In-person learning for DOE and vaccinated UH students
Posted on May 27, 2021 in Capitol Connection, Featured, Main
UH students can return to campus in the fall if vaccinated.
Public K-12 schools will return to full in-person learning starting Aug. 3 as more students get vaccinated and ongoing safety practices are in place, said outgoing Department of Education Superintendent Christina Kishimoto. This includes activities such as clubs, bands and athletics. Governor Ige also approved the request from Mayor Rick Blangiardi to allow spectators for outdoor sports at O‘ahu public parks. Spectators must follow the state’s current mask guidelines and may gather in groups under 10 people, but no post-game potlucks are allowed.
For public higher education, the 10-campus University of Hawai‘i system has announced it will require students to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend in-person classes for the fall. The requirement will take effect when at least one of the three vaccines currently authorized for emergency use has received full approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which could happen this summer. Unvaccinated students may enroll in online courses, and students will also be able to request exemptions for health or religious reasons. The university will also be initiating formal discussions with the three unions that represent UH employees about possibly requiring COVID-19 vaccinations, said UH President David Lassner. For more information, view the UH FAQs at https://www.hawaii.edu/covid19/vaccinate/requirement-students-faqs/.