Auburn University in a Wednesday email notified students, faculty and staff that it will be reinstating mandatory face coverings for all individuals regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.
The university’s shift in pandemic mitigation efforts comes as the state is presently experiencing an uptick in COVID-19 cases due to the spread of the Omicron variant, which many health experts suggest could be less severe than Delta or the original strain.
In the email, Auburn advised that the university’s decision to reinstate mandatory face coverings came after it had received counsel from “medical authorities.”
“After consulting with local and state medical authorities, effective Jan. 3, 2022, face coverings will be required for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, in all campus buildings and university transportation services,” the email reads. “The campus community is reminded to wear their face coverings properly. The face covering should completely cover the nose and mouth as well as fit snugly against the sides of the face.”
#Auburn will require face coverings effective Jan. 3, 2022.
After consulting w/ local + state authorities, face coverings will be required for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, in all campus buildings + university transportation services.https://t.co/qtNzElXh5Y
— Auburn University (@AuburnU) December 29, 2021
The university’s email continues, “In addition, all students, faculty and staff are highly encouraged to receive a negative COVID-19 test before returning to campus to help mitigate the spread of the virus.”
Auburn on November 15 removed its mandatory masking policy for fully vaccinated individuals. The university did not give any indication as to how long the policy reversal could stay in effect.
Auburn’s email concludes, “These policies, based on currently available information, are in effect until further notice. We will communicate any modifications to this policy that result from changing circumstances.”
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
