The remaining face mask requirements on University of Hawaiʻi campuses and properties will be lifted after Friday, September 16. Masks are currently required in classrooms, shared laboratory spaces and confined educational spaces in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 within our community.
“Mahalo for all you have done to elevate our collective understanding of personal safety during this devastating pandemic,” said UH President David Lassner in the September 9 email to the 10-campus system announcing the update. “You have demonstrated our capacity to look beyond ourselves and to care for others.”
The decision to lift the remaining mask requirements was based on the recommendation of UH medical and public health experts as well as the latest federal and state guidance. The rate of COVID-19 community transmission is no longer disrupting daily life. Most infections now are not life threatening, and many recover without hospitalization.
“UH will continue to remain highly vigilant, and COVID-19 restrictions may be quickly reinstated, if conditions change and warrant stronger measures,” said Lassner in the announcement.
Lassner also asked that everyone be respectful of an individual’s choice to continue to wear a face mask and abide by signs that may be posted outside individual offices requesting that masks be worn for the protection of others.
Masking is still strongly encouraged in crowded indoor spaces and required for those who have contracted the virus. More information can be found on the UH COVID-19 Guidelines.
