After Tuscaloosa residents received widespread attention in print media and social media for packed crowds at area bars with low mask usage, Mayor Walt Maddox has responded by echoing Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne’s call for them to practice social distancing and wear masks in public.

Alabama offensive lineman Chris Owens and Nick Saban’s daughter Kristen Saban Setas were among the people who joined Byrne in calling out the packed crowds at Tuscaloosa bars.

Maddox took to social media to address Tuscaloosa residents and share what actions are being taken.

“Why? We are desperately trying to protect Tuscaloosa. We are trying to have a college football season,” Maddox wrote quote-tweeting Byrne. “We have been running details for 3 straight nights. Tuscaloosa PD is stretched thin between COVID-19 and these details. We will be requesting daytime help from UAPD.”

Maddox joins many other elected officials around the country who have cited the uncertain status of the college as a reason to take COVID-19 precautions such as social distancing and wearing a mask in public. We’ll see how Alabama students and other Tuscaloosa residents respond.