BREAKING: Black Atlanta liberal arts college Morris Brown implements mask mandate, social distancing measures amid new Covid scare

The Atlanta-based private institution conveyed this new mask mandate through an official communication on Sunday, addressed to faculty, staff, and students. As part of a comprehensive set of COVID-19 safety measures, including the mask requirement, these protocols will remain in effect for a span of two weeks. The rationale for this decision is attributed to “reports of positive cases among students in the Atlanta University Center” as stated in the communication.

President Kevin James of Morris Brown College indicated to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Monday that the college has not yet received any reports of COVID-19 cases directly on its premises. He characterized these measures as "precautionary steps."

The Atlanta University Center Consortium comprises several historically Black colleges and universities located on the western side of the city. Notably, Morehouse and Spelman colleges, as well as Clark Atlanta University, initiated their classes last Wednesday.

According to Morehouse's official website, the Atlanta University Center Consortium is presently categorized at the green alert level within a four-tiered alert system. This designation signifies a minimal prevalence of the virus within the community. Alert levels are determined based on factors such as the number of recent cases on campus and in the surrounding area over the preceding seven days.

In addition to the mask mandate, Morris Brown College has also directed students to uphold physical distancing measures and has prohibited parties and sizable student gatherings on campus for the ensuing two-week period. Temperature checks for students and employees upon arrival at the campus premises will also be mandatory.

In his message to the campus community, President James said, “We prioritize your safety and seek your cooperation in preventing another pandemic.”