BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- MEMORANDUM FOR DISTRIBUTION
FROM: 2 BW/CC
SUBJECT: COVID-19 Installation Policy Guidance – Change 9.1
References: (a) 2 BW/CC Memo, 20 October 2020, Renewal of Declaration of Public Health
Emergency – COVID-19.
(b) SECDEF Memo, 19 May 2020, Guidance for Commanders on Risk-Based Changing of Health Protection Condition Levels During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic.
1. Public safety remains of the utmost importance at Barksdale Air Force Base (BAFB). This memorandum supplements reference (a), which renewed BAFB’s Public Health Emergency (PHE) declaration until 19 January 2021 or until I determine public health data indicates the risk for sustained community transmission is mitigated, whichever may occur first. In accordance with references (a) and (b), I have made the risk decision, in coordination with my Public Health Emergency Officer, to maintain BAFB’s Health Protection Condition level at BRAVO+. This decision is necessary due to local conditions both on and off the installation regarding COVID- 19 public health data. These actions are in line with our state and local authorities; moreover, Louisiana’s move into Phase 3 does not relieve individuals from personal responsibilities to practice preventive measures.
2. As the local communities press on in Phase 3, I continue to order the following actions for all individuals accessing BAFB:
a. Practice good hygiene:
(1) Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
(2) Clean high-touch surfaces and high-traffic areas frequently.
(3) Avoid touching your face.
(4) Sneeze and cough into tissue, elbow, or a mask.
b. Face coverings are mandatory at all times when inside any facility or building on the installation. Below are the allowed exceptions:
(1) Any individual who will not come in contact with any other person (outside immediate household members) or who will be able to maintain 6 feet or greater physical distancing from any other individual.
(2) Any child under the age of 8; however, all children between 2-7 years old are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering.
(3) Any individual with a medical condition that prevents the wearing of a face covering.
(4) Any individual consuming food or drinks.
(5) Any individual seeking to communicate with someone who has or is suspected of having a communication disorder.
(6) Any individual giving a speech for broadcast or an audience, such as instructors, facilitators, or speakers at an event and able to maintain 6 feet distance.
(7) Any individual temporarily removing his/her face covering for identification purposes.
(8) Individuals on a weapons loading crew, while performing or supervising loading operations, are approved for OPTIONAL wear of marks.
c. Official functions, classes, meetings, gatherings, and training sessions will be limited in size, preferred to fewer than 50 people in any indoor space at the same time, and maintain 6 feet physical distancing.
d. Outdoor activities will be limited in size, and maintain 6 feet physical distancing and/or don a mask.
e. The BX and Commissary are open to all beneficiaries with BX and DECA privileges so long as the number of patrons in BX and Commissary facilities do not exceed 50% facility capacity.
f. All Barksdale AFB Services, MWR activities, and indoor fitness facilities (gyms) are open to all beneficiaries with base access. All Services and MWR facilities are limited to 50% of their total occupancy and will enforce strict 6 feet physical distancing.
g. All in-person dining on-base, like the BX Food Court and the BUFF Club, may operate at 75% capacity. The sale and consumption of alcohol at authorized on-base locations is permitted, but physical distancing still applies.
3. Additional off-base requirements for 2d Bomb Wing Active Duty military personnel(including Reserve members on Title 10 orders), and while not required is highly encouraged for other BAFB tenets:
a. Military members will cease going indoors at restaurants and entertainment establishments(such as clubs, bars, casinos, etc.) that serve food and/or beverages. This is due to the increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 from the recirculation of HVAC systems and the impracticality of wearing face coverings in these settings. (Outdoor seating is permitted. Take out dining is encouraged.) If it is necessary to go inside (e.g., pay, restroom), you must wear a face covering.
b. Face coverings shall be worn when inside a commercial establishment or any other building or space open to the public, whether indoor or outdoor. This shall include public or commercial modes of transportation. Refer to exemptions from paragraph 2.b.
c. Do not participate in activities requiring contact of shared objects and surfaces with persons who do not live in your residence. Team sports and group exercise classes remain unauthorized off-base.
d. Practice good hygiene as described in paragraph 2.a.
e. Military member travel:
(1) Leave/pass travel from BAFB is now permissible under the following conditions:
(a) For travel beyond 1-hour of the military member’s primary residence during leave/pass periods:
(1) Sq/CC or equivalent appointed supervisor(s) are the travel approval authority.
(2) Before granting leave, the member’s supervisor(s) must conduct a risk assessment and health status of the military member requesting leave/pass beyond 1-hour from the member’s primary residence.
(3) Supervisors will conduct a mandatory pre-departure briefing with the member prior to departure. This is documented on the “COVID-19 Pre-Departure Worksheet.” The member’s supervisor must sign the form. Copies of the pre-departure briefing will be maintained by the unit for pass periods and uploaded by the member into LeaveWeb for leave.
(4) Members should not travel if they are experiencing fever or other symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or if they have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 14 days.
(b) Members will comply with all DoD, Federal, State, and local restrictions while inleave/pass status. DoD guidance and resources can be found at https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/coronavirus. State and local restrictions can usually be found on the respective state’s Department of Health website.
(c) Regular and special pass travel are limited to 8-hour driving radius from BAFB.
(2) Review the 11 June 2020, “COVID-19 Installation Restriction of Movement Policy for Inbound Personnel” Memo before and after travel to ensure compliance with current Installation Public Health guidelines.
f. For BAFB dorm residents:
(1) Limit gatherings in individual dorm rooms to ensure 6 feet physical distancing is maintained.
(2) Limit dayrooms to 50% occupancy and maintain 6 feet physical distancing.
g. These directives are effective 20 October 2020 at 1200L through 19 January 2021 or until I determine public health data indicates sustained transmission is no longer evident, whichever may occur first. I or a senior commander in my chain of command retain the authority to renew, modify, or terminate these directives at any time.
h. A military member who fails to obey the orders in this policy may be punished under Article 92 for failing to obey a lawful order or under any other applicable portion of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. DoD civilians who fail to follow this policy while on the installation may face adverse employment action. Any person who fails to follow this policy or is found to be potentially harmful to the health or safety of the individuals who live and work on this installation may have his or her authority to access BAFB limited or revoked. This includes dependent civilians who currently reside on the installation.
4. Civilian employees, contractors, family members, and military dependents are expected to adhere to guidelines issued by state and local authorities. Further, to protect the public health and safety of the public, yourselves, and our military community; and to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, and disrupt the spread of the virus, I highly encourage all civilian employees, contractors, family members, and military dependents to voluntarily adhere to the actions described in paragraphs 3.a through 3.d.
5. Those who are at high-risk from COVID-19 are highly encouraged to stay at home except for essential activities like acquiring food, supplies, or medical care.
6. Reference the latest DoD Guidance for all PCSs, TDYs, deployments, and leave. All travel is subject to DoD Force Health Protection Guidance.
7. A list of COVID-19 symptoms can be found on the Centers for Disease Control’s website www.CDC.gov. If you or any member of your family begin to present symptoms, DO NOT go to the 2 MDG Clinic without first calling the appointment line (318-456-6555). If you have been in contact with anyone presenting symptoms, we are asking you to inform your supervisor or Commander, and contact 2 MDG Public Health to determine what procedures need implementing.
8. For the most up-to-date installation, Services, and MWR information, please reference the USAF Connect App, the 2d Bomb Wing website https://www.barksdale.af.mil/COVID-19-BAFB/, and the BAFB Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TeamBarksdale/.
9. These actions are necessary to limit the spread of COVID-19, protect service members and families, safeguard national security, and support a whole of government approach. Commanders will lead their units in a manner that maximizes public health and safety while minimizing mission impacts.
MARK C. DMYTRYSZYN, Colonel, USAF
Commander