New Semester Means New Covid-19 Guidelines for KS
KS outlines criteria for determining close contacts throughout its three campuses
With the coming of a new year, new changes can always be expected. For KS, this has meant numerous adjustments to coronavirus protocol campus-wide.
Due to a sizable uptick of coronavirus cases, KS administrators have had to rethink and readjust their approach to mitigating the spread of Omicron. In turn, this has meant changes to vaccination/immunization status, quarantine periods, safety protocol, and more. Here’s what you need to know.
First and foremost, KS has outlined new quarantine guidelines for those considered to be close contacts of infected individuals. Previously, vaccinated individuals deemed to be close contacts were not required to quarantine unless they experienced symptoms. While that fact still remains, those same guidelines now apply to people who have tested positive for Covid-19 in the past three months, regardless of whether they are vaccinated, unvaccinated, or boosted.
There have also been modifications to designated quarantine periods. Unvaccinated haumāna who are deemed as close contacts will be required to quarantine for a total of 5 days and monitor symptoms. However, it should be noted that a negative test is not required to return.
Similar guidelines apply to those who are vaccinated. Vaccinated students must quarantine for five days after testing positive. After completing a five-day quarantine, students should take an antigen test determining whether or not they still remain positive. If a student tests positive on day five, they should quarantine for another five days (though once again, this is not required). Upon return to school, a negative test is not required.
As for safety protocol, KS has ramped up some of its original safety standards. Both kumu and haumāna are still required to wear a mask at all times unless eating or drinking. However, with the recent increase in cases, free periods are once again being monitored. Additionally, KS kicked off the school year in hybrid form, with day students learning from home, and borders returning to campus.
For more information regarding KS Covid-19 protocol, refer to https://www.ksbe.edu/health_updates/kapalama/positive_case/
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Hi! My name is Logan and this is my second year on Ka Mō’ī. I am a part of the c/o 2023 and wanted to make this last year memorable for everyone by being a part of the school newspaper. When I'm not on the hill, you can usually find me working at Baskin Robbins as a cake decorator on the weekends. As for my post-high school plans, I intend on double majoring in Communications and Education. After graduating from college, I hope to return to KS as a teacher or admin for some time while I continue to write and do journalism on the side. Eventually, I plan on pursuing a full-time career in writing (though I don't know exactly what that career will be). With the help of everyone else on Ka Mō’ī, I hope to restore the interest haumāna once had in reading the school newspaper. If you have any questions, feel free to email me!
