As New Virus Cases Climb, UA Eyes Return To Normalcy This Fall

TUSCALOOSA, AL ? The University of Alabama System this week announced plans to return to something resembling normalcy this fall, with its amended coronavirus public health guidelines going into effect on July 26 for the 2021 fall semester.

Concerns over new virus variants, coupled with low demand for vaccines, is sure to bring more uncertainty over the coming weeks for Tuscaloosa as thousands of students return for on-campus learning.

As Patch reported on Tuesday, DCH Health System logged its highest number of inpatients testing positive for the coronavirus since May, which also comes as low demand for the vaccine has prompted hospital officials to begin moving forward with closing its large-scale mobile vaccination site.

The number of inpatient virus cases for the Tuscaloosa-based hospital system climbed to 23 on Wednesday ? the highest total since March 14.

Ahead of the start of the fall semester, here's a look at our biggest takeaways from the latest announcement by the University of Alabama System ...

5 Things To Know About The University Of Alabama's Return Plan

1. While the UA system says all of its employees and returning students have been offered coronavirus vaccinations, it will not be mandated by the system for students and employees to be vaccinated before returning to campus. What's more, unvaccinated students will be required to participate in for-cause testing at the discretion of the university, which has given campus health officials the authority to perform for-cause testing when there are three or more positive coronavirus tests in a common geographic area or group of people.
2. The University of Alabama plans to be in line with the current emergency order by Gov. Kay Ivey, which does not mandate face-coverings in public settings. However, the UA System said "unvaccinated individuals are expected to use face coverings inside campus buildings and should practice social distancing wherever possible."
3. Students and employees testing positive for the coronavirus this fall will be required to report their diagnosis to the university, in addition to following all guidance from campus medical professionals and abiding by public health orders, including the completion of a 10-day isolation. The UA System says failure to abide by these requirements will be considered a violation of student/employee conduct policies.
4. The UA System also plans to return to pre-pandemic policies with respect to campus events, including those sponsored by student organizations. The only difference in policies will be that unvaccinated individuals are expected to use face coverings while inside campus buildings. Additionally, athletic events and student-athlete protocols shall follow all NCAA and conference guidelines.
5. In terms of testing, the university said it expects to maintain an adequate supply of coronavirus test kits and plans to continue offering symptomatic and exposure testing for any unvaccinated member of the campus community. Campuses will also continue to offer symptomatic testing for fully vaccinated members of the campus community.

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com.