ATLANTA — After pushback from stakeholders across the state, the University System of Georgia (USG) is now requiring students, faculty, staff and visitors to wear face coverings while inside campus buildings.

Face coverings are required inside all campus buildings and facilities where social distancing isn’t possible, according to the USG’s website.

This does not include one’s own dorms, offices (when only one person is present) or outdoors where social distancing requirements are met.

The policy change comes after the USG received national attention for their decision to not require masks on campus.

CNN, NPR, Georgia Public Broadcasting and The Chronicle of Higher Education all reported, within the last week, about the backlash.

If you do not wear a face covering where required, you will be asked to wear one or leave. Multiple infractions can result in disciplinary action.

Georgia Southern is providing five masks for every employee and two for every student, according to GS’ website.

Accommodations will be made for those who can not wear masks due to documented health reasons, according to the USG site.

Andy Cole, Managing Editor for News Coverage, bc14713@georgiasouthern.edu