The Defense Department (DOD), on Feb. 4th, issued an Order requiring All Service Members and Civilians on U.S. Military Installations, whether Indoors or Outdoors, to wear a Mask to try to limit the spread of COVID-19, with Limited Exceptions.
Vaccines against the New Coronavirus remain Voluntary, and a Number of Military Family Members, have told Blue Star Families they Don’t plan on getting a Shot.
The New Order, which Defense Secretary, Lloyd J. Austin III, announced in a Memorandum to Senior Pentagon Leaders, Combatant Commanders, and DOD Agencies, rescinds looser Guidance from last spring, and means Masks have to be On even when Outside or Socially Distanced.
“COVID-19 is one of the deadliest threats our nation has ever faced,” Austin wrote in the Memo. “As we have done throughout our history, the military will rise to this challenge. It is imperative that we do all we can to ensure the health and safety of our force, our families, and our communities so we can prevail in this fight.”
The Only Exceptions are when an Individual is in their own Home, Alone in an Office with Floor-to-Ceiling Walls and a Closed Door, when Eating and Drinking, when a Mask must be lowered for Identification, or when needed to reasonably accommodate an Individual with a Disability.
The Order states that Case-by-Case Exceptions are possible in Environments other than Office Spaces that are necessary for Military Readiness, that are related to Living on a Military Installation, and related to Children wearing a Mask. If there is an Exception, “appropriate alternative safeguards” are needed when possible, such as additional Distancing or additional Testing.
The Authority to Grant Exceptions is delegated to Officials at the Rank of O-7 or Senior Executive Service Official. If there isn’t an Official at that Level, O-6 Installation Commanders can grant Exceptions.
Masks must cover both the Mouth and Nose. “Novelty” Masks, such as those with Ventilation Valves, or Face Shields are Not Authorized, according to the Memo.
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