All students, employees, and visitors who are not permitted to be on campus and are required to stay home under these guidelines must follow the reporting procedure set forth in Campus Official(s) and Communication Protocols. Additionally, employees should notify their supervisor if they are unable to report to work, and students should inform faculty if they will be unable to attend in-person classes.
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 government-issued or 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.
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.
Vaccination and Testing—Current Employees and Students
- The COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policies for students and employees were officially suspended, effective Saturday, March 26, 2022.
- Up-to-Date COVID-19 vaccination is strongly recommended.
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.
Masks
Mask guidance after September 16, 2022
IMPORTANT: Please respect an individual’s personal choice to wear a face mask.
- Masks are not required in outdoor areas.
- Masks are not required but highly recommended indoors, around people during crowded events, especially for those who are not vaccinated or who are immunocompromised.
- Campuses may continue to require masks in some indoor spaces based on recommendations by the CDC, UH medical and public health experts, and HDOH.
- If there are signs requesting masks posted for a space or office, please honor those signs.
- Please respect an individual’s personal choice to wear a face mask.
- Masking is required for those who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or has contracted the virus. They must wear a mask for the duration of the 10-day isolation period. The infected person may return on day 6 if their symptoms are substantially improved and they have not had any fever in the preceding 24 hours.
- The CDC offers additional guidance on masks so that individuals who choose to wear a mask can find one that is the best fit, protection, and comfort based on their own determination of risk for contracting COVID-19 from others.
Consider Getting a Flu Shot
Getting the flu shot in the fall will help reduce your chances of becoming infected with influenza “flu,” which has similar symptoms to COVID-19.
Travel
If a student or employee is traveling outside of the State, especially on University-supported travel, testing (PCR or antigen, including home tests) is strongly recommended prior to their return to campus.
