III Marine Expeditionary Force

03 April, 2020

Update 3: Updated M&RA smartpack link on right side of webpage to latest information: https://www.manpower.usmc.mil/webcenter/content/conn/WebCenterSpaces-ucm/path/Enterprise%20Libraries/ActiveMarine/COVID-19%20Updates/COVID-19%20Smart%20Pack%20-%202%20Apr%2020%20v1.pdf

Update 2: As the challenges presented by COVID-19 continue to unfold, if Marines with an End of Active Service or retirement date in the next few months need more time to implement a successful transition, they can request extensions within the fiscal year via their career planner and Manpower Management.

Update 1: Effective April 3, Japan will deny entry for travelers arriving from the U.S. and 72 other countries. Per USFJ order, all SOFA personnel are not permitted to use public transportation upon arrival and will undergo a 14-day quarantine at their installations. It is still imperative that you work with your departing and incoming units to ensure you fall within the travel exemption policies. 

02 April, 2020

Update 1: Effective on April 3, 2020, Japan will bar admission to travelers who have recently visited any country that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has designated “Level 3” for infectious disease concerns, which includes the United States. Travelers from the United States are not permitted to enter Japan and should not board flights. For details and exemptions, please refer to the Japan National Tourism Organization’s website,   http://www.japan.travel/en/coronavirus/ and The U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Japan Covid-19 response page on the right side of our webpage under partner responses. 

31 March, 2020

Update 2: The Department of Defense recently published guidance regarding how COVID-19 positive cases in the U.S. military will be publicly reported. 

In order to maintain operational security, only the Office of the Secretary of Defense or Headquarters Marine Corps will release aggregate numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases.   Those numbers will be consolidated at the DoD/Service levels.

Numbers of people in isolation, quarantine, or possibly infected will not be released.

That said, to strike a balance with protecting operational security while maintaining transparency regarding the spread of the virus, we will share Marine Corps Installations Pacific’s Facebook announcement when an individual* on Marine Corps Base Camp Butler** has tested positive for COVID-19.  If known, we will share how the individual became infected.  No further details will be released about positive cases, for example: the employment/duty/SOFA status, age, or gender of the individual.  We will not provide a running tally. 

* “Individual” comprises service members, employees, contractors, and family members.

** For the purposes of this reporting, MCB Camp Butler encompasses all Marine Corps installations on Okinawa to include MCAS Futenma.

Update 1: DoDEA Pacific has just released a letter updateing the timeline for schools stating, "Due to the current health protection conditions in our communities, we will not be able to resume our normal operations on April 13." For more updates on DoDEA's current plan visit their COVID-19 response page linked in our partner pages on the right side of our website. For more homeschooling resources and activities be sure to visit the Military Once Source COVID-19 response page also linked on the right side of our webpage.

27 March, 2020

Update 5: Marine Corps Base Butler and Marine Corps Air Station Futenma implement additional protective measures as well. For more information: https://www.mcipac.marines.mil/News/Article/2127808/marine-corps-base-butler-and-marine-corps-air-station-futenma-implement-health/

Update 4: In support of the increase to HPCON C on March 27 and the change to the risk assessment, III MEF/MARFORJ implimented additional protective measures. See them in "Policy" tab of this webpage.

Update 3: Updated the Policy tab to reflect MARADMIN 192/20 and 193/20. These documents provide further guidance on OCONUS travel, family separation allowance, teleworking, and a host of other useful topics.

Update 2: Added military one source link to right side of website. This website includes resources for families, TRICARE information, financial support, scam alerts and much more. Please check it out.

Update 1: Updated to the M&RA Smart Pack link to the latest March 27th Version

26 March, 2020

Update 2: Effective March 26 the government of Japan is requiring all travelers from the United States to conduct a 14-day self-quarantine at their point of arrival into the country. More information can be found here: https://jp.usembassy.gov/health-alert-u-s-embassy-tokyo-march-23-2020/

Update 1: The Green Line is supporting social distancing efforts. This includes new seating arrangements. More information will be posted at all bus stop locations and can be found here: https://www.mcbbutler.marines.mil/Base-Information/The-Green-Line/TGL-NOTICE/

25 March, 2020 

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command has raised the Health Protection Condition (HPCON) to "Charlie". However, because there have been no changes to the situation here in Okinawa, at this time there is no immediate changes to restrictions, closures, or other actions.

*Click on the Health Protection Condition (HPCON) tab under information below to see what condition Charlie means.

24 March, 2020 15:30 JST

The Distribution Management Officer (DMO) provided some further guidance on how the recent stop movement will effect shipping household goods and PCS movements.

*For more information click on the DMO tab under information below

New information has been released from MCCS providing guidance for Child Development Centers (CDC)

*For more information click on the MCCS link under partner responses on the right side of our page

Marine Forces Japan takes additional protective measures and restricts off-base liberty due to COVID-19 concerns

OKINAWA, Japan – Marine Forces Japan is taking additional protective measures in support of the increase to Health Protection Condition “Charlie” and has restricted off-base liberty beginning March 27.

These changes are motivated by the continued spread of COVID-19 cases throughout the region and the region-wide increase to HPCON C. These measures are preventive to ensure the protection of the force, our families, and our community.

The intent of these additional measures is to reduce the potential for the spread of COVID-19 among our personnel and our Japanese neighbors by further limiting movements and minimizing personal interactions.  They apply to all MARFOR-J service members, dependents, Status of Forces Agreement-status civilians, contractors, and other MARFOR-J personnel. 

The additional measures include: MARFOR-J personnel are not allowed to visit off-base establishments not expressly authorized, including bars, nightclubs, cafes, clothing stores, nail salons, and gyms.  Personnel may only visit off-base restaurants for take-out, carry-out, or drive-through services.  Personnel are allowed to go to off-base establishments that support vital household functions including, but not limited to, medical appointments, grocery stores, banks, gas/service stations, postal services, and dry cleaning.  Personnel are allowed to engage in outdoor physical fitness activities like running, hiking, swimming, as long as they avoid close contact and adhere to the guidance for social distancing. 

Our responsibility to be America’s force in readiness has not changed.  MARFOR-J will continue mission essential training and activities, while implementing social distancing practices and leveraging telework and other means to limit the potential for exposure. We will maintain our currency, proficiency, and readiness in support of our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific. 

MARFOR-J takes our responsibility as members of the Japanese community seriously, and we are taking all prudent measures to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 to our forces, employees and Japanese neighbors, while ensuring we remain a credible response force in support of the U.S.-Japan alliance.

These additional measures will continue to be assessed to determine if additional ones may be required to ensure the protection of the force, or if they can be relaxed. 

For questions about Marine Forces – Japan’s response to COVID-19, contact III Marine Expeditionary Force, Communication Strategy and Operations at iiimefmedia@usmc.mil.

在日米海兵隊におけるCOVID-19（コロナウィルス）予防対策としての基地外の行動制限について

沖縄県】在日米海兵隊は、HPCON(健康保護)レベルC（チャーリー）の引き上げにともなう追加的な保護措置を講じており、3月27日から基地外における活動を制限します。

これらの変更は、COVID-19の症例が地域全体に広がり続けていることから、HPCON Cへと引き上げるものです。これらの措置は、部隊、家族、及び地域社会を確実に保護するための予防策です。

追加される措置は、移動範囲を制限し、人との接触を最小限に抑え、COVID-19が隊員や日本国民に感染する可能性を減らすことを目的としています。これらの措置は、すべての在日米海兵隊に所属する隊員、家族、軍属、請負業者及びその他在日米海兵隊要員に適用されます。

追加される措置は次のとおりです：バー、ナイトクラブ、カフェ、衣料品店、ネイルサロン、ジムなど、明確に許可されていない基地外の施設への訪問は許可されせん。軍人軍属は、基地外のレストランにおいてテイクアウト、またはドライブスルーのサービス利用することができます。在日米海兵隊の軍人軍属は、診療の予約、食料品店、銀行、給油所、郵便局、クリーニングなど、基本的な家庭機能を支える基地外の施設に行くことは許されます。在日米海兵隊の軍人軍属は、密接な接触を避け、人との距離を置き、接触を避けることを保つためのガイダンスに従う限り、ランニング、ハイキング、水泳などの屋外での運動を行うことができます。

米国の軍事力としての責任に変わりはありません。在日米海兵隊は、任務に不可欠な訓練と活動を継続する一方、人との距離を置き、接触を避けることを遵守し、テレワークやその他の手段を活用して感染の可能性を軽減します。我々は、インド太平洋における同盟国及びパートナー国を支援するため能力及び即応性を維持しています。

在日米海兵隊は、日本社会の一員としての責任と真剣に向き合い、日米同盟を支援する信 頼できる即応部隊であり続ける一方、COVID-19が我々の部隊、従業員、及び日本国民に拡散する可能性を防ぐためあらゆる慎重な対策を講じています。

これらの追加措置は、部隊の保護を確保するためにさらなる追加措置が必要か、あるいは緩和できるかを決定するため、継続的に検証されます。

COVID-19に対する在日米海兵隊の対応についての質問は、第三海兵遠征軍広報企画運用部iiimefmedia@usmc.milにお問い合わせください。

注：日本語訳は参考のための仮役であり、最終的な内容の確認、照会については英文において行うようお願いします。仮に、日本語訳と英文との間で内容に齟齬があった場合には、英文が正しいものとします。

Base Access

All gates are operating as normal.

Schools and Childcare
 

DODEA will not resume normal operations on April 13. Teachers will continue to provide virtual instruction to students until schools are able to reopen.

Click here to read a letter from the Department of Defense Education Activity

Defense Commissary Agency
At this time, the commissary will be conducting 100% I.D. checks at the entrance of all stores and no visitors will be allowed entrance. In addition, there will be no more "early bird" shopping hours to allow more time for cleaning and re-stocking of our stores.

For more information click here

Dining Facilities
Dining facilities remain open.
 

MCCS Fitness Centers

Effective 2 April, patronage at MCCS fitness centers will be limited to:  Active-duty Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, and civil servants assigned to III MEF, MCIPAC, or UNHO and their family members. Fire/EMS personnel and Navy/Marine retirees also retain access. Contractors and those from other services will be denied access.

Additionally the following safety measure will be implemented:

-Mandatory ID checks at manned garrison gyms

-Mandatory hand-washing prior to and after workouts

-Aggressive equipment cleaning by staff and users

-Activities that call for human-to-human contact or sharing of equipment are prohibited

-Outdoor HITT gyms will be placed around camps for Fleet Marine Force use

Chapel

CANCELLATION OF RELIGIOUS SERVICES  

All public gathering for Religious Education, Worship, and CREDO events will cease across MCIPAC as of COB, Friday, 20 March. Effective until 13 April.  Chapel services will continue by being streamed and/or posted through various means. 

Please check with Chapel Facebook pages and the MCB Camp Butler web page, at https://www.mcbbutler.marines.mil/base-information/chapels/ to see what means are available to participate virtually.

Click here for Times and specific base's Facebook Page links.

DOD Civilians and Japanese National Employees must follow “sick leave” policies and coordinate with their supervisors.

All personnel and dependents under SOFA status in Japan are expected to follow the USFJ public health order. U.S. civilian employees or dependents who fail to comply with this order will be subjected to administrative action.

Military members are expected to report their dependents who travel through areas with confirmed COVID-19 cases. 

Practice good hygiene

Frequently wash your hands, avoid touching your face, and disinfect common surfaces areas (Desks, tables, chairs, keyboards, phones, door handles, etc.) often. Cover your mouth you’re your arm (chicken-wing style) when you sneeze or cough. STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK.

Social Distancing

Keep at least 6 feet between yourself and others. Social distancing places you safely away from breathing in others coughs or sneezes, one of the ways COVID-19 is transmitted. 

Avoid close contact with people who are sick

Avoid mas gatherings, parties and other large groups where the risk of spreading COVID-19 is high.

Mask Wear

Facemasks DO NOT prevent COVID-19.  Facemasks are meant for sick people to prevent the spread of the virus to others. The use of facemasks at medical facilities is curcial for the safety of health workers and other people who are taking care of someone infected with COVID-19 in close settings.

-Community members should practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (i.e. tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.) with household cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectants that are appropriate for the surface, following label instructions.

-Clean and disinfect hampers according to guidance above for surfaces. If possible, consider placing a disposable plastic bag or a liner that can be laundered.

-Do not forget to practice good hand hygiene when in your home.

-Use separate utensils, toiletries, and personal items.

-Those exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms must wear a mask.

USFJ is currently in Health Protection Condition (HPCON) “Charlie".

**JAPAN IS A CDC LEVEL 3 THN COUNTRY**

Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center: 

This toolkit is intended to reduce stress though deep relaxation and to optimize performance.

https://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmcphc/health-promotion/psychological-emotional-wellbeing/relax-relax/pages/index.html

DSTRESS: 

Anonymous Marine-to-Marine phone chat and support that operates 24/7 to help manage stress in all forms

              To speak anonymously with a live person:  098-970-7734

              Online Chat: https://usmc-mccs.org/services/support/dstress-line/

Military Crisis Line: 

Text-messaging service, and online chat that provides free and confidential VA support for all Service members, their family members and friends.

              Call 1-800-273-8255; press 1 or TEXT 838255

              Online Chat: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/military-crisis-line

Suicide Prevention 24/7 Hotline

              Worldwide toll-free: +1-800-273-8255

              https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

In support of the increase to HPCON C on March 27 and the change to the risk assessment, III MEF/MARFORJ will institute additional protective measures for all MARFORJ service members, dependents, SOFA status civilians and contractors. 

Among all U.S. forces on Okinawa, we are all following U.S. Forces Japan and other higher level guidance, but local commanders have some ability to determine how best to protect their units.  For this reason, you may see the application of slightly different protective measures across the Services on the island.

MARADMIN 193/20
https://www.marines.mil/News/Messages/Messages-Display/Article/2127717/update-4-us-marine-corps-disease-containment-preparedness-planning-guidance-for/
U.S MARINE CORPS DISEASE CONTAINMENT PREPAREDNESS PLANNING GUIDANCE
-updated CMC guidance to the force for OCONUS travel restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

MARADMIN 192/20
https://www.marines.mil/News/Messages/Messages-Display/Article/2127706/covid19-supplemental-personnel-guidance-for-commanders/
Supplemental guidance concerning:
(1) Alternate Place of Duty;
(2) Telework;
(3) Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS);
(4) Housing Allowances;
(5) Family Separation Allowance (FSA);
(6) Travel and Transportation Allowances;
(7) Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) and Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA);
(8) Hardship Duty Pay – Restriction of Movement (HDP-ROM);
(9) Leave;
(10) Reserve Component Specific Guidance.
 

USFJ HPCON POLICY

Click the link below to view the updated policy,

https://www.usfj.mil/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=ckcrNWy-IsY%3d&portalid=80

Per MARADMIN 167/20

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Force Health Protection threat, HQMC has issued updated CMC guidance aligned with DOD travel restrictions and travel health procedures in order to reduce the risk of further exposure to, or spread of, COVID-19. MARADMIN 167/20 provides supplemental guidance to MARADMINs 082/20, 150/20 and 162/20. For our Navy service members and families reference NAVADMIN 065/20

MARADMIN 167/20

3.C.2.A. Service Member travel (PCS/TDY)
3.C.2.B  Civilians and Family members
3.C.2.C. Leave and Liberty
3.C.2.D. Reserve Component
3.C.2.E. Exemptions

https://www.marines.mil/News/Messages/Messages-Display/Article/2112231/update-3-us-marine-corps-disease-containment-preparedness-planning-guidance-for/

NAVADMIN 065/20

3.A. Service Member Travel Guidance
3.C. Civilian Official Travel
3.D. Leave and Liberty
3.E. Exceptions
3.F. Holding Conferences
3.G. Post Travel Guidance

https://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/messages/Documents/NAVADMINS/NAV2020/NAV20065.txt

PER MARADMIN 162-20

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Force Health Protection threat, HQMC has issued updated CMC guidance for travel restrictions and travel health procedures in order to reduce the risk of further exposure to, or spread of, COVID-19.  MARADMIN 162/20 addresses:

3.C.2.A. Travel restrictions for Marines and their families
3.C.2.F. Leave and Liberty review
3.C.2.I. Screening and reception procedures
3.C.2.J. Travel for professional military education
3.C.2.K. Guidance for large gatherings
3.D.1. Pre-travel and post-travel screening procedures
 

https://www.marines.mil/News/Messages/Messages-Display/Article/2110885/update-2-us-marine-corps-disease-containment-preparedness-planning-guidance-for/

DOD GUIDANCE

By now many of you have seen the SECDEF’s travel restrictions in response to COVID-19.  We are awaiting implementation policy and more specific guidance from Indo-Pacific Command and U.S. Forces Japan.  This new DoD guidance will impact travel for military and civilian personnel and their families and we understand there are many questions and concerns at this time.  We will release further guidance as soon as we receive it.  In the meantime, please stay in close communication with your leadership if you have travel plans such as a TDY, PCS, or leave away from your home station.     

https://media.defense.gov/2020/Mar/11/2002263242/-1/-1/1/TRAVEL-RESTRICTIONS-FOR-DOD-COMPONENTS-IN-RESPONSE-TO-CORONAVIRUS-DISEASE-2019.PDF

In addition to travel restrictions, DoD also released updated force health protection guidance for all travelers as we deal with the spread of COVID-19.  Among other guidance, all DOD personnel who have traveled from, to, or through Level 2 or 3 countries should self-monitor for 14 days after returning.  For more details, follow the link below:

https://media.defense.gov/2020/Mar/11/2002263241/-1/-1/1/FORCE-HEALTH-PROTECTION-GUIDANCE-SUPPLEMENT-4.PDF

Per MARADMIN 150/20

All official travel to OCONUS locations that have declared a public health emergency, or which a travel advisory has been issued by the CDC, will be reviewed and approved by a Deputy Commandant, a Marine Force Commander or a Commanding General, Marine Expeditionary Force. 

Leave and liberty plans will be reviewed to ensure personnel are not traveling to locations that have declared a public health emergency.  Leave requests to areas with a declared public health emergency, or which a travel advisory has been issued by the CDC, will be reviewed and approved by the first general officer in the chain of command.

MARADMIN 150/20 can be found at 

https://www.marines.mil/News/Messages/Messages-Display/Article/2104975/update-1-us-marine-corps-disease-containment-preparedness-planning-guidance-for/

World Health Organization COVID-19 world tracker:

https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/685d0ace521648f8a5beeeee1b9125cd

• Restriction of Movement (ROM) – Limiting movement of an individual or group to prevent or diminish the transmission of a communicable disease, including limiting ingress and egress to, from, or on a military installation; self-monitoring; isolation; and quarantine.

• Self-Monitoring – Monitor oneself for fever, cough, or difficulty breathing symptoms.  If symptoms develop during the self-monitoring period, self-isolate, limit contact with others, and contact healthcare provider by phone.

• Isolation – Separation of an ill individual from others during the period of disease communicability in such a way that prevents, as far as possible, the direct or indirect conveyance of an infectious agent to those who are susceptible to infection or who may spread the agent to others. This includes Person Under Investigation (PUI) and individual who has tested positive. 

• Quarantine – Separation of an individual/group reasonably believed to have been exposed to a communicable disease, but not yet symptomatic, from others who have not been so exposed, in such a manner and place as to prevent the possible spread of the communicable disease.

• Social Distancing – Remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible.

• Shelter in place – To stay in home, vehicle, or office space and not leave. Get inside and cease all movement until all clear.  Sheltering in place is a more rigorous form of social distancing.  May include exceptions such as critical personnel.

• Person Under Investigation (PUI): A person meeting COVID-19 testing criteria or assessed by competent medical authority to require a test who is presumed to be positive for COVID-19 until determined not to have the virus by competent medical authority.

• Close Contacts – Anyone who has been within 6 feet of an individual infected with the virus for a "prolonged period of time", 30 minutes or longer, as well as those who have had direct contact with the infected person's secretions.

Acronyms

ARDS - Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

CDC – Center for Disease Control

COPD - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COVID-19 – Coronavirus Disease 2019

DoD – Department of Defense

DoS – Department of State

HPCON – Health Protection Condition

MERS – Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

SARS – Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome

WHO – World Health Organization

Per MARADMIN 167/20, III MEF/MCIPAC personnel are officially in a STOP MOVE for Japan (Korea continues to be in STOP MOVE; no change).  Retiring members, separating members , medical evacuations, and written exemption to policy per MARADMIN 167/20 (3.C.2.E.) do not apply to STOP MOVE restrictions.  As of 23 March, 2020, all scheduled household goods packing and pickup appointments will be rescheduled to on or after 15 May, 2020.  Personnel that have already checked out, residing in TLF/Hotel, and had household goods picked up, may be eligible to move given written EXEMPTION TO POLICY are processed per MARADMIN 167/20 (3.C.2.E.) via the Chain of Command.  Members scheduled to depart on or after 24 March, 2020 will require written EXEMPTION TO POLICY and may be granted for compelling cases where the travel is: (1) determined to be mission essential; (2) necessary for humanitarian reasons; or (3) warranted due to extreme hardship.  All efforts will be made to ensure personnel are using the Patriot Express to mitigate exposure to commercial airports and airlines as best as possible.  If you have any questions, please contact the COVID-19 Operational Response Cell (CORC) to ensure proper communications.

 All personnel who have received orders to execute a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move will still continue to conduct Outbound Interview (OBI), HHG counseling, and Port Call requirements as normal operations will continue in support of the summer PCS season.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause the common cold or Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019, now known as COVID-19, is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.

COVID-19 can spread through person-to-person contact or contact with contaminated surfaces.

When someone who has COVID-19 coughs or exhales, they release droplets of infected fluid that can be breathed in by people close by or fall on shared surfaces such as desks and tables. 

It is important to practice social distancing and stay at least 6 feet away from others whenever possible and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands to prevent the spread of the virus.

There is a heightened risk to the mission and welfare of MARFOR-J personnel.  Japan is currently listed as a CDC THN Level 3 country and USFJ is in Health Protection Condition “Charlie”. 

Immediately notify your chain of command. Call ahead before visiting any medical facility to receive guidance from medical professionals. If you have any concerns you can contact the U.S. Naval Hospital at 646-7555 or 090-6861-5230.

If you have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, notify your chain of command. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 (e.g., fever, cough, shortness of breath).

People in close contact with someone who is infected with COVID-19 are at a higher risk of becoming infected themselves, and of potentially further infecting others.  Closely watching these contacts after exposure to an infected person will help the contacts to get care and treatment, and will prevent further transmission of the virus.

This monitoring process is called contact tracing, which can be broken down into 3 basic steps:

1. Contact identification: Once someone is confirmed as infected with a virus, contacts are identified by asking about the person’s activities and the activities and roles of the people around them since onset of illness. Contacts can be anyone who has been in contact with an infected person: family members, work colleagues, friends, or health care providers.

2. Contact listing: All persons considered to have contact with the infected person should be listed as contacts. Efforts should be made to identify every listed contact and to inform them of their contact status, what it means, the actions that will follow, and the importance of receiving early care if they develop symptoms. Contacts should also be provided with information about prevention of the disease. In some cases, quarantine or isolation is required for high risk contacts, either at home, or in hospital.

3. Contact follow-up: Regular follow-up should be conducted with all contacts to monitor for symptoms and test for signs of infection.

Who conducts a Contact Trace?

 If someone tests positive, or is identified as a potential COVID-19 case, USNHO in conjunction with the III MEF Surgeon will conduct a contact trace.

For more information on DoD travel restrictions please visit the link below.

https://media.defense.gov/2020/Mar/14/2002264758/-1/-1/1/FAQ_TRAVEL_RESTRICTIONS_V3.PDF

Q1. Will the Marine Corps reimburse me if my travel is canceled due to COVID-19 concerns?

A1. The Marine Corps will not reimburse individual Marines if their travel is canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. Individual Marines are STRONGLY encouraged to purchase travel insurance and retain all receipts for personal travel.

Q2. What can I do if my travel has been canceled?

A2. Impacted Marines and sailors are encouraged to work with their travel provider to attempt to recoup any losses they incur due to travel cancelations related to COVID-19.

Q2. How can I protect myself financially from a COVID-19-related travel cancelation?

Q2. Marines and sailors are STRONGLY encouraged to purchase travel insurance and retain all receipts for personal travel in order to protect themselves financially from COVID-19 related travel cancelations.

Q3. How will I prove that my travel was canceled due to COVID-19?

Q3. Individual Marines and sailors should ensure they obtain documentation from their command, through MOL or separate correspondence, which explicitly states that their leave/liberty has been canceled due to COVID-19’s impact on mission.

Q4. Can I purchase travel insurance after already making travel arrangements?

A4. The Marine Corps strongly encourages Marines and sailors to inquire with their travel provider to see if travel insurance is still available after purchasing tickets.  

Q5. Will there be a plan to alleviate the financial burden caused by travel cancelations due to COVID-19 in the future?

Q5. Marines impacted by COVID-19 travel cancelations should retain all documents related to canceled travel to include; receipts, travel insurance, MOL notifications, command endorsements, and all other associated paperwork until further notice.

To date, the CDC has not received any reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19. At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals, including pets, can be infected with or spread COVID-19. However, since animals can spread other diseases to people, it is always a good idea to wash your hands after being around animals.

Please send additional questions regarding the III MEF COVID-19 response to:

mefcovid.questions@usmc.mil