This message was shared with the students, faculty and staff of the 10-campus University of Hawaiʻi system on January 18, 2022.
Aloha UH students, faculty and staff,
The COVID-19 Guidelines for the 10 campuses of the UH System have been updated. The updates include the latest guidance to align with current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mask and quarantining guidelines.
Masks: Masks are still required at all times indoors on UH campuses or facilities. KN95, KF94 or N95 masks are not required but encouraged where possible. Gaiters are not acceptable masks.
All masks should be well-fitted, which means the mask:
- Has a nose wire to crimp down on top of the nose
- Has at least 2 or more layers of washable fabric (for cloth masks)
- Covers both the nose and mouth entirely
- Fits snugly against the sides of your face without gaps
Masks are not required outdoors, but are strongly recommended when in crowded situations or where it is difficult to maintain physical distance. For more, see the Personal Safety Practices section.
Quarantine and isolation guidelines:
If you are up to date with your vaccinations, including a booster shot, you do not need to quarantine if you are identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and are asymptomatic.
If you test positive for COVID-19, you must be isolated for a minimum of 5 days, regardless of vaccination status. If you are also symptomatic, you may return on day 6 if your symptoms are improving and you have had no fever for 24 hours without using any fever-reducing medicine.
For more information, see the Personal Safety Practices section of our COVID-19 policies
Boosters strongly recommended: While vaccination rates are high among the UH community, as seen in the UH COVID-19 Dashboards, we strongly recommend that everyone receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster as soon they become eligible. Emerging evidence shows that boosters are effective in preventing serious illness and hospitalization from all circulating variants. Those who have received a booster can also avoid quarantine if identified as a close contact of someone who tests positive.
To schedule a booster dose and for more information, visit the Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Vaccine website
Mahalo for your patience and resilience,
The University of Hawaiʻi Office of Communications
