Viral videos show returning college students partying without masks

Local officials have condemned viral videos of returning students attending parties without masks or physical distancing on university campuses around the country

The videos were taking at such colleges as Oklahoma State and the University of North Georgia.

First night back at University of North Georgia in Dahlonega. pic.twitter.com/VAmZ2TLvuz

— Everything Georgia (@GAFollowers) August 15, 2020

Auburn University wide receiver Anthony Schwartz tweeted Saturday that he had seen several crowds of maskless people on campus, while University of Alabama Center Chris Owens tweeted about similar scenes.

Y’all said it’s safer on campus but I’ve seen crowds of people and none of them are wearing masks

— Anthony Schwartz (@TheFlash) August 15, 2020

How about we social distance and have more than a literal handful of people wear a mask? Is that too much to ask Tuscaloosa? pic.twitter.com/gZ4MbbmBZn

— Chris Owens (@BGChrisOwens) August 16, 2020

University officials have warned that lack of precautions could scuttle any chance of college football being played in the fall, The Washington Post reported.

Tuscaloosa, Ala., Mayor Walt Maddox (D) tweeted a photo of largely unmasked University of Alabama students gathered outside restaurants downtown, saying public officials were “desperately trying to protect” the city.

Why? We are desperately trying to protect @tuscaloosacity – We are trying to have college football season. We have been running details for 3 straight nights. @TuscaloosaPD is stretched thin between COVID-19 and these details. We will be requesting daytime help from #UAPD. https://t.co/ZHCR2XAk8F

— Walt Maddox (@WaltMaddox) August 16, 2020

At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, meanwhile, at least four viral clusters have sprung up since in-person classes resumed, and at Oklahoma State University, nearly two dozen cases have been confirmed in a single sorority house.

In Stillwater, Okla., where the Oklahoma State outbreak has led to dozens of students being quarantined, student journalists shot footage of crowded downtown clubs over the weekend, the Post noted.

Live from Stillwater, Oklahoma tonight ladies and gentleman.

This is how #OkState students are complying to off campus social distancing guidelines. pic.twitter.com/zKQu1PyMP1

— Ryan Novozinsky (@ryannovo62) August 16, 2020

“Every single person in Stillwater has a responsibility to help,” Mayor Will Joyce tweeted. “Take every precaution you can to slow the spread. Wear your mask, avoid crowded areas, wash your hands, be a good neighbor.”

There are no simple answers or easy decisions. Every single person in Stillwater has a responsibility to help. Take every precaution you can to slow the spread. Wear your mask, avoid crowded areas, wash your hands, be a good neighbor.

— Mayor Will Joyce (@stillwaterwill) August 16, 2020

There is no standardized plan for fall classes, but many large campuses have resumed in-person instruction, a plan that relies heavily on students taking precautions.