Today, the University of Alabama System released its Fall 2021 Health and Safety Plan. As recommended by the UA System Health and Safety Task Force, UAH plans to offer in-person instruction, events and activities for the Fall 2021 semester. With free, safe and effective vaccines available, we look forward to providing a high-quality, on-campus experience. The Task Force will continue to closely monitor data on campus and in the community, and will make data-driven decisions throughout the semester to ensure the health and safety of our campus community.

Key highlights from our plan, effective July 26, include:

  • Vaccines: It is vital that we strive for widespread vaccination throughout our campus community. The best way to protect our community and sustain continued on-campus operations is to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Faculty, staff and students may visit the UAH Health Portal to schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination. If you are not on campus, you can find a vaccine site near you at www.vaccinefinder.org. In accordance with state law, UAH will not mandate the vaccine as a condition of attendance.
    Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to report vaccines received off campus by uploading a copy of their vaccine record to the UAH Health Portal. This will help UAH best plan for the semester.
  • Face coverings and social distancing: Unvaccinated individuals are expected to use face coverings inside campus buildings and should practice social distancing wherever possible. Masks are required in clinical settings.
  • COVID-19 Testing: UAH will continue to offer symptomatic, for-cause, and exposure testing for unvaccinated individuals.
  • Isolation and Quarantine: All members of the campus community who test positive for COVID-19 must notify the University and isolate in accordance with public health guidance.
    Unvaccinated individuals must quarantine for 14 days following exposure to a COVID-19 positive individual. Students may need to return to their legal residence for their quarantine and/or isolation period.
    Fully vaccinated individuals who are not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms but have been exposed to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 are not required to quarantine in accordance with public health guidance.

Thank you for your continued help and vigilance in meeting these requirements and guidelines. Please continue to check your University email and the UAH COVID-19 Guidelines website for updates as the health and safety guidelines are subject to change. The website is being revised and will be updated by July 26 to reflect the current information being provided and additional guidance for Fall 2021.