In developing our Phased Reopening Plan, we have aligned with the phases as outlined in the State Roadmap to Recovery and Resilience. The College will take into account the various factors that go into the decision making process to move to the next phase. The State has indicators that are informed by subject matter experts, which will in turn inform the College’s response. All decisions will be facilitated through the Office of the Chancellor in consultation with the Reopening Committee team members.
The College will closely monitor local conditions and surroundings and be prepared to alter operations and services in a timely and appropriate manner in response to COVID-related situations or circumstances. Additionally, the University of Hawai‘i continues to work closely with County and State officials to operate in accordance with government orders, recommendations from the Hawaiʻi Department of Health, and CDC Guidelines.
PHASE 1 - Stabilization
- Governor Ige announced a “Stay at Home” order beginning on March 25, 2020 that would remain in effect through April 30, 2020. On April 25, 2020, Governor Ige extended the state-at-home order across the State through May 31, 2020.
- On May 14, 2020, the Governor announced that the “Safer at Home” order will be extended through June 30, 2020.
PHASE 2 - Reopening (We Are Here)
The “Act with Care” (minor disruption) impact level anticipates some new COVID-19 cases which are manageable along with improved capacity utilization for testing, hospitals, contact tracing.
- As of July 1, 2020, this is the phase we are currently in.
- The Required Prevention Measures below will remain in effect.
- College maintains standard operations/services while continuing to prioritize safety.
- Develop and implement our Phased Reopening Plan. Continue to assess, evaluate, and modify the plan based on evolving practices and recommended guidelines.
- Review University of Hawaii COVID-19 Guidelines (Interim) for recommendations.
- Establish policies, protocols, operational plans, and training for all College employees.
- Prepare for the return to work transition - Supervisors work with administrators to assess office setup (in consultation with the Facilities working group), employee work schedules and plan for a return in phases.
- Procurement of CARES Act budget requests on qualified items that are needed to reopen the campuses.
- Facilities Use by external groups will remain restricted. Internal facilities use for groups of 10 people or less will depend on the availability of a space that is large enough to accommodate the group using physical distancing requirements of 6ft between people.
- Effective August 11, 2020 through August 31, 2020, travelers to Hawaiʻi Island are subject to a 14-day quarantine per Governor Igeʻs Eleventh Supplementary Proclamation Related to the COVID-19 Emergency. DO NOT report to campus if you are subject to a quarantine.
PHASE 3 - Long-term Recovery
The trigger to move to phase 3 should be when the State moves into the “Recovery” (minimal disruption) impact level. This occurs when new COVID-19 cases indicate sporadic activity and optimized capacity utilization for testing, hospitals, and contact tracing.
- The Required Prevention Measures below will remain in effect.
- Limited face-to-face classes allowed pending UH System approval.
- Facilities Use by external groups will remain restricted. Internal facilities use for groups of 50 people or less will depend on the availability of a space that is large enough to accommodate the group using physical distancing requirements of 6ft between people.
PHASE 4 - Resilience
The trigger to move to phase 4 should be when the State moves into the “New Normal” (no disruption) impact level. This occurs when we have adjusted to living with COVID-19 through a potential combination of effective treatments and containment methods, natural “herd immunity,” and/or vaccines.
- The Required Prevention Measures below will remain in effect.
- All face-to-face classes to resume pending UH System approval.
- College maintains standard operations/services while continuing to prioritize safety.
As a public health measure to combat the spread of COVID-19, face coverings* are required as set forth in UH Personal Safety Practices. In addition, Governor Ige's Ninth Supplemental Proclamation Related to the COVID-19 Emergency, as well as Mayor Kim's Emergency Rule No. 10 both require the use of face coverings.
- All employees, students and visitors are required to wear face coverings as recommended by the CDC when interacting in-person with others onsite.
- Employees, students and visitors are expected to wear face coverings as recommended by the CDC when indoors (e.g., classrooms, laboratories, shops, and common spaces such as hallways and elevators) and where physical distancing is not possible.
- Employees and students are not required to wear face coverings where they are able to practice safer physical distancing AND are working or studying in isolation or are outdoors in uncrowded areas.
- Face coverings are not a substitute for physical distancing.
- Where face coverings are required, face shields are not permitted to be worn as a substitute and must be used in combination with correctly worn face coverings.
- Faculty who teach in person and employees providing direct service to customers (in which physical distancing is not easy to manage, such as at a customer service window) will be provided face shields.
- The CDC does not recommend use of face shields for normal everyday activities in place of cloth or disposable face coverings, mostly because there is not enough evidence that the face shield alone prevents the spray of respiratory particles via a cough, sneeze, speaking loudly, etc. from spreading outside the face shield.
- For those using a face shield as an accommodation, additional measures should be in place such as increased distancing.
- Face coverings shall be worn correctly and washed correctly.
- Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth to provide maximum protection for yourself and others.
- Don’t put the mask around your neck or up on your forehead.
- The College recognizes that there may be unique and individual circumstances, as indicated by a medical condition or disability, where wearing a face covering poses a health or safety risk. Students or employees seeking a reasonable accommodation should contact the College to discuss accommodations prior to reporting to campus.
- Students contact the Disability Services Coordinator at 808-934-2725.
- Employees contact the EEO/AA Officer at 808-934-2526.
* Definitions
- Cloth face covering includes manufactured or homemade masks cover the nose and mouth with at least two layers of fabric and do not have an exhalation valve (raised plastic cylinder meant for easy exhalation). Cloth face coverings should be made from washable materials and should be laundered regularly. In support of sustainability efforts, the College encourages use of reusable face coverings.
- Disposable mask includes non-surgical, surgical or dust masks that cover the nose and mouth. Disposable masks do not include masks with exhalation valves (raised plastic cylinders meant for easy exhalation).
- Face covering refers to cloth face coverings and disposable masks.
- Face shield refers to a clear plastic shield with a headband that covers the entire face.
- N95 mask is a respiratory protection device that is tight-fitting and filters at least 95% of particles and droplets. Use of these masks must be reserved for healthcare and emergency responders and those who have been required to do so as part of a specific job task, such as research with SARS CoV-2. OSHA standards require medical clearance, fit-testing, and training at least annually when these masks are required. If these masks are obtained and used on a voluntary basis by employees, OSHA’s Appendix D17 must be provided.
NOTE: Face coverings, masks, or respirators with exhalation valves are not permitted, as they do not protect others from expelled respiratory droplets and aerosols.
Wherever possible, the following physical distancing practices shall be adhered to:
- Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people
- Avoid gathering in groups or crowds
- If using an elevator, limit occupancy to 2 individuals
- Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus.
- Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds , especially:
- after wiping or blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing;
- after returning from a public place or shared common area/space (e.g., classroom, conference room, break room or lunch room);
- after touching trash or objects frequently used by others (such as handrails, door handles, and elevator buttons);
- after using the toilet;
- before, during, and after preparing food; and
- before and after work breaks and work shifts.
- Use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid sharing or using communal items (such as office supplies) and objects that are not easily cleaned or disinfected (such as fabric).
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throw the tissue away.
- If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Educate yourself on how COVID-19 spreads.
- Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
- Especially important if you are going into the office or classroom, and in settings where it may be difficult to keep a physical distance of 6 feet.
- Take your temperature if symptoms develop.
- Don’t take your temperature within 30 minutes of exercising or after taking medications that could lower your temperature, like acetaminophen.
- Follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop.
- Stay at home when you are sick.
MANDATORY DAILY SCREENING AND SELF-MONITORING
The University will deploy a daily check-in app called LumiSight UH to support the CDC recommended daily self-screening of everyone who will be on University property.
Students, employees, and visitors who plan to enter any University property will be expected to complete the self-screening questionnaire prior to arriving on-site.
- All employees, students and visitors are required to monitor their own health for COVID-19 symptoms, including fatigue, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, cough, fever or feeling feverish, chills, muscle pain or body aches, sore throat, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, congestion or runny nose, headache, and a new loss of taste or smell.
- Screening procedures are mandatory and apply to all students, employees and visitors reporting to campus.
- Daily screeningwill include a brief, mandatory short daily questionnaire for all students, employees and visitors who plan to be onsite.
- Any individual who refuses to complete screening will not be allowed onsite.
LUMISIGHT UH APPLICATION
LumiSight UH is an application developed for UH by DataHouse, and operated as a service to the UH community to give an easy method for individuals to provide a daily self-attestation of their health status prior to coming onto any UH campus. Daily self-attestation of individual health is strongly recommended by the CDC as an integral part of an institutional strategy to support and encourage safe behavior by the UH community. The app can be accessed via a web browser or mobile app (Android or iOS) and can be set to provide reminder notifications by email or mobile phone push notifications.
More information about the app and FAQs can be found on the ITS COVID-19 Resources website, such as:
- How does the push notification work?
- What is "geofencing"?
- What if my cell phone doesn't have texting capability or I don't want to use my personal cell phone?
- What data is being stored by the app?
- How will the information be used?
- Why can I submit more than one check-in per day?
Designated Campus Contacts
Student Contact:
Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Christine Quintana
Phone: 808-934-2510
Email: hawcovid@hawaii.edu
Faculty & Staff Contact:
Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services
Ken Kaleiwahea
Phone: 808-934-2508
Email: hawcovid@hawaii.edu
- You tested positive for COVID-19;
- You suspect you have COVID-19 based on symptoms, travel history or history of prolonged contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19, among other indicators; or
- Are subject to a quarantine.
- The student must notify the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs as their respective Designated Campus Contact. Student employees shall also notify their Supervisor immediately.
- The student will not be permitted on campus and shall remain at home to seek medical advice from a healthcare provider.
- If the student is on site, they must leave the campus immediately or wait in an area designated by the VCSA to safely isolate while waiting for transportation if the student is unable to leave immediately.
- The Designated Campus Contact shall then report this information to the Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services to follow-up on the proper contact tracing, monitoring, and communications protocol.
- The employee must notify the Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services as their respective Designated Campus Contact. Employees shall also notify their Supervisor immediately.
- The employee will not be permitted on campus and shall remain at home to seek medical advice from a healthcare provider.
- If the employeeis on site, they must leave the campus immediately or wait in an area designated by the VCAS to safely isolate while waiting for transportation if the employee is unable to leave immediately.
- The Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services will follow-up on the proper contact tracing, monitoring, and communications protocol.
NOTE: No one with symptoms of COVID-19 should be present onsite. If you observe anyone (including but not limited to students, employees, visitors or vendors) developing or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 onsite, notify the respective Designated Campus Contact immediately.
The College will have transitional space for symptomatic or COVID-19 exposed students and employees who need to be isolated from the rest of the campus. During the isolation, the Campus Official will brief the student or employee on the requirements to remain at home and seek immediate medical advice from their healthcare provider. A list of community resources will be provided if the student or employee does not have a primary healthcare provider. The Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services will be notified to initiate the contact tracing, monitoring and communications protocol as well as the proper cleaning and disinfecting of the area(s) as needed. The student or employee will also be advised on the requirements to return to campus after isolation.
Protocol to Return to Campus After Isolation:
Persons with COVID-19 who have positive or symptoms and were directed to care for themselves at home may discontinue isolation under the following conditions:
- At least 10 days have passed since COVID symptom onset, and
- At least 24 hours have passed since resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and
- Other symptoms have improved.
The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs will remain the point of contact for the student for daily check-ins, and the Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services will remain the point of contact for employees.
The Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services, in conjunction with the Department of Health and consistent with official guidelines, will determine when the student or employee meets the criteria to end home isolation. The student or employee shall not return to campus until they have clearance from the VCAS.
The reporting of positive COVID-19 cases or potential exposures to people who tested positive for COVID-19 is a confidential matter that must be treated with respect for personal privacy, as well as compliance with Federal guidance to protect their health information.
The Designated Campus Contacts, Supervisors, Deans/Directors and anyone involved in the reporting of these cases are required to maintain privacy and confidentiality of any reported information. These parties shall not disclose the identity of the student or employee to anyone who does not have a need to know.
In the event of a confirmed positive COVID-19 case on campus, the Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services will work with public health authorities to balance the need for privacy with the health and safety interests of the campus community on a need to know basis.
- Communication protocols shall be in accordance with health information sharing regulations for COVID-19 and other applicable federal and state laws and regulations relating to privacy and confidentiality, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) or Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”).
- The College will not disclose the identity of any employee or student who is diagnosed with or is suspected of having COVID-19, except on a need-to-know basis. The College may also notify public health authorities if they learn that a student or employee has tested positive for COVID-19, and public health authorities have not already been notified, as this is a direct threat to public health.
- As appropriate, students, employees and the public will be made aware if and when confirmed COVID-19 cases are present on campus. Any campus closures or any restrictions in place to limit COVID-19 exposure (e.g., limited hours of operation) may be communicated in a manner that balances privacy with health and safety interests.
The following environmental adjustments are precautionary measures to ensure a safe learning environment and workplace for our College campus:
- Capacity restrictions in classrooms, workspaces, and common areas, etc.
- Sneeze guard barriers for workspaces and person-to-person service areas
- Signage for handwashing, face coverings and physical distancing guidelines
- Enhanced disinfecting protocols
- Hand sanitizer dispensing stations
- Event cancellations or postponements
The environmental adjustments will be continuously assessed and evaluated as needed to determine what modifications are necessary. In the event of a transmission within our campus, a critical response plan will be implemented accordingly.
- Wherever practical, the College will modify all occupied spaces, including classrooms and other instructional facilities to meet the following recommendations:
- Space seating/desks at least 6 feet apart.
- Where furniture is fixed, block off and clearly mark seating that should not be utilized to allow physical distancing.
- Where furniture is moveable, block off and clearly mark furniture that should not be utilized to allow physical distancing; unused chairs or tables should be moved to the room perimeter or removed from the room.
- Consider turning desks to face in the same direction (rather than facing each other), or have seats arranged on only one side of tables.
- Consider using a staggered layout (each row offset by 50%) to potentially increase capacity where furniture is moveable.
- Configure rooms to allow at least a 6’ buffer between the instructor and first row of students and consider using unoccupied seating/tables to provide a physical buffer.
- There will be situations where physical distancing cannot be maintained. Each instance will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and a determination on whether a classroom or office activity should continue will be made. The College will consult with the UHCC System Office in determining appropriate alternatives to physical distancing.
- The College will post signs that describe how to stop the spread of germs and to stay home when sick in highly visible locations, including in all classrooms, computer labs, learning labs, libraries, common areas/shared student spaces, restrooms, and high traffic areas (hallways, stairwells, elevators, etc.), and as needed in offices and other common areas or shared spaces.
- Where feasible, the College will consider installing physical barriers, such as clear sneeze guards and partitions, in areas where it is difficult for individuals to remain at least 6 feet apart and/or at public-facing transaction counters (e.g., Paepae Haumana, Hale Kea, Mailroom, etc).
- Where feasible, the College will consider controlling the flow of foot-traffic in common areas to mitigate face-to-face contact or exchanges and to minimize pedestrian traffic congestion. Where lines typically form, campuses shall designate with signage, tape, or by other means six-foot spacing for people in line to maintain appropriate distance.
- Where possible, doors will be left open to limit touching of doors and door handles.
- Signage or marking on the floor to indicate 6 feet spacing should lines develop.
- All restrooms have soap and sinks where people may wash their hands.
- Tables will be rearranged to allow for 6 feet separation.
- Tables with non-fixed seating will have chairs removed to limit the number of seats per table to allow for 6 feet distancing.
- Tables with fixed seating that cannot be removed will have appropriate signage to limit seating.
- Reading and study areas will have furniture arranged and appropriate signage to adhere to 6 feet separation.
- Group Study Rooms will have signage to indicate limited to occupancy with appropriate distancing and/or transparent shield or barrier in place.
- Library computer labs will follow the same protocol as general computer labs.
- Public-facing transaction counters will be modified to the extent reasonable to provide at least 6 feet distance between individuals at the counter. Where it is impractical to achieve this separation, a transparent shield or barrier will be installed to separate customers and service employees.
Routine cleaning and disinfection, especially for frequently touched surfaces (e.g., door handles, elevator buttons, faucets, paper towel dispensers) will be performed on campus at least daily or between use as much as possible. Use of shared objects (e.g., lab equipment, computers) should be limited when possible, or cleaned between use.
- The College will use products that meet EPA disinfection criteria and shall be mindful of any storage and ventilation considerations.
- To promote healthy hygiene behaviors, the College will provide adequate supplies, including soap, hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol, paper towels, tissues, disinfectant wipes, cloth face coverings (as feasible), face shields (as feasible and appropriate) and no-touch/foot-pedal trash cans.
- Programs and Units will be responsible for cleaning and disinfecting their own shared surfaces such as microwaves, refrigerators, copy machines, file cabinets, etc.
- In the event of a confirmed positive COVID-19 case on campus, the cleaning and disinfecting protocol will include:
- Closing off areas substantially used by a person who has or is suspected of having COVID-19 and for preventing use of these areas until after cleaning and disinfecting.
- Cleaning and disinfecting areas substantially used by a person who has or is suspected of having COVID-19 should include waiting at least 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting or, if 24 hours is not feasible, waiting as long as possible.
- A third-party contractor specializing in COVID-19 cleaning and disinfecting may be brought in to provide a deep clean of the areas needed using specialized equipment designed to kill viruses.
Across all campuses, the university requires the following personal safety practices for all employees, students and visitors:
- If you have tested positive for COVID-19, stay at home except to get medical care. Do not return to campus until you have been cleared to return by the Department of Health.
- If you are subject to government-issued or a healthcare provider’s orders to quarantine, stay at home.
- If you have been identified through contact tracing to be tested for COVID-19, stay at home until you receive a negative test result.
- If a member of your household has tested positive for or you have been notified that you had close contact with a person with COVID-19 then stay at home.
- If you are sick at all, stay at home, even if you only have mild symptoms of illness that could be COVID-19, which include the following: 1) cough; 2) shortness of breath; 3) sore throat; 4) diarrhea; 5) loss of smell or taste; 6) fever (>100.4° F) or feeling feverish; 7) chills; and/or 8) body aches. Contact your medical provider and follow their advice including about when to return to campus.
- All students, employees and visitors to whom this section applies must follow the reporting procedure set forth in the Reporting Cases of COVID-19 section above.
- If you are an employee required to stay at home under these guidelines, contact your supervisor regarding telework options or available leave.
- Any student, employee or visitor who has been required to stay at home under these guidelines shall not return to campus until cleared to return by a healthcare professional or the State Department of Health.
- Parking lot gates will be closed at 10:30pm and opened at 5:00am daily to restrict vehicular traffic on the campuses.
- Employees will work their normal schedules, however, the hours of operation for the public/student services will be limited to 8:00am to 4:00pm weekdays unless a holiday or planned closure falls during these hours.
- External groups will not be allowed to use campus facilities until Phase 4, unless otherwise approved by administration.
- Students, employees, and visitors who plan to enter any University property will be expected to complete the self-screening questionnaire prior to arriving on-site.
- If the LumiSight UH screening app instructs you to stay home, DO NOT report to campus. Contact your supervisor and Designated Campus Contact for more information.
- The fall 2021 Modified Quarantine Program is limited to international students who do not have COVID-19 approved pre-travel testing available in their home country, and agree to take a test within 48 hours of arriving in Hawaiʻi. The program is available in the three weeks prior to the beginning of the fall 2021 semester and three weeks after the start of the semester (six-week period in total from Monday, August 2 through Friday, September 10 for students to enter the program). For more information, please contact the Office of International Programs at hawccint@hawaii.edu or 808-934-2698.
- A freeze on all out-of-state travel with GF or TSFS funds will remain in place even after travel restrictions associated with the COVID-19 crisis may be lifted.
- Inter-island travel is restricted until further notice.
- Travel using extramural funds are exempt and must be consistent with applicable contracts, grants and guidelines.
- Employees are encouraged to avoid personal travel, especially to countries with a CDC Level 2 or Level 3 Travel Health Notice related to COVID-19.
- As travel restrictions are subject to change at any moment, be prepared for unanticipated quarantine requirements, which may prevent you from returning to campus.
- Employees shall additionally consult the University’s Travel FAQ and County of Hawai'i Travel website.
- Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones
- Your financial situation or job, or loss of support services you rely on
- Feeling anxious, overwhelmed or sad
- Changes in sleep or eating patterns
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Feeling isolated and lonely
- Feeling of loss (grief) that persists or worsens over time
- Worsening of chronic health problems
- Worsening of mental health conditions
- Increased use of tobacco, and/or alcohol or other substances.
If any of these issues apply to you or those you know, please see mental health resources below for further mental/behavioral health resources.
You are not alone and we are here to help you.
Mental Health Resources:
- If you are experiencing an emergency or believe you are a danger to yourself and/or others, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
- Hilo Medical Center, (808) 932-3000, 1190 Waianuenue St, Hilo, HI 96720
- Urgent Care, (808) 969-3051, 670 Kekuanaoa St, Hilo, HI 96720
- Hale Hoʻola Hamakua, (808) 932-4100, 45-547 Plumeria St, Honoka‘a, HI 96727
- Ka‘u Hospital, (808) 932-4200, 1 Kamani St, Pahala, HI 96777
- North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital, (808) 885-4444, 67-1125 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kamuela, HI 96743
- Kohala Hospital, (808) 889-6211, 54-383 Hospital Road, Kapa‘au, HI 96755
- Kona Community Hospital, (808) 322-9311, 79-1019 Haukapila St, Kealakekua, HI 96750
- Enrolled students may contact the Hawaiʻi Community College Mental Wellness and Personal Development Service at (808) 934-2706.
- Employees may take advantage of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to seek confidential help on their own by calling toll-free (800) 994-3571.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling toll-free (800) 273-8255 or Lifeline Crisis Chat.
- Hawaiʻi CARES Hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling toll-free (800) 753-6879.
- Crisis Text Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Text “ALOHA” to 741741.
- The Disaster Distress Helpline by calling toll-free (800) 985-5990 or text “TalkWithUS” to 66746.