Current measures in place to reduce transmission of COVID-19 will remain in place.  These measures include mandatory use of cloth face coverings at the Ocean View, BX, Commissary, Barber Shop, any customer service areas, and whenever you cannot maintain 6 feet (2 meters) separation from another individual; frequent hand washing or use of hand sanitizer; frequent disinfecting of surfaces and common areas; and physical distancing to the maximum extent possible. 

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

Information for passengers disembarking in the Autonomous Region of the Azores

Declaration upon disembarking on Terceira island

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

Face coverings are mandatory for all CUSTOMERS when using the following services at Lajes Field until further notice: Ocean View Grill, Commissary, AAFES, Barber Shop, Lodging, Post Office, Pass and ID, Laundry, MPF, Finance, and Medical Aid Station.

Employees will wear face coverings when directly assisting customers or working in the customer service area when customers are present or when workers cannot maintain a physical distance of 6 feet (2 meters) from other workers.

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.

In our effort to further support the community, the 86th MDG Disaster Mental Health Team stood up a COVID-19 Stress Line M-F from 1000-1400.

Please be sure to read this message in its entirety for complete information about this service:

Individuals can call the Stress Phone Line to discuss stress reactions directly associated with COVID-19 and the current situation. Topics might include health anxiety, stressors of isolation/lockdown, and ways to cope with restriction of activities.

When you call this line members of our Stress Response Team will provide solution-focused recommendations that can help you and your family during this unique and stressful time.

The Stress Phone Line IS NOT:

A mental health crisis line. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or others, please do one of the following:

Contact your squadron leadership

Call 112 and/or report to Landstuhl Region Medical Center (LRMC) Emergency Department

Call the Mental Health Clinic at 06371-46-2390 (Comm) and 479-2390 (DSN)

Present to the Ramstein Mental Health Clinic for walk-in M-F from 0730-1600 (Active Duty only). After business hours present to LRMC Emergency Department.

The National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 extension 1

An appointment phone line for the Mental Health Clinic or a method to contact a mental health provider. Please call 479-2390 or 06371-46-2390 to contact the Mental Health Clinic

A tele-mental health therapy phone line. Mental health services are not provided with this phone line.

Nurse advice line.

A domestic violence crisis line. If you are a victim of domestic abuse, please do one of the following:

Call the Family Advocacy Program at 06371-46-2370 M-F from 0730-1630
Call Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate (DAVA) at 0173-628-4624 (24/7 Cell)
Call 112

To use this service, please call one of the following numbers between 1000-1400 M-F to speak with a member of our team.

06371-47-9001 Option #3
480-9001 Option #3

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.

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.

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

Comm Focal Point

Monday to Friday 0800-1700

Customers must wear a face covering

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 535-2666

If you have an emergency work order requirement please contact DSN 535-3335 and from off base +351 295 57 3335. 

HOUSING OFFICE

Monday to Friday 0800-1700.

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 535-4173 / lajeshousing@gmail.com 

Click here for UH Inbound and Outbound Procedures. 

DLA

By appointment only, please call, 535-3358 or 918749262, or contact DLA Area Manager Mr. Goldsack MOBILE: (44) 7444-724110.

Monday to Friday 0830 – 1600

Customers must wear a face covering.

All customers will wear face coverings when coming into the DLA installation to unload/load and when workers cannot maintain a physical distance of 6 feet from other workers.

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

During the current COVID-19 pandemic 65 LRS wants to continue to meet all customer demands with the highest quality service; however, some restrictions apply in order to comply with current health protection guidance.

65 LRS would like to inform the following:

- Fuels Operations continue to be 24/7 (DSN 535-4218);

- Ground Transportation is also continuing to provide 24/7 service (contacts DSN 535-3151, email 65LRS.VehicleDispatch@us.af.mil);

- Traffic Management Office -- Passenger & Personal Property customer service Monday – Friday hours 1300 - 1700 by appointment only (DSN 535-3442 / 5168, e-mail 65LRS.TMO.TMOPassengerTravel@us.af.mil / ana.lemos.pt@us.af.mil / zabrie.loio@us.af.mil);

- Traffic Management Office -- Cargo customer service Monday – Friday 0800 –1200 & 1300 - 1700 (DSN 535-2202 / 2201 / 3376, email: alexandra.tome.pt@us.af.mil / carlos.medeiros.1.pt@us.af.mil / luis.sousa.pt@us.af.mil);

- Customs clearance & Vehicle Processing Center customer service Wednesdays & Thursdays 0800 – 1200 by appointment only (DSN 535-3317, e-mail 65LRS.LGRDDC.VPC@us.af.mil / paulo.sousa.pt@us.af.mil);

- POV turn ins/pick-ups Mondays and Tuesdays 0800 – 1200 by appointment only (DSN 535-3317, e-mail 65LRS.LGRDDC.VPC@us.af.mil / paulo.sousa.pt@us.af.mil);

- Materiel Management (aka Supply) customer service hours are Monday – Friday 0800 – 1200 (DSN 535-3270 / 4243, email 65LRS.CustomerService.org@us.af.mil);

- Vehicle Maintenance customer service hours are Monday – Friday 0800-1600 by appointment only (DSN 535-3840, after hours/emergencies contact on-call cellphone: 963-916-463).

Customers are encouraged to contact these sections by telephone and email as much as possible.  For situations that require your physical presence, please bring your mask or you will be turned away!

This information will be updated as newer guidance is received.

LODGING RECEPTION
Daily 24x7
DSN 535-5178
Guests will wear a face covering when out of their room.  If a housekeeper needs to service the room, we request the guest put on the facemask.  Guests are required to maintain social distancing at check in/check out.  Guests should be prepared with ID and Credit Card to expedite service. For large groups, Lodging will coordinate with Group POC to receive all credit card information and will have keys ready to expedite check-in of the group. Guests may NOT have social gatherings in common areas; Lobby, conference room, day rooms, etc.!

EATING AT FACILITY: The only entrance/exit is the double door on the right side facing the parking lot.  Hand sanitizer is available and mandatory for personal as they enter the facility. All customers need to follow social distancing of 6 feet by adhering to the signs on the floor.  All payments will be by credit/debit card – cash is not accepted.  Guests will wear facemasks when ordering and will remove them to eat. Fifteen seats are available in the snack bar; expansion to the ballroom allows another 30 customers to eat in the facility, one person per table. We will adjust if the social distancing rules have changed for Portugal. 
Customers should wait until their number is called before going to the counter. Beepers will reach the parking lot if the customer prefers to wait outside. Condiments are behind the counter and are provided upon request. We will use canned sodas and bottled water until we can relocate the beverage dispensers to behind the counter. Customers may not move tables and chairs.  We will use disposable utensils, cups and plates for every customer.  When the guest is finished eating, they should dispose of all paper products in the container provided.  One person is designated to disinfect tables after each customer during all operating hours.

MENU: OV Menu Effective 12 May 2020.  All menu items are now offered except the Green Club Sandwich, Daily Specials, 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
Monday - Friday 1000-1800
DSN 535-3630
We will serve one customer at a time.  If there is more than one customer, the other customer will have to wait in the lobby area.  Credit/debit card and contactless Apple Pay only - no cash.

AIRMAN & FAMILY READINESS 
Monday to Friday 0800-1200
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 535-4138
Appointments are required for service, even if it is just to pick-up or return household dish kits.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Monday to Friday: 0800-1700
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 535-2351
Establish contact by email or phone.

MARKETING
Monday to Friday: 0800-1700
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 535-6105
Customers should call in before requesting Marketing Services. Cell 962816086. For U.S. License Plate orders, be sure that the registration document is in-hand prior to contacting Marketing. Order your plates at the Ocean View 535-4992. Click here for more information about the options and costs.  

AIR FORCE PHOTO CONTEST 2020

MILITARY PERSONNEL SECTION
Monday to Friday: 0800-1700
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 535-4212 / 65fsf.fsmpmps@us.af.mil
We are giving priority to in and out processing appointments and CAC card issues. The Squadron/flight must scan in member’s in-processing package and send to the MPS via email.  The window will stay closed! 

MILITARY AND FAMILY LIFE COUNSELOR (MFLC)
The MFLC is no longer available.

BARBERSHOP
Monday to Friday: 0900-1300 and 1400-1800
New procedures you can expect to see:
- The use of masks/face coverings for all patrons is required.
- Physical distancing, do not sit in groups, do not conglomerate outside the barbershop  (Bench outside barbershop is for one person only) .  
- No other patrons are authorized inside the barbershop other than the customer and the barber. 
- The barber may ask for you to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer
- Credit card use is CURRENTLY NOT available ONLY CASH
Please give the barber ample time to clean in between customers, please be patient and wait for barber to call you in.
Since space is limited consider returning at a later time or wait outside the facility.

DRESS & APPEARANCE POLICY

POST OFFICE
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 1000-1730 and Wednesday 1000-1400
DSN 535-1203
Customers are required to face coverings in the Post Office.

EDUCATION CENTER

Education Services

New UMGC and NTC Office Hours:
Monday 1100 to 1500
Tuesday 1100 to 1500
Wednesday 1100 to 1700
Thursday 1100 to 1700
Friday Closed
The National Test Center will administer exams on Wednesdays.
*Closed US Federal Holidays

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 535-1115
For AFVEC issues and TA, please contact Mr. Randy Phillips at randy.phillips.3.ctr@us.af.mil 

FITNESS TESTING DURING COVID-19

COVID-19 Fitness Talking Points 21 May 2020

Suspension of Official FA in Response to COVID-19 21 May 2020

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

Monday to Friday: 0800-1700 - Establish contact by email or phone call

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 535-5137

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 765 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

Face coverings are mandatory for all CUSTOMERS. Employees will wear face coverings when directly assisting customers or working in the customer service area when customers are present or when workers cannot maintain a physical distance of 6 feet (2 meters) from other workers.

COMMISSARY

Tuesday to Saturday 1000-1830. Closed Sunday and Monday.

535-3396

AAFES

Tuesday to Friday 1100-1800 and Saturday 1100-1600. Closed Sunday and Monday.

535-5120

MEO OFFICE

Tuesdays and Fridays 0900-1200

295-543850

Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday = 0900 - 1500 (closed for lunch at 1200-1315)
Wednesday = Closed
Friday = 0900-1200

Stall Talk 7 - July 2020

Monday to Friday 0800-1700

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.

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 535-3546 / 65ABG.JA@us.af.mil

Chaplain will be available for walk-in counseling at Chapel 0930 - 1130 Tue-Fri, and can be reached 24/7.
Chaplain 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 Cell 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.

Team 65,

As of 1July 2020, both Lajes Field and Morón AB have met the necessary conditions mandated by the Department of Defense to become a "green" installation, which makes them unrestricted travel locations. What does this mean to all of us?

 - Travel for green locations is unrestricted.

- Per the attached SECDEF leave memo, "Authorized leave outside the local area will be approved at a level no lower than the unit commander or equivalent."  This applies to all DoD service members.

  -- For Morón, the local area is defined as the country of Spain.

  -- For Lajes, the local area is now defined as the 9 islands of the Azores instead of all of Portugal because of the higher risk on mainland Portugal and the requirement for COVID testing/quarantine for individuals coming from outside the Azores.

  -- For Lajes, approval for members of the GSA will be the 65 ABG/CD, Lt Col Butler.  All other approvals will be at the squadron commander level.

  -- For Lajes personnel who travel outside the Azores and are required to quarantine upon their return, that quarantine time will be counted as leave

  -- For the entire 65 ABG, commander approval will also be required for military members for travel outside the local area on regular/special pass days, i.e. the 4-day 4th of July holiday and other weekends; this can be accomplished via email or other written form

- Travel to a “red” location still requires GO approval via an ETP, per the attached decision flowchart.

- We know many Airmen and family members want to travel to the United States on leave, but all non-official travel to/from the United States remains highly discouraged at this time.  Commanders have the authority to deny leave requests due to military necessity.  Airmen could get stuck in the United States or be forced to quarantine if returning from a risk area, even if DoD includes the state on its list of green locations. 

- Members will be able resume official travel to/from Lajes and Morón without requesting an exception to policy memo, if the other installation and its state/host nation where the member is coming from/going to are also listed as green locations.

- The European Union is reportedly extending its ban on all non-official travel from the United States into EU countries; we'll continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as information becomes available.

- For the health and safety of all employees, local national civilian employees are highly encouraged to notify their supervisors when they travel outside the local area so all can take proper precautions upon that employee’s return to work.

Below are several useful references as you plan travel:

1)      National Governors Association Coronavirus website: https://www.nga.org/coronavirus/  (If you scroll to the bottom, it gives you links to each state’s current COVID restrictions)

2)      EUCOM’s country map can be found on the USAFE-AFAFRICA COVlD-19 OPT website at: https://intelshare.intelink.gov/sites/usafe-afafrica/UASR/CV19/SitePages/Home.aspx

3)      Green states within the United States as designated by the DoD at https://www.defense.gov/Explore/Spotlight/Coronavirus/Latest-DOD-Guidance/  (see most current: Release: Travel Restrictions: Green Locations)

4)      DoS: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/

5)      Re-Open Europe: https://reopen.europa.eu/en

6)      Foreign Clearance Guide (may have mandatory actions to enter a host nation on leave): https://www.fcg.pentagon.mil

7)      Travelers leaving Spain should enroll in the DoS Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/step/

COVID remains a dangerous threat to our Airmen, their families, and all 65 ABG employees.  Therefore, we must all do our part to keep ourselves, our loved ones, and our co-workers safe and healthy as travel restrictions begin to ease so we can continue to maintain our readiness and execute the mission.  Thank you all for remaining vigilant as we continue to tackle this pandemic and adapt to new challenges!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

1. myPers Stop Movement - 21 April
2. Stop Movement Dashboard (Military) 23 April
3. Local Leave – COVID-19
4. Questions and Answers - 21 April 
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

Register with the State Department SMART Traveler Program website: https://step.state.gov/

Be sure to select Ponta Delgada as closest embassy & include LAJES FIELD/DEROS in the address block

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

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.

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.

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.