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“Return to Learn” Health & Safety

August 2, 2021

From the Office of Social Ministry

Public School students are back to school this week, with many returning to the classroom for face-to-face learning. Although some schools may provide parents with hybrid options, the majority will be back on campus, which means more safety measures to consider. The current spike in COVID-positive cases in Hawaii, and the fact that kids 11 and under are not eligible to be vaccinated, has raised concerns within the school community. That’s why the Department of Education has established the HAWAII DOE HEALTH HOTLINE at (844) 436-3888 Monday thru Friday 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM so parents and guardians can call to ask questions or speak to an advice nurse for free health consultations on regular school days. Additionally, DOE employees, students and visitors to campus are urged to conduct a Daily Wellness Check before going to school.  There are two steps to the Wellness Check. 

Step 1 – CHECK FOR SYMPTOMS OF ILLNESS

• Fever, chills, headache, cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, muscle or body aches, new loss of taste, nausea.

Step 2 – CHECK FOR RECENT COVID-19 EXPOSURE

• Recently test positive for COVID-19?
• Waiting for COVID-19 test results?
• Been in close contact with someone with COVID-19?
• Self-quarantining due to possible exposure?
• Living with someone with COVID-19?

If you answer yes to any of the above, DO NOT GO TO SCHOOL.  Report any illness or COVID-19 exposure to the school.  Call your physician or the DOE Health Hotline.  To view the 3 minute Daily Wellness Check video, go to https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/COVID-19-Information-Updates.aspx

Interested to know more about the DOE’s Return to Learn 2021 School Re-Opening Plan?  Check-out the Health and Safety Handbook at https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/School-Reopening-Framework---Health-and-Safety.aspx