UAB Will Require Masks Indoors On Campus

BIRMINGHAM, AL — As the number of COVID-19 cases in Alabama grows rapidly, the University of Alabama at Birmingham announced that masks will be required indoors throughout its campus. The order goes into effect Thursday.

The Alabama Department of Public Health confirmed 2,726 new cases of COVID-19 Wednesday, with a 7-day average of 1,931 new cases. This is a significant increase since the beginning of he month, when the state's 7-day average was at 191.

UAB announced the wearing of masks indoors will be required, except in the following circumstances:

• Employees can unmask if alone in a private workspace
• 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

The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the state grew to nearly 1,100 Wednesday, and increase of 505 percent since July 1.

State health director Dr. Scott Harris said in a news conference Tuesday that the rate at which cases are now developing is "unprecedented."

Harris added that while cases and hospitalizations in Alabama have surged, the state has not yet seen a significant increase in COVID-19-related deaths.