How 7 Birmingham-area colleges and universities are preventing the spread of COVID-19
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Now that the fall semester has begun, schools are hoping to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and the Delta variant. Here’s how seven Birmingham-area colleges and universities are doing their best to keep their students and staff safe.

Face masks are strongly encouraged on all Bevill State Community College campuses. However, students and teachers are only required to wear them in certain classrooms and buildings.
The BSCC expects students and staff to practice social distancing whenever possible. In addition, maintenance staff will clean and disinfect all buildings throughout the day.
2. Birmingham-Southern College

Birmingham-Southern College requires unvaccinated and vaccinated people to wear face masks and blankets inside campus buildings. Students can remove face masks when:
- Alone in a private office or cubicle
- In a hall of residence
- Eat or drink actively
- Maintain at least 6 feet of social distancing
Additionally, unvaccinated students will participate in weekly testing, and unvaccinated staff will participate in monthly testing.
Pro tip: BSC charges all students a $ 500 fee for weekly COVID testing, but reimburses all students who have been vaccinated.
3. Samford University

Samford University’s safety policies are not as strict for vaccinated students as they are for unvaccinated students.
Vaccinated students are not required to wear face covers indoors, participate in randomized tests, and maintain social distancing from others.
On the other hand, unvaccinated people should participate in random COVID tests, follow appropriate social distancing, and wear face coverings inside campus buildings.
4. University of Alabama at Birmingham

Employees and students should wear masks and blankets inside campus, regardless of your immunization status. Individuals can be maskless in intimate environments, including:
- Alone in a private workspace
- Inside a hall of residence
- Eat and drink actively while respecting social distancing
Pro tip: Students can receive a free “swag” if they get vaccinated on campus, as well as Blazer Bucks when they upload their card to their student health profile.

Lawson State Community College policy has remained the same since the previous school term. Employees, students and visitors must wear face masks, blankets or face shields at all times on campus.
6. University of Montevallo

Social distancing is no longer required in UM buildings and classrooms, but is encouraged. Individuals will temporarily wear masks in the following areas:
- Academic buildings
- Laboratories and clinics
- Indoor meeting and common areas
- Health services offices
COVID-19 testing is available but not mandatory.

The JSCC requires students and employees to wear face masks and blankets in all interior spaces – employees can remove them when they are inside their offices.
Temperatures can be taken before entering a classroom and a social distancing of six feet should be maintained. Disposable masks are available on campus.
Meanwhile, Miles College has yet to give an update.
Were your school’s COVID-19 safety policies on the list? Otherwise, tag us @bhamnow and tell us about it.
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