Student & Parent FAQs

April 2022: The information on this page is being retained for archival purposes only and is no longer being maintained or updated. For current information: manoa.hawaii.edu/covid19/

UH Manoa student

The UH Mānoa COVID-19 frequently asked questions (FAQs) are regularly updated to reflect the latest updates to the COVID-19 guidelines for UH’s 10 campuses, state and federal recommendations and the status of the pandemic. If your question is not answered here, please contact COVID19@hawaii.edu.

Spring 2022 FAQs

Vaccination Testing and Positive Cases

Coming to Campus

Support Services and Student Fees

Spring 2022

What do I do if I test positive for COVID-19?

If you test positive, report the result to the UH Mānoa Campus Response Team at uhscovid@hawaii.edu. Also, contact your instructor and keep them updated on your situation. Contact your primary healthcare provider.

When can I return to campus if I test positive for COVID-19?

You may return to campus once you have completed the required quarantine or isolation period (minimum 5 days), do not have a fever for more than 24 hours without using a fever-reducing medicine or if you have written clearance by a medical provider.

You can use the Hawaiʻi Department of Health Release Calculator to help determine how long you need to be in quarantine or isolation.

What do I do if I am exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19?

You may report to a UH campus or facility even if you are a close contact of a known COVID-19 positive case if:

  • You (1) are not immunocompromised, (2) are up to date with your vaccines (also received the COVID-19 booster), and (3) are asymptomatic. All three conditions must apply.
    • If you are not up to date with vaccinations, you must complete the 5 day quarantine period (and are asymptomatic or symptom free for at least 24 hours) and wear a well-fitting mask for an additional 5 days.
  • You (1) tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 90 days and (2) have recovered (no symptoms). Both conditions must apply.

If you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, you are encouraged to report your exposure to the UH Mānoa Campus Response Team at uhscovid@hawaii.edu and to also let your in-person or hybrid class instructors know. Monitor yourself for symptoms.
If you are unvaccinated, you are encouraged to get tested, and report your exposure to the UH Mānoa Campus Response Team at uhscovid@hawaii.edu and to also let your in-person or hybrid class instructors know. Monitor yourself for symptoms.

When can I return to campus if I am a close contact of someone who has tested positive?

You may report to a UH campus or facility even if you are a close contact of a known COVID-19 positive case if:

  • You (1) are not immunocompromised, (2) are up to date with your vaccines (also received the COVID-19 booster), and (3) are asymptomatic. All three conditions must apply.
    • If you are not up to date with vaccinations, you must complete the 5 day quarantine period (and are asymptomatic or symptom free for at least 24 hours) and wear a well-fitting mask for an additional 5 days.
  • You (1) tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 90 days and (2) have recovered (no symptoms). Both conditions must apply.

You can use the Hawaiʻi Department of Health Release Calculator to help determine how long you need to be in quarantine or isolation.

Can a student organization use facilities for events?

In person gatherings/non-instructional events (not related to a course with a CRN on the Schedule of Classes) are allowed. Approvals should continue to be reviewed at the school/college unit dean, director and supervisor level. This includes student gatherings.

Events should be reviewed to ensure that they conform to all applicable UH protocols which include use of the LumiSight UH app and use of a face mask when indoors. Face coverings are not required when outdoors, but are strongly recommended in crowded outdoor settings during activities that involve close contact with others.

Campus protocols for reserving and using facilities on campus, including the notification of appropriate offices (i.e., parking, public safety, etc) still apply. Rooms are at full capacity.

The Provost Office will continue to review and approve 3rd party requests to hold on-campus events.

Does the organization have to check LumiSight UH clearance?

Events should be reviewed to ensure that they conform to all applicable University protocols, which include use of the LumiSight UH app and use of a face mask when indoors. Face coverings are not required when outdoors, but are strongly recommended in crowded outdoor settings during activities that involve close contact with others.

If there are guests who do not have the LumiSight UH app, remind them that vaccine verification can take up to 48 hours and to plan accordingly so they can be properly cleared to be on campus.

Does the organization have to keep an attendance list for possible contact tracing?

If possible.

Whom do we ask to use a facility?

Go to: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/opf/roomreservations.php

Vaccination Testing and Positive Cases

Are students required to be vaccinated for COVID-19?

Yes. By university policy, being fully vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus is part of the student health clearance requirement and is required for all students except those who are 100% online. Students are also strongly encouraged to get the COVID-19 booster shot.

Students can apply for a medical and religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement. Those students with UH-approved exemptions are required to submit proof of a negative test (weekly for PCR tests, every 3 days for antigen tests) to the LumiSight UH app to be on campus.

  • Student Vaccination Requirement FAQs

Where can I find a site to get vaccinated or receive a booster?

A convenient vaccination/booster site can be found on the Hawaiʻi Department of Health website: hawaiicovid19.com/vaccine/

Are COVID-19 vaccine booster shots required?

COVID-19 booster shots are not currently required but strongly recommended. Booster shots may be added to the student health requirement in the future and if so, students would be given ample notice so they have a reasonable amount of time to comply.

Are there exemptions to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement?

Students can apply for a medical and religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement. Those students with UH approved exemptions are required to submit proof of a negative test (weekly for PCR tests, every 3 days for antigen tests) to the LumiSight UH app to be on campus.

  • Student Vaccination Requirement FAQs

Do I have to get tested to come onto campus?

Only students and employees who have an approved medical or religious exemption to the COVID-19 vaccine, and those not fully vaccinated (two weeks after final dose), are required to provide regular proof of a negative COVID-19 test (weekly for PCR tests, every 3 days for antigen tests) from a state approved facility to be on campus.

Is there free COVID-19 testing available to students?

Free testing options, along with all of the state-approved testing locations, can be found on the Hawaiʻi Department of Health website: https://hawaiicovid19.com/.

What happens if a student refuses to comply with the COVID-19 vaccination requirement?

Students who refuse to comply with the vaccination requirement, like any UH rule/guidance, are subject to the Student Conduct Code and progressive disciplinary action that could lead to suspension and expulsion.

What if I had COVID-19 recently? My test will be positive.

There is an exemption for unvaccinated students who recently contracted and recovered from COVID-19. In the 90 day period from the point of positive test result, they will likely test positive for up to 90 days. The university encourages these students to get vaccinated (which could be done as soon as 10 days after the date of first symptoms/positive test, if they have no fever, and symptoms are resolved). After the 90-day period, they will be required to test weekly until fully vaccinated.

If a student has been fully vaccinated but has recently tested positive (within the last 90 days) for COVID-19, they may not return to campus or attend any in-person activities until they are officially cleared by their medical provider and should isolate for the recommended duration as advised by their medical provider.

Submit forms to Student Health Services Mānoa.

Do I have to disclose my vaccination status?

Yes, faculty or staff may ask you to see your “You may report to campus” all clear status with the current date on the LumiSight UH daily health check app when entering a classroom, laboratory, Warrior Recreation Center, bookstore, sporting event, play, performance, etc.

Will UH pay for my COVID-19 test?

UH will only pay for a COVID-19 test for work-related travel and for students with exemptions living in student housing.

I have underlying health conditions. What accommodations can I get?

Please speak with your professor regarding any accommodations you may need. You can also speak with your academic advisor. If the first two options do not work, email COVID19@hawaii.edu for further assistance.

I live in on-campus student residences. What do I do if I or someone close to me tests positive?

Contact your student housing office immediately and isolate yourself as you await instructions. Please refer to the UH Mānoa Student Housing information.

I live off-campus but need to come on campus for classes. What do I do if I or someone close to me tests positive?

One of the questions posed by the LumiSight UH app is if you have been possibly exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. You will not be allowed to come to campus if you have been exposed. Contact a healthcare provider for further instructions and consider getting tested as soon as possible and tested again in three to five days. Also, contact your instructor and keep them updated on your situation.

I live off campus, and all my classes are online. What do I do if I or someone close to me tests positive?

No action is required as long as you are not coming onto a UH campus or facility. It is strongly recommended that you contact your healthcare provider.

Will students be notified if someone tests positive on campus?

Positive cases reported on campus in the previous 14 days will be announced via email if that case is considered to be a risk to campus safety. Close contacts of the positive case will be notified as part of the contact tracing process.

Will UH ensure my confidentiality if I am diagnosed with/am in contact with someone who is diagnosed with COVID-19?

The university follows all laws that protect the privacy of students and employees, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). No personal identifiable data will be collected by the daily health check-in app

The university will not disclose the identity of any employee or student who is exposed, diagnosed with, or is suspected of having COVID-19, except for those who need to be notified, such as the Hawaiʻi Department of Health. All positive cases must be reported to the Health Department, which is responsible for the state’s COVID-19 pandemic response, including contacting close contacts of infected individuals.

Are employees required to be vaccinated for COVID-19?

Yes. By university policy, all UH employees, including those who are teleworking, are required to be fully vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus OR have an approved medical or religious exemption for the COVID-19 vaccine. See the  UH Office of Human Resources Vaccination Requirements webpage for more employee vaccination information. (Employee login required.)

What happens if an employee refuses to be vaccinated and does not have an approved exemption?

Employees who are reported to the Office of Human Resources as being noncompliant with the policy will have an opportunity to address the allegations through an investigation process. If the allegations of policy noncompliance are substantiated, the employee may be subject to progressive discipline that could lead to termination. More information can be found on the UH Office of Human Resources Vaccination Requirements webpage (employee login required).

Coming to Campus

Do I have to wear a mask?

Everyone on campus must wear face masks indoors. This includes classrooms, laboratories, offices, shops and common spaces such as hallways and elevators.

Face masks are not required when outdoors, including lanais/patios. They are strongly recommended in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others.

You are not required to wear a face mask while working in isolation, (e.g., if you are working in a room by yourself) or if you have a medical condition or disability where wearing a face mask poses a health or safety risk. Reasonable accommodations will be made in those instances.

What do I do if I see someone not wearing a mask or wearing it improperly?

Do not confront someone not wearing a mask. Move away if you are uncomfortable. The individual may have a medical condition or disability that prevents them from wearing a face mask.

Anyone WITHOUT a medical reason who refuses to wear a face mask indoors will be asked to leave campus. Contact the Department of Public Safety if assistance is needed. Report students to the Office of Student Conduct at osc@hawaii.edu and employees to their supervisors.

What protocols are in place for coming to campus, and do I need to check in if I am coming onto campus?

To be on campus, students, employees and visitors must be prepared to show the “You may report to campus” all clear status with the current date on the LumiSight UH daily health check app. You will receive the all clear status if your vaccination information has been uploaded and verified on the LumiSight UH app (for those with exemptions, uploaded, verified proof of a negative test) AND that you have cleared the daily health screening for COVID-19 symptoms and exposure.

You may be asked to show your LumiSight UH clearance when entering classrooms, the gym, bookstore, sporting events, plays, etc.

Is anyone exempt from using the LumiSight UH app?

Delivery service workers such as the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx and UPS are not required to provide proof due to the limited/transient exposure to the campus.

Do we still have to keep physical distance?

Physical distancing is not required but still recommended, when possible.

Is the campus back to full capacity?

Yes.

Are all campus services available?

Yes. Please refer to the services’ websites for more information.

Will there be events on campus?

Yes but it is subject to change depending on the status of the pandemic. All events must follow current county and state guidance, UH COVID-19 Guidelines and student and employee vaccination policies.

Are there restrictions on gathering sizes?

No but the guidance is subject to change based on the status of the pandemic and state and county emergency orders/guidance.

Are there any travel restrictions on students?

The university does not restrict the travel of students. Travel restrictions are set by county, state and federal agencies and may change with little notice depending on the status of the pandemic.

How often are spaces cleaned?

Most classrooms, offices and public spaces are cleaned daily on weekdays. If a campus space is impacted by a positive case, it will be closed for 24 hours and reopened after routine cleaning. If more than 24 hours has passed by the time the case is reported, the space will be reopened after routine cleaning. This is based on the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance after it has been found that surfaces are not a major mode of COVID-19 transmission.

Are there specific guidelines for students living on campus?

Please refer to the UH Mānoa Student Housing information.

Support Services and Student Fees

Are mental health services available?

Yes, mental health resources and support services are available through the UH Mānoa Counseling and Student Development Center (CSDC). Students can schedule an appointment via the CSDC website or call (808) 956-7927 to schedule an appointment and/or to hear more about counseling resources on campus.

Where can I find financial assistance?

There are a number of resources available. Check with the UH Manoa Financial Aid Office or email finaid@hawaii.edu. Additional resources can be found at the UH System Financial Aid Office and the UH Student Basic Needs website.

Will student fees be reimbursed if all my classes are online?

Please refer to the 2022 spring student fees page for including how they are being applied during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whom do I contact if I have further questions?

Please email COVID19@hawaii.edu

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