Indoor masking, vaccination requirements will remain in place until at least March 25

On Feb. 25, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) adjusted its guidance to recommend universal school masking in communities with a “high amount of people experiencing severe disease and high potential for health care systems strains.”

This announcement regarding the use of masks for protection from COVID-19 has resulted in questions about possible changes to masking requirements on Hawaii school campuses. Note that overall CDC guidance regarding K–12 schools remains unchanged since Jan. 13.

In addition, Gov. David Ige’s March 1 announcement to end travel quarantines and the Safe Travels program, and eliminate the requirement of proof of vaccination status or negative COVID test results for visiting state facilities has resulted in some confusion regarding the attestation policies for public schools.

Finally, while state agencies such as the Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) determine health and safety policies in schools, recent city and county announcements regarding changes in requirements to show proof of vaccination at places like gyms and restaurants have added to the confusion.

The Hawaii State Teachers Association has reached out to the HIDOE and confirmed that all COVID-19 mitigation and health and safety policies remain in place for now. The HIDOE is awaiting guidance from the Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH) before announcing any changes.

According to the HDOH’s online guidance for schools, the department is “reviewing recent recommendations on COVID-19 Community Levels from the CDC for considerations in changes in HDOH school guidance.”

HSTA anticipates that the state of Hawaii will move rather quickly toward fewer restrictions and more personal determination for mitigation measures such as masking. However, the indoor mask requirement is a state mandate and will remain in place until at least March 25, as will state vaccination requirements for public employees and visitors to state facilities.

As has been done throughout this pandemic, the HSTA remains committed to following the science and advocating for safe working and learning conditions. We will update members as soon as we have more concrete information. We continue to encourage anyone who is not yet up to date with a booster to get another free vaccination as soon as you are eligible.

Please continue to check HSTA’s website, social media, and Member Matters email newsletter for the latest information. Teachers have shown tremendous resilience over the last two years and continue to make a difference for students.