Mask policies at North Alabama schools, universities

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) - School systems across north Alabama are constantly evaluating masking policies for students and teachers.

The Alabama Department of Public Health has put together a back-to-school guide for students, guardians and all school officials. Health officials say the guidance comes from the most up-to-date recommendations from the CDC.

READ THE FULL ADPH BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE

As the fall semester continues, school boards are deciding whether or not students and staff will be required to wear masks. Here’s a list of what schools, colleges and universities are doing around north Alabama so far.

K-12 SCHOOLS

Masks required:

Albertville City Schools (Update as of 9/2/2021 - mask mandate extended for two weeks)
Arab City Schools (Update as of 10/1/2021 - mask preferred starting Oct. 4)
Athens City Schools (Update as of 10/15/2021 - mask recommended starting Oct. 18)
Colbert County Schools (Update as of 9/30/2021 - mask mandate in effect until end of semester)
Decatur City Schools (Update as of 10/19/2021 - mask preferred starting Nov. 1)
DeKalb County Schools
Florence City Schools (Update as of 8/16/2021 - all students Pre-K through Grade 12 will be required to wear masks beginning Aug. 19)
Fort Payne City Schools (Update as of 10/1/2021 - mask requirement extended to Oct. 15)
Guntersville City Schools
Hatton Elementary School (Update as of 8/13/2021 - students transitioned to virtual learning for 10 calendar days)

Hatton Elementary transitions to virtual learning

Huntsville City Schools
Lawrence County Schools (Update as of 9/17/2021 - mask requirement extended to Sept. 24)
Madison City Schools
Madison County Schools
Muscle Shoals City Schools (Update as of 10/15/2021 - mask preferred status starting Oct. 18)
Russellville City Schools
Scottsboro City Schools (Required for the first four days of school)
Sheffield City Schools (Update as of 9/30/2021 - mask requirement extended to Oct. 30)

Not required / optional: