Important Information: COVID-19

If you test positive for COVID-19:

• Isolate for 5 days.
• You may return to work or classes if you have been fever-free for 24 hours.
• Wear a mask for an additional 5 days around others.

If you have symptoms that could be COVID-19:

• Isolate until you are able to confirm a negative test (home testing with the nasal swab is adequate).
• If you have a fever, you should remain home until you are fever-free for 24 hours.

You can notify your instructor or supervisor, etc that you tested positive for COVID-19 or that you have been exposed but it is not required. You should let them know if you will be out sick as you would for any other illness that would cause you to miss class or work time.

Everyone is strongly encouraged to be up-to-date with their COVID-19 immunizations and boosters as soon as they are eligible. A flu shot is also encouraged to help reduce your chances of becoming infected with influenza “flu,” which has similar symptoms to COVID-19.

If you have questions, contact covid19@hawaii.edu.

It is recommended individuals NOT come to campus if:

• You (1) have COVID-19 symptoms, or (2) tested positive for COVID-19, regardless if you have symptoms. You should isolate for at least 5 days (until you are fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and your symptoms are improving).
  • After the isolation period has ended, you may return to campus and must wear a well-fitting mask around others, in all settings, for an additional 5 days; do not go to places where you cannot wear a mask, such as restaurants and some gyms; avoid travel and being around people who are at high risk.
  • If you were severely ill with COVID-19, you should isolate for at least 10 days and consult your healthcare provider before ending isolation.
• You are subject to a healthcare provider’s orders to quarantine.

If you are an employee required to stay at home under these guidelines, contact your supervisor or departmental HR representative regarding available leave.

You are permitted to come to campus if:

• You have been exposed to COVID-19. Day 0 is the day of your last exposure to someone with COVID-19. Day 1 is the first full day after your last exposure.
  • You must: (1) wear a high-quality mask and monitor for symptoms for 10 days following the last close contact with the positive individual, and (2) get tested 5 days following the last close contact with the positive individual.
  • You should wear a high-quality mask whenever you are around others in your home or indoors in public.
  • Do not go to places where you are unable to wear a mask, such as gyms and restaurants.
  • You should refrain from being in travel or public transportation settings.
  • Take extra precautions around people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19.
  • If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, isolate immediately, get tested, and stay home until you know the result.
• If you have a fever, you should remain home until you are fever-free for 24 hours.

Masks

IMPORTANT: Please respect an individual’s personal choice to wear a face mask.

• Masks are optional on University of Hawaiʻi campuses but not required.
• One exception is healthcare-related clinical situations that may require masks.
• Masks should be worn by those who have the virus or have been recently exposed to someone with COVID-19 (see section above on when to come and not come to campus)

Basic Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette

• Hands should be washed frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or sanitized, especially:
  • after wiping or blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing;
  • after using the toilet;
  • before, during, and after preparing food or meals.
• Hand sanitizer must contain at least 60% alcohol.
• Sneeze or cough into a tissue and safely dispose of it. If no tissue is available, reduce the spread of germs by coughing or sneezing into your elbow.

Definitions

• Risk of transmission (that leads to one being “exposed”) includes the length of time you were with the infected person, if the person was coughing or breathing heavily, if the person had symptoms, and if you or the infected person were wearing a high-quality mask or respirator. The more “moderate” or “higher” risk factors you have, the more likely it is that you have been exposed.
• Exposure is contact with someone infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in a way that increases the likelihood of getting infected with the virus.
• Isolation is separation of those with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 from those without COVID-19. Day 0 is your first day of symptoms or a positive viral test if you don’t have any symptoms. Day 1 is the first full day after your symptoms developed or your test specimen was collected.
• Up to Date means a person has received all recommended doses in their primary series COVID-19 vaccine, and a booster dose when eligible. A person who is eligible for a booster dose is considered “boosted” and up to date right after getting their booster dose. If you are moderately or severely immunocompromised, the definition of up-to-date will differ for you. Please see the CDC website or consult your healthcare provider.