UPDATED AUG. 6: Leaders with several school systems in the area have decided that students, faculty and visitors must wear masks in school facilities.

So far, Birmingham, Bessemer, Fairfield, Homewood and now Hoover schools have decided to require masks. Jefferson County Schools have decided to make masks optional in schools this year.

The policy changes follow the CDC’s updated recommendations that urge even fully vaccinated people to wear masks indoors if they are in areas with substantial or high risk for COVID. In Alabama, that includes all but Perry County.

The CDC’s move also updated its advice for schools to recommend masks for all students, faculty, staff and visitors.

“We follow the science-based recommendations from medical and public health professionals,” said Superintendent Mark Sullivan. “Our goal is to provide a safe and healthy environment for our students and our employees.”

Full-time, in-person classes began Monday in Birmingham Schools.

Social distancing also is required in Birmingham schools, as it is in most of the school systems in the Birmingham area.

Other systems in the area recommending but do not requiring masks in schools. Most schools also are encouraging students and faculty to get the vaccine but are not requiring they do so.