As Auburn University prepares for the return of students, faculty and staff to campus, it is announcing new guidelines for reentry in the coming weeks. A major component of these plans are policies and best practices, including physical distancing, good hygiene and wearing of face coverings.

To ensure a healthy and safe return to campus, Auburn is requiring face coverings inside university buildings, including classrooms and laboratories, beginning Monday, June 22. This requirement applies to everyone on campus and also extends to those attending university events in non-university buildings.

Auburn is also strongly encouraging the use of protective face coverings in outdoor spaces on campus when appropriate physical distancing is not possible. Face coverings are not required when alone in a private office or alone or with a roommate in a residence hall room.

Wearing face coverings greatly reduces the chances of COVID-19 transmission, protecting those around us. By taking individual responsibility for the health of the entire campus, we are working together toward a safe and uninterrupted fall semester.

The policy aligns with guidance from public health officials and input from campus governance groups and is subject to reevaluation based on the most current recommendations. Additional details on the policy will be shared soon.