JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, Washington, D.C. –
In response to a continuous rise in COVID-19 cases on the installation, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling is increasing the Health Protection Condition from BRAVO PLUS to CHARLIE effective 5 a.m. Jan. 11.
“This increase in health and safety precautions is necessary to protect ourselves, our families and our teammates. It’s imperative we all do what we can to mitigate the impact of COVID-19,” said Col. Cat Logan, JBAB and 11th Wing commander. “I can empathize with the feeling of fatigue from this pandemic, but I hope none of you feel discouraged by this as a setback. We have to make sure we’re considering our own health and the health of all around us and take the appropriate measures to put COVID-19 in the past.”
The rapid spread of the Omicron variant has caused a significant increase in overall cases and hospitalizations in the National Capital Region.
“These sharp increases in cases on the installation and in the National Capital Region are and will continue to impact our workforce, and it’s imperative we take the necessary measures to mitigate a further surge in illness from this rapid spread of Omicron and the continuous spread of other variants,” said Logan.
With respect to the increase to HPCON CHARLIE, the 11th Wing will further reduce capacity and services in areas where able. JBAB Mission Partners are encouraged to enforce similar measures in their units where mission allows. For information on 11th Force Support Squadron operations (Military Personnel Flight and recreational services), visit
www.jbabfss.com. You can also find updates and guidance on testing and vaccination procedures on the official base website at
www.jbab.jb.mil.
Supervisors and managers will continue to provide maximum telework opportunities and flexible scheduling, when possible, to optimize the workforce. JBAB must remain focused on executing essential missions while taking care of people and defeating COVID-19 by reducing opportunities for the spread of Omicron and other variants of COVID-19.
It is still required for all individuals in installation facilities to wear a mask. All people should continue to practice precautionary measures both on and off duty. People are encouraged to avoid any unnecessary activities, such as unmasked indoor activities and large gatherings and activities where social distancing is not possible. Anyone who feels sick should stay home and follow the testing and quarantine guidance at
https://www.jbab.jb.mil/Home/JBAB-COVID-19-Updates-and-Resources/.
Vaccination remains the most safe and effective way to protect against the virus. Further, obtaining a booster shot significantly increases protection. The 316th Medical Squadron continues to provide vaccination service to all members of Team JBAB.
“After almost two years in dealing with this pandemic, I understand the challenge of feeling fatigued by this rollercoaster of surges and protective measures,” said Logan. “In the end, the health and safety of our force and our families is paramount and will continue to drive the decisions we make for the installation.
“I am grateful for the incredible work our team has done over the last nearly two years to adjust to this pandemic threat to keep our mission going while also protecting the health of Team JBAB, and I appreciate all who come through our gates who continue to adapt to these necessary changes,” Logan added. “Let’s get through this together.”
Specific increase measures include the following:
- All organizations, to include morale, welfare, and recreation activities and customer service areas, are expected to maintain room occupancy rates at less than 40% of normal occupancy. All requests for exceptions previously approved under HPCON Bravo Plus must be resubmitted to the wing commander after careful consideration of critical mission requirements in the current COVID-19 environment and must explain why alternatives to a higher occupancy rate are insufficient.
- Supervisors and managers will continue to provide maximum telework opportunities, flexible scheduling, and teleconferencing or videoconferencing in lieu of face-to-face meetings when possible to optimize the workforce.
- Commanders and supervisors will ensure personnel follow all applicable force health protection guidance for testing and quarantine.
- Masks must be worn in indoor settings by service members, DoD civilian employees, on-site contractor personnel, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, except: (1) when an individual is alone in an office with floor-to-ceiling walls and doors are closed; (2) for brief periods of time when eating and drinking; (3) when the mask is required to be lowered briefly for identification or security purposes; (4) when necessary to reasonably accommodate an individual with a disability.
- All eating establishments will execute socially-distanced indoor seating and all self-serve will operate under grab-and-go options.
- All exercises will be virtual.
- Physical fitness testing will be conducted with groups of eight or less.
- Intramural sports are cancelled.
- Individual units must continue to test unvaccinated personnel, in line with current policy, before entering the workplace.
- Those eligible to receive the vaccine and booster are highly encouraged to get it to increase protection against COVID-19. The 316th Medical Squadron remains ready to support the vaccination of Team JBAB members. For more information, visit
https://www.jbab.jb.mil/Home/JBAB-COVID-19-Updates-and-Resources/.