By Avery Jones || Photo by Lindsey Millerd
As the school year begins, you might be wondering how you should prepare to visit campus, especially with the recent surge in cases from the Delta variant. Due to the ever-changing health climate, it can be confusing to understand what COVID-19 protocols are in place at Leeward Community College.
A survey conducted by the University of Hawaii Vaccination Team in late June reported that more than 90% of UH students across all campuses were vaccinated or planned to be soon. Faculty and administrators have been working to follow local, state, and national guidelines to ensure everyone can return safely. Here are some answers to any concerns you might have:
I am fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Am I allowed back on campus? Yes, if you are a student, faculty member, or a visitor and are fully vaccinated, you are free to come back on campus without any issue! Fully vaccinated means it has been two weeks since a two-dose shot series such as Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna, or a single-dose shot such as Johnson & Johnson/Janssen. In order to prove your vaccination, you must upload an image of your vaccination card to the LumiSight website or mobile app. You then need to complete screening questions daily whenever you come onto campus. Simply check for symptoms or possible exposure and if clear, you will receive confirmation saying “you may report to campus” for that current date.
I do not meet the vaccination requirement. Can I still come to campus? If you are wishing to use on-campus facilities and are not fully vaccinated, you must upload weekly proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result to LumiSight. Each test result is valid for 7 days after taking it. Once again, you must answer the LumisSight screening questions and receive clearance from the portal any day before you come onto campus. Some courses such as labs, clinicals, and performing arts may require full vaccination with no exceptions due to these courses not allowing for social distancing. If this is the case, you are requested to wait to register for these classes in the spring semester.
Where can I receive a UH-approved COVID-19 test that I can upload to LumiSight?
If you would like to schedule a COVID-19 test, you can visit clinicallabs.com/appt/uhtest/ to choose from a free testing site that is UH-recognized. You must print and complete the order form and bring it with you to your appointment along with a government-issued ID. Also have your appointment confirmation number and @hawaii.edu email and UH ID number on hand. These testing sites are only available to you if you are not experiencing any symptoms or have not recently been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
Do I need to be fully vaccinated to take virtual courses?
No, if you wish to remain online, you do not need to be vaccinated, though it is still encouraged for general public safety.
Do I need to wear a mask and practice social distancing if I am on campus? Unless you are in a room by yourself on campus, you must wear a mask indoors at all times. You do not need to wear a mask when you are outdoors, including lanais, but you are encouraged to wear one to protect yourself and others if social distancing cannot be maintained. Physical distancing standards have decreased from 6-feet to 3-feet.
What do I do if I have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or I am experiencing COVID-19 symptoms?
If you are symptomatic or exposed to COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider to receive a test somewhere besides the Clinical Labs of Hawaii UH Testing. Quarantine and stay off campus until you receive your results. You are asked to report a positive COVID-19 case if you have been on campus within 14 days of symptom onset or exposure. Please fill out the Leeward Community College COVID-19 Self-Reporting Form online if you tested positive.
I have been experiencing financial hardship as a result of the pandemic. Am I able to receive any assistance from Leeward Community College? Yes, the college is offering various emergency grant programs, including the Urgent Student Relief Fund and several Campus Emergency Aid programs supported by the CARES Act. There is abundant funding through the CRRSAA (Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act) available at this time. Contact Lexer Chou, Coordinator of Student Life, at (808) 455-0248 or email leefund@hawaii.edu to inquire about your situation and possible aid.