The University of Hawaiʻi released interim COVID-19 guidelines today (July 1, 2020) for its 10 campuses across the state for the upcoming academic year. The university’s top priority remains the health, safety and well-being of its students, employees and visitors, and the guidelines are meant to protect the UH community and slow the spread of COVID-19.
The interim guidelines cover multiple aspects of operations, and each of the 10 campuses will develop their own operational plans that take into consideration their unique location, facilities, programs needs and available resources. Work on the campus plans has been underway since May, and each campus is expected to make further announcements in the coming weeks. The first day of classes for the fall 2020 semester is Monday, August 24.
The interim COVID-10 guidelines were developed under guidance issued by local, state and federal authorities with input from UH public health and medical experts. They are subject to change as the university goes through the consultation with unions, state and county leaders and other stakeholder groups. Updates are also expected as government guidance continues to evolve and more is learned about the virus.
“It is a monumental task to prepare for an unprecedented semester, and I thank the teams that have come together to enable these initial guidelines, which represent a significant step forward in ensuring safe environments for our campus communities,” said UH President David Lassner. “Of course, the single best way we protect ourselves and each other is to follow the now basic rules in preventing the spread of COVID-19—staying home when you’re sick, wearing face coverings, washing your hands regularly and maintaining safe physical distancing.”
The following is a summary of the UH COVID-19 Guidelines. The full set of guidelines is available online.
The guidelines apply to all UH operations and activities on campuses and at off-site facilities and cover all students, employees and visitors. The guidelines include:
