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See important updates to our COVID-19 protocols below.

Updated COVID-19 protocols for the new school year

Jul. 26, 2022

Aloha nui e ko Kamehameha Hawaiʻi ē,

As we prepare for the start of a new school year, Kamehameha Schools remains committed to safe, in-person instruction and doing what will best ensure that our kauhale remains healthy. Our COVID-19 protocols and layers of protection have evolved over the past two years based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Hawai‘i State Department of Health (DOH) and will continue to do so. The approach in managing the response to COVID-19 has shifted to one of personal kuleana, and the changes that were announced by the CDC and DOH reflect that.
 

What changes are being made (effective July 27, 2022):

  • Indoor masking is no longer required on-campus, but is strongly encouraged when COVID-19 Community Levels are at medium or high levels. However, if certain conditions were to arise such as outbreaks or high absenteeism, our campus may mandate universal indoor masking or targeted indoor masking when appropriate to do so.
  • After evaluating demand for on-campus testing resources over the past four months following the pausing of required testing, daily testing services provided on-campus by KS through Premier Medical Group will be discontinued. Home testing kits may be provided for voluntary use on a targeted basis based on outbreaks, high-risk activities and availability. We encourage our community to access local community testing sites as needed and take advantage of free testing resources provided by the federal government or your insurance plans.
  • Individual case investigation, close contact identification, and quarantine of in-school exposures is not recommended for routine in-school exposures. As such, broader notification to those who may have potentially been exposed to a positive individual will be made on a weekly basis via group notification.

 

What remains in-place:

  • Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 is still required to isolate for a 5-day period in accordance with DOH guidelines. This includes remaining out of high-risk extracurricular activities for a period of 10 days.
  • We continue to encourage all KS staff, students, and their ʻohana to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, as the leading public health strategy and the best way to stay and keep others safe. As a reminder, per DOH guidelines, all students and staff who are exposed outside of school and are not up to date with COVID vaccinations including boosters when eligible are required to complete a 5-day quarantine. Please be aware that based on newly issued requirements from the DOH this now includes individuals under 18. 
  • Testing (or a Doctor’s note) will continue to be required for students returning to school after COVID like symptoms and may be required for certain activities and events such as athletic league participation, or school-sponsored travel. Parents should ensure they have reviewed our full return-to-school after illness policy posted on our website.
  • The KS COVID-19 Response Team (covid19help@ksbe.edu) will continue to be the primary contact for COVID-related inquiries or business impacting Kamehameha Schools, all while working to ensure that our internal safety protocols meet regulatory guidelines. Please continue using the COVID-19 Reporting Form to report positive cases or household close contacts.
     

Kamehameha Schools is prepared to adapt our safety measures should conditions change. The health and safety and well-being of our students, families, and staff remain our highest priorities. Please continue to remain vigilant and monitor your personal kuleana to keep yourself and the rest of our kauhale healthy and safe.
 

E mālama pono,

KS Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Response Team



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