From The Tribune staff reports
TUSCALOOSA – The University of Alabama has announced that it will attempt to resume in-person instruction come this fall following its closure as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
With the reopening, incoming students will be faced with numerous changes as the university enacts social distancing guidelines. Classrooms will be reconfigured to limit numbers, move-in day will be staggered, and face coverings will be required when social distancing is not possible, which includes classrooms, labs and communal spaces.
“As you go into the classroom, we will have social distancing available,” UA President Dr. Stuart Bell said. “And we will have masks and remember the masks are there to protect ourselves but to also protect my best friend next to me as well as the instructor who is part of that class.”
Students and employees will be tested upon reentry and will be required to take part in training sessions to help prevent the spread of the virus. However, testing will not be just for reentry as the university will conduct periodic testing should outbreaks occur, and it will do contact tracing to halt the spread. Anyone who tests positive will be subject to isolation and quarantine procedures.
The plan to reopen was drafted by the Presidential Advisory Committee alongside other groups working with the UA System.
Furthermore, Bell stated that the university plans on the return of fall sports with caveats, which have not been detailed.
The fall semester is scheduled for Aug.19, 2020.