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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 Professor Steven Hankins

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


Spring 2022 FAQs

Vaccination Testing and Positive Cases


Coming to Campus


Course Delivery and Student Support


Telework Personnel Support and Research


Spring 2022

What do I do if a student reports COVID-19 positive status?

Immediately report the positive test result to the UH Mānoa Campus Response Team at uhscovid@hawaii.edu.

Instructors have the ability to temporarily switch instruction from in-person to online while the contact tracing investigation is being conducted, and if the CRT recommends testing. There is no need for formal approval of this temporary change in instruction modality.

What do I do if my class is under COVID-19 contract tracing?

If a COVID-19 case is reported within a UH Mānoa campus classroom, the University Health Services COVID-19 Response Team will attempt to identify close contacts within that space.
If there is no seating chart or reliable means by which close contacts can be readily determined, all class attendees will be contacted to inform them of the possible classroom exposure.
In a large classroom, the best means of communication would likely be through email to the class as a whole, with instructions given based upon vaccination status.
Instructors have the ability to temporarily switch instruction from in-person to online while the contact tracing investigation is being conducted, and if the CRT recommends testing. There is no need for formal approval of this temporary change in instruction modality.

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

Stay home. Do not come to campus. Immediately contact your health care provider and report your positive test result to your supervisor and to the UH Mānoa Campus Response Team at uhscovid@hawaii.edu.

Instructors have the ability to temporarily switch instruction from in-person to online while the contact tracing investigation is being conducted, and if the CRT recommends testing. There is no need for formal approval of this temporary change in instruction modality.

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 (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 employees required to be vaccinated?

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.)

Employees who are vaccinated are also strongly encouraged to get a COVID-19 booster shot.

Are COVID-19 vaccine booster shots required? Can I take Administrative Leave to get a booster?

COVID-19 booster shots are not currently required, but strongly recommended. A booster shot requirement may be added to the employee vaccination policy in the future and if so, employees would be given ample notice so they have a reasonable amount of time to comply.

Employees may take up to 2 hours of administrative leave (including travel time) to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster in an off-site location during normal work hours, as operations permit. Boosters received on the employee’s campus are not eligible for administrative leave.

Employees must notify their supervisors, and receive permission, prior to leaving the worksite to receive the vaccination.

All employees are eligible including student workers, 89-day hires, part-time hires, etc.

If an employee already used personal leave or took authorized leave without pay from January 18, 2022, they may request an adjustment of up to two hours of retroactive administrative leave.

For more information, contact your human resources office.

Are there exemptions to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement?

Employees can apply for a medical and religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement. See the UH Office of Human Resources Vaccination Requirements webpage for more employee vaccination information. (Employee login required.)

Those employees 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.

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).

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

Employees who test positive due to previous infection should submit a verification letter from their medical provider and positive test result with the date of the test as part of their campus health clearance process. These employees would not be required to test for 90 days from the positive test date. Individuals who have not been vaccinated are strongly encouraged to take the vaccine, so that they will not be required to begin/resume testing after 90 days.

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/

Is there free COVID-19 testing available to employees?

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

What do I do if I test positive?

Stay home. Do not come to campus. Immediately contact your health care provider and report your positive test result to your supervisor and to the UH Mānoa Campus Response Team at uhscovid@hawaii.edu.

If my co-worker tested positive, what happens to the space?

Offices, classrooms or other UH spaces may be temporarily closed for cleaning and disinfection if less than 24 hours have passed since the person diagnosed or sick with COVID-19 was last in the space. If more than 24 hours have passed since the person sick or diagnosed with COVID-19 was last in a campus space, the space will reopen after routine cleaning. This Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance is based on clear evidence that surfaces are not a major mode of transmission.

Will students and employees 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.

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.

Do I have to disclose my vaccination status?

Everyone should be prepared to show their “You may report to campus” all clear status with the current date on the LumiSight UH daily health check app when on campus. You may be asked for it by your supervisor or when entering the Warrior Recreation Center, bookstore, sporting event, play, performance, etc.

Are students required to be vaccinated?

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.

Like employees, 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.

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.

Can I ask students to disclose their vaccination status?

Faculty or staff may ask students to show their LumiSight UH “You may report to campus” status with the current date to confirm that they have completed the required daily screening, AND are fully vaccinated, or have a current negative COVID-19 test result.

How do I verify that students in my class are compliant with UH COVID-19 protocols?

Instructors teaching in-person courses may request to see a student’s status on LumiSight UH.

What do I do if one of my students tests positive?

If the student is in an in-person or hybrid class and has been on campus this semester, please email the UH Mānoa COVID-19 Response Team at uhscovid@hawaii.edu and notify your supervisor.

Do I notify the rest of my students if one of them tests positive?

Do not share any personal medical information about any student or employee. The university and the Hawaiʻi Department of Health are responsible for contacting those who need to be notified.


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 a person for not wearing a face 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, students 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.

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 I have to get tested for COVID-19 to be on campus?

Only employees who have a UH-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.

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 all events must follow the 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

Can we bring visiting groups onto campus?

Yes. Please check with your supervisor and/or dean or director before scheduling. It may need to be approved by the Office of the Provost. Also, all UH COVID-19 guidelines for events must be followed.

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

Contact your HR representative and supervisor for more information.

Are there any travel restrictions?

Please check the UH System COVID-19 Travel updates page for current information on conditions for travel.

How often are spaces cleaned?

Classrooms and teaching laboratories are being cleaned daily. Instructors and students are encouraged to take whatever steps that they feel are necessary to protect themselves, including wiping down their personal spaces before and after each use.


Course Delivery and Student Support

Can I change my course delivery during the semester?

A mode of course delivery cannot be changed after the registration period. Instructors should be prepared to shift their course entirely online and shift back to the original mode of course delivery, depending on the status of the pandemic.

Who do I contact for tech support for hybrid or online classes?

Instructors are asked to call (808) 956-8075 for ITS technical support

If I am teaching here-or-there classes, do I stop teaching if the internet goes down?

Every situation is different (internet goes down at the beginning vs. towards the end of the class), and instructors are asked to use their best judgment. If the internet is lost at the start of class, the lesson should be stopped or the online students must be given an opportunity to learn the material via a separate lesson. If it happens toward the end of a class, there could be a review of the material missed at the beginning of the next class.

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.

Student 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.


Telework Personnel Support and Research

Can I telework?

Employees can apply for telework. More information can be found on the following UH webpages:

Are mental health services available for employees?

Faculty and staff can contact the UH Employee Assistance Program for counseling services at (808) 597-8222, for Oʻahu and (877) 597-8222 for the neighbor islands.

Students can call the UH Mānoa Counseling and Student Development Center (CSDC) at (808) 956-7927 to schedule an appointment with a counselor or to hear more about counseling resources on campus.

For more information and a list of mental health resources, see the COVID-19 Guidelines for UH Mānoa.

Can I fill a position in my department?

As of November 1, 2021, A freeze on all new UH hires into regular (permanent or temporary) positions other than using extramural funds or Research and Training Revolving Funds. This includes UH General Funds, Tuition and Fee Special Funds and other special and revolving funds. Hiring of Graduate Assistants is exempt from this freeze but must be part of hiring plans approved by a UH Officer. Only the UH President can approve exceptions to this freeze.

Expenditures with extramural funds are largely exempt, however they must be consistent with applicable contracts, grants and guidelines. Further, extramural program managers should be cognizant of the context and fiscal constraints under which the entire university and state will be operating.

For more information on budgetary freezes, see the UH System site.

Are there any restrictions on research labs?

For guidance on preparing your research laboratory and support shop/facility back online or to evaluate your continued research, please refer to specific guidelines listed in the “Research Laboratories” section of the “Research Continuity and Planning for COVID-19 at UH Mānoa” document.

In restarting human research involving face-to-face interactions, researchers are advised to consult the UH Human Studies Program (HSP) website for updated UH IRB requirements. Also, the UH HSP requires researchers to review their active protocols and submit a “Modification form” including a Safety Plan Form (see IRB requirements).

Are there restrictions on field research?

No. Field research activities that are short duration and local are allowed to continue during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in addition to normal safety considerations, each research group must carefully consider COVID-19 related risks and plan accordingly to minimize the potential spread of the virus during field activities. Additional considerations beyond those provided here will need to be considered for extended field operations (i.e., field operations that extend beyond 2–3 days). In general, where field personnel will be in remote, extended field conditions and access to medical care is limited, employees may need to quarantine for two weeks before an operation. Testing for COVID-19 prior to extended field operations may also be indicated. If followed, these steps would eliminate the need for social distancing and face masks in the field.

Whom do I contact if I have further questions?

Please email COVID19@hawaii.edu

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