LATEST INFORMATION - 28 March 1200L

 

Changes & Updates

 

27 Cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in the Azores as off 28 March 2020; there are still no confirmed COVID-19 cases within Lajes Field.

 

For the most up-to-date information on confirmed cases in the Azores, Portugal visit the Regional Government of the Azores website.

The World Health Organization also keeps a running tally on confirmed cases across the world.

 

All local schools are closed beginning Mon, 16 Mar.

 

If Local National civilians stay home to take care of children, they have the option of using annual leave, accrued time off awards, or of entering a leave without pay status; when the Portuguese government provides a means to collect Social Security, we will provide that information and ensure all are able to modify timecards retroactively.

 

All members (military, GS civilian, and LN civilian) returning to Lajes from outside the Azores are being placed in 14-day voluntary self-isolation, per the Regional Government of the Azores mandate.

 

Arriving transient personnel are being restricted to Lajes Field for the duration of their stay and are being housed in our lodging or contingency dorms.

 

MEDICAL AID STATION OPERATIONS

 

To maximize patient and staff safety and care, the Medical Aid Station will be making some changes starting 17 March to more effectively mitigate COVID-19. Patients can expect a degradation of normal services in the clinical, dental services and referral services during this time of uncertainty.

If you are experiencing symptoms, please call the Medical Aid Station for further instructions at 535-4233/1086 or 927-156-485.  DO NOT show up to the Medical Aid Station.

The COVID-19 Hotline for Local Nationals (800-29-29-29) has the latest information and is available for questions. If you have COVID related symptoms, i.e cough, shortness of breath and fever call (808-24-60-24).

 

If you have a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1 if on base or 1-1-2 if off base.

 

The COVID-19 Hotline for Active Duty is +351-927-156-485  and is available 24 hours.

 

Medical Aid Station is closed to all pedestrian traffic please call ahead at DSN 535-1086 or +351-295-156-485 for entry.

 

Non-Command Sponsored Dependents experiencing Covid19 symptoms should follow the guidance from the Portuguese Regional Health Department by calling the Health Line at 808-24-60-24.  Follow all recommendations for quarantine and self-care at home.  Mild Covid19 symptoms are to be managed at home, do not go to the hospital unless directed.  Non-Command Sponsored Dependents can purchase over-the-counter medication from the commissary or local pharmacy.  If a doctor determines that the illness is severe enough for hospitalization Non-Command Sponsored Dependents will utilize the Angra Hospital.  The Medical Aid Station will assist administratively with Tricare claims and reimbursements.

The Medical Aid Station is committed to providing the best quality care to its beneficiaries in the safest manner. We ask for your understanding and patience if your appointments are disrupted or waiting times are longer than normal due to staffing/resources limitations. These changes are in the best interest of the entire community as we move through this COVID-19 challenge.

 

 

CHANGES TO BASE OPERATIONS AND HOURS

 

65TH CIVIL ENGINEERING  

 

CE is currently unmanned except for mission essential personnel. If you have an emergency work order requirement please contact DSN 535-3335 and from off base +351 295 57 3335. They will contact the standby personnel.

 

For Civil Engineer questions please contact CMSgt Hunter +351 969 131 957 or send an email to craig.hunter@us.af.mil

 

HOUSING OFFICE

 

For questions relating to Housing issues please contact thru email:  lajeshousing@gmail.com

 

TTU

 

The use of the TTU (Military Port) for social events is suspended until further notice.

 

Anyone caught in the area without higher approval will be considered as an intruder in a military area and treated as such.

 

 

65TH CONTRACTING FLIGHT

 

Contracting Flight will be on Call - MSgt Bell and TSgt Butterbaugh will be in the office M-F  0900-1400.  Please send any issues to MSgt Bell and he will send to appropriate channels.  Jonathan.bell.5@us.af.mil; DSN:  535-1407; or Whats app:  US number 1-843-709-4990.

 

65TH FORCE SUPPORT FLIGHT

 

LODGING RECEPTION

New Hours!  Effective on midnight 20 Mar 2020, the guest reception hours are 0600-2200 for Check-In, Check-Out and Sundry Sales.  Call 924-249-501 for after-hours lock-outs, utilities problems, etc. from 2200-0600.  For unprojected flight arrivals or other after-hours guest arrivals without reservations, contact Mr. Marco Toste at 963-957-130 or 915-342-255.

 

OCEAN VIEW - FOOD SERVICE

The Ocean View Grill will be offering Take-Out only until further notice using the Revised OV Menu Effective 24 March 2020.  All menu items are now offered except the Green Club Sandwich, Daily Specials, Pizzas, Calzones, Chili and Wings.  All customers are asked to call in to the number DSN: 535-4992 to place their order and to pay over the phone using a credit or debit card.  You will be able to pick up your meals at the Ocean View Grill within a short time after placing the call.  We are asking customers to disperse their orders as much as possible to prevent groups of people from all getting lunch at the same time.

 

All events at the Ocean View are also cancelled until further notice. 

 

LAUNDRY

Closed

 

A&FRC

Closed

 

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Closed

 

MARKETING

Closed

 

MILITARY PERSONNEL SECTION

If you are in need of a CAC Update/Unlock, new card or any DEERS related question please call one of the phone numbers below. All other questions please send us an email and we will answer them in the order in which we received them.

SSgt Marshal, Antoine: 960-445-997

TSgt Weatherington, Craig: 927-322-081

TSgt Jaggernath, Anawati: 968-565-355

 

MILITARY AND FAMILY LIFE COUNSELOR (MFLC)

The MFLC is no longer available.

 

BARBERSHOP

Closed

 

POST OFFICE

Starting 18 March the Post Office will be open to customers 1100 – 1400.

 

The rules for returning unclaimed mail have been suspended until further notice.  Mail delivery is still flowing and your mail will be retained by the post office until you are able to pick it up.

 

Please call 535-1203 if you have any questions.

 

EDUCATION

 

FITNESS CENTER

The Chace Fitness Center is now restricted to CAC-only entrance by permanent party personnel. The Fitness Center Manager will be available 0800-0900 Mon-Fri to assist Permanent Party users of the fitness center who need to establish 24/7 fitness access on their CAC Card. Call Gus at 968-475-649 for more info.

 

FITNESS TESTING DURING COVID-19

Effective 17 March 2020, all Official Fitness Assessment Testing is cancelled until June 2020.

• Members who are due for their Official Fitness Assessment in March will test in 6 months, September 2020
• Members who are due for their Official Fitness Assessment in April will test in 6 months, October 2020
• Members who are due for their Official Fitness Assessment in May will test in 6 months, November 2020

 

FACs must ensure that AFMMS II is updated to reflect a Commander Composite Exemption on each member who is due for their Official Fitness Assessment in March, April and May. FACs must also ensure the expiration dates reflect the same due dates indicated above to prevent members going into a non-current status.  Fitness Testing will resume on 1 June 2020 unless further guidance is published.

 

FITNESS TESTING AND PROMOTION

If Airmen are unable to complete their Fitness Assessment due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the unit Commander may place the member in a Composite Exemption following the guidance above.

If the Airmen's previous Fitness Assessment was a failure, the unit must submit an Exception to Policy (ETP) request signed by a Wing Commander or equivalent in order for the Airmen to be eligible for promotion.

POC for this message is AFPC Special Programs Section, AFPC/DP3SA, DSN 665-5973, Commercial 210-565-5973.

POC at Lajes Field is Agostinho “Gus” Silva at 535-6179 or agostinho.silva.pt@us.af.mil

 

CIVILIAN PERSONNEL SECTION

Closed - Contact Mrs. Hoeschen at michelle.hoeschen@us.af.mil if you have any questions.

To reinforce local recommendations and minimize movement across Terceira island the 65th Air Base Group (65 ABG) Commander (CC) has approved an Exception to Policy (ETP) to process local national timecards without employee signatures.  Until 65 ABG/CC ceases ETP, supervisors will obtain employee concurrence via available mediums (email/phone).  Next supervisors will sign individual employee timecards and send them to the timekeepers.  Timekeepers will process timecards as usual by Close of Business every other Wednesday, starting 25 March.  Questions, concerns on timecard information should always be channeled up thru the supervisor and chain of command.

 

CPS Technicians have received laptops and will be able to respond to questions from home.

Please e-mail your CPS representative at the following:

Civilian Personnel Officer - Michelle Hoeschen michelle.hoeschen.1@us.af.mil

Employee Management Relations - Carla Leal Carla.leal.pt@us.af.mil

Personnel Specialist - Catia Relvas catia_cristina.relvas.pt@us.af.mil

Personnel Specialist - Miguel Janeiro nuno.janeiro.pt@us.af.mil

 

PORTUGUESE SOCIAL SECURITY

EXCEPTIONAL MEASURES WITHIN THE AMBIT OF THE COVID-19 CRISIS

 

For any 65 FSF questions or support, please call 1Lt Lucenti, at 967-936-290 or e-mail dominick.lucenti@us.af.mil or Mr. Dan Becker at 967-679-699 or e-mail daniel.becker.10@us.af.mil.

 

 

PASS & ID

The Pass & ID Office will be closed starting 17 March for an undetermined period of time.

 

Once the hours of operation have been reestablished, notification will be made to the community.

Numerous changes to base operations and hours are now in effect to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on the installation and to preserve our combat capability. See the sections below for complete details.

 

Social/recreational activities of over 50 people have been canceled; many other activities are being assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine whether they should be canceled.

 

 

COMMISSARY

Tuesday thru Saturday / 1100 – 1830L.

Closed Sunday and Monday.

DeCA News Release

The Commissary is now limiting access to 15 customers at a time.

 

AAFES

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY – ONLY Tuesdays AND Fridays from 1100-1800.

 

COMPTROLLER

For customer service questions, please contact SSgt Ordonez, Adrian at adrian_jacob.ordonez.3@us.af.mil (do not send encrypted emails to this mailbox).  For DDO inquiries, please contact MSgt Cunningham, Jonathan at jonathan.cunningham@us.af.mil.  For budget/accounting questions or emergencies, contact Lt Shao, Howard at (714) 494-5720.

 

LEGAL OFFICE OPERATIONS

Effective 18 March 2020, the Lajes Legal Office will be minimally staffed from 1000-1400, Monday through Friday.  To minimize foot traffic throughout the building, the Legal Office will not be accepting walk-in customers. For legal assistance individuals must call or email in advance and schedule an appointment, please contact the Legal Office at DSN 535-3546  (from off-base +351-295-573-546) or by email at 65ABG.JA@us.af.mil.

 

 

MEO Office (Portuguese Terminal)

Open Tuesdays AND Fridays from 0900 - 1200

 

 

CHAPLAIN  / SAPR VA

Chaplain will be available for walk-in counseling at Chapel 0930 – 1130 Tues-Fri, and can be reached 24/7 via the cell 964-335-471.

 

Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Victim Advocate (SAPR VA) will not host office hours, but is available for appointments.

 

SAPR VA: 965-831-418

 

MILITARY ONE SOURCE

Phone number for collect calls to Military One Source: 703-253-7599

 

Follow local instructions for placing a collect call to the US.

 

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AND IMPACTS

 

The Per Diem and Transportation Allowance Committee approved emergency updates to the JTR authorizing per diem and other entitlements to members and their families impacted by the stop movement order associated with COVID-19 (attached).  Specifically it addresses and authorizes:

               

1. Per diem allowances for Service members and dependents who are ordered to remain in isolation or quarantine.

               

2. Addresses Service members and dependents who are ordered to remain in isolation or quarantine after arriving at their new Permanent Duty Station.

               

3. Clarifies when per diem allowances are authorized for Service members and dependents who are ordered to temporarily return to the old Permanent Duty Station or an alternate location to await transportation. 

               

4. Clarifies that if a Service member is required to isolate or quarantine after returning from Government-funded leave travel, then the Service member may be issued a TDY order and entitlements.

 

 

PCS GUIDANCE FOR MILITARY AIRMEN TO OR FROM LEVEL 3 (COVID-19) DESIGNATED LOCATIONS:

 

1. Airmen currently assigned to a CONUS base with a projected PCS to a Level 3 (COVID-19)  designated location and Airmen who out-processed, but have not departed the local area, will remain in place until Stop Movement is terminated.

 

1. Airmen currently assigned to an OCONUS location with a projected PCS to a Level 3 (COVID- 19) designated location that have not departed will remain in place until Stop Movement is terminated.

 

1. Airmen that departed their last duty base and are enroute to their gaining base (Level 3 COVID-19 designated location) must be immediately contacted by their chain of command of  their losing FSS/MPF by whatever means available. Airmen will not proceed until Stop   Movement is terminated.  TDY or Leave to or from Level 3 (COVID-19) Designated Location.

 

***Guidance from the 86th Air Wing dictates that personnel who are on TDY or Leave within Spain can return from TDY or Leave. All other movements are not yet authorized and must follow the Stop Movement instruction. ***

 

Military Airmen with a projected TDY or Leave to or from a Stop Movement location will not proceed. Airmen currently at a TDY location or on leave in an area impacted by Stop Movement will remain in-place until they receive further guidance or Stop Movement is terminated.

 

Airmen currently assigned to a Level 3 (COVID-19) location and enroute to or from their TDY or Leave cannot return to their Level 3 location until further guidance is available. Upon member returning to home station leave dates and duty status code will be adjusted accordingly to ensure Airmen are not inappropriately charged additional leave.

 

DEROS AND RNLTD EXTENSIONS

 

Military Airmen at a Level 3 location will have their DEROS extended 60 days. Airmen requiring a RNLTD extension will be worked on a case by case basis.

 

REFERENCE INFORMATION

 

* Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) 

* What the U.S. Government is Doing  

* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

* US Dept of Defense

* John Hopkins University

* US Army Public Health Center

 

Force Health Guidance

 

Force Health Guidance memo
Force Health Protection Supplement 2 Department of Defense Guidance

 

Travel Restrictions

 

1. myPers Stop Movement - 18 Mar update 2220 CDT
2. Stop Movement Dashboard (Military) 18 Mar
3. Local Leave – COVID-19
86 AW CC Travel Restriction Exception Memo cao 12 Mar 20 v1
COVID Travel Cheat Sheet
JTR Revisions for Military Advisory Panel Item 12-20(R)
STOP-MOVEMENT-FOR-ALL-DOMESTIC-TRAVEL-FOR-DOD-COMPONENTS
TRAVEL-RESTRICTIONS

 

Safety

 

Stall Talk 3 - March 2020 Covid-19 Special Edition

 

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

 

What mental health clinicians can do about the coronavirus: 

https://simpleandpractical.com/coronavirus/

              

Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with the Coronavirus Disease: 

https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources/fact-sheet/outbreak_factsheet_1.pdf

 

Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak, by the WHO:  

https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/mental-health-considerations.pdf?sfvrsn=6d3578af_2

 

1. Psychological effects of quarantine

 

2. Strategies for Managing COVID-19 Stress and Anxiety

 

 

* Click here to know more about the Health Protection Condition Levels