III. Institutional Safety Practices—Reporting, Monitoring, Screening For, and Managing Cases of COVID-19
These guidelines are interim only and are subject to revision, until we can complete consultation with the unions.
UH Hilo is implementing the following guidelines to screen for, manage, and prepare for a confirmed positive COVID-19 case appearing on University campuses.
In this page:
A. Campus Official(s) and Communication Protocols
If students, employees or invited visitors test positive or are suspected of having COVID-19 based on symptoms, travel history, and/or close contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19, they must contact the UH Hilo Campus Security Office at (808) 974-7911 (on campus extension 7911) and their supervisor in the case of employees. UH Hilo Campus Security dispatch is a 24-7 operation, and will be able to relay calls to the UH Hilo COVID-19 Coordinator.
If you have tested positive or exhibit symptoms of COVID-19, you will not be permitted to report to campus and will be informed to remain at home and seek medical advice from a healthcare provider.
If an employee is on site and displays symptoms, the employee must notify UH Hilo Campus Security and the supervisor immediately. The employee must leave campus immediately, or wait in an area designated by the supervisor if the employee is unable to leave immediately.
A campus COVID-19 Coordinator will contact the employee/student to inform them to remain at home or off-campus site in isolation and seek immediate medical advice from their healthcare provider, inform them of community resources if they do not have a primary healthcare provider, and will maintain contact to determine if the individual is positive for COVID-19.
The Coordinator will also follow up with close contacts.
UH Hilo will not disclose the identity of any individual who is diagnosed with or is suspected of having COVID-19, except on a need-to-know basis. The university may also notify public health authorities if they learn that an individual has tested positive for COVID-19, and public health authorities have not already been notified, as this is a direct threat to public health.
The Coordinator will remain the point of contact with the individual for check-ins. Individuals shall not return to campus or report to work until they have clearance from the Coordinator.
B. Campus Responsibilities to Clean and Disinfect in Cases of COVID-19 or Suspicion of COVID-19
UH Hilo has established protocols for 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.
If it has been more than 24 hours since the space was substantially used or occupied by a COVID-19 case, the space will not be closed and regular routine cleaning will resume.
Protocols ensure as safe as possible and correct use and storage of cleaning and disinfection products.
Deep Cleaning
- Restrict access to areas used by the Employee, using caution tape or other means.
- Open outside doors and windows and use ventilating fans to increase air circulation in the area.
- Cleaning staff should clean and disinfect all areas:
- Used or touched by the Employee; and
- High-touch surfaces, offices, bathrooms, common areas, shared electronic equipment (like tablets, touch screens, keyboards, remote controls) used by the Employee, focusing especially on frequently touched surfaces.
- Cleaning process:
- Cleaning solution will be applied using a fogger/spray device.
- Allow solution to set for at least 15 minutes
- Initiate thorough wipe down of the affected area(s), apply additional cleaning solution as needed.
- Cleaning staff shall clean hands often, including immediately after removing gloves, by washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty, an alcohol-based sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol may be used.
- Continue routine cleaning and disinfection.
- Upon completion, remove caution tape or other barriers to reopen access to the affected areas, and notify Coordinator, VCA, and Campus Security.
- The area is available for use upon completion of cleaning.
C. Education, Training and Signage
Online training and education will be provided to employees and students returning to campus. The training covers a general overview of COVID-19, control measures to prevent or minimize transmission, and other specific procedures/resources for University personnel. Training will be available in webinar form.
- Communication to the campus community is available on different platforms:
- Campus COVID-19 Page: https://hilo.hawaii.edu/covid19/
- Emails (UH Broadcast, Campus Listserv)
- Website Banner
- Campus Virtual Brown Bag Discussions
- Social Media:
Signs shall be posted at campus entrances, building entrances, classrooms, labs, and common areas informing individuals of face covering rules, self-checks for health, not to shake hands or engage in unnecessary physical contact, and proper washing of hands.- Signs shall be posted at campus entrances, building entrances, classrooms, labs, and common areas informing individuals of face covering rules, self-checks for health, maintaining physical distance, not to shake hands or engage in unnecessary physical contact, and proper washing of hands.
- Signs will be posted in highly visible locations, including all classrooms, laboratories, computer labs, and common areas describing how to stop the spread of germs and to stay home when sick