe, effective and easy to get. If you are not yet vaccinated, please get vaccinated now.
FACT: Short- and long-term risks of getting COVID far outweigh minimal risks associated with getting a vaccine.
This remains a very fluid situation. Please continue to look to official UAB communications, including Greenmail for students and eReporter for employees, for updates, information and resources.
Thank you for all you continue to do to keep yourselves and others safe.
#UABUnited,
Ray Watts
President
University of Alabama at Birmingham
