MAY 20, 2021 – The Department of Defense updated its mask mandate across the enterprise May 14th:
In support of updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines released this afternoon, subject to any applicable labor relations obligations, fully vaccinated DoD personnel (who are at least two weeks beyond their final dose) are no longer required to wear a mask indoors or outdoors at DoD facilities. All DoD personnel should continue to comply with CDC guidance regarding areas where masks should be worn, including within airports. Personnel who are not fully vaccinated should continue to follow applicable DoD mask guidance, including continuing to wear masks indoors. The Department will review and revise all applicable Force Health Protection guidance to address the new CDC guidelines.
Until this updated Force Health Protection guidance is issued, commanders and supervisors may make exceptions to this memorandum as necessary to ensure a safe workforce. Commanders and supervisors should not ask about an employee’s vaccination status or use information about an employee’s vaccination status to make decisions about how and when employees will report to a workplace instead of teleworking.
Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield recently updated General Order 1 to fall in line with this directive.
Fully vaccinated individuals who are two weeks past their final shot may now drop their masks in most on-post locations. Non-vaccinated individuals will continue to wear masks in all locations.
Everyone will continue to wear masks wherever vulnerable individuals are present. The locations include all medical and dental facilities; child development centers; on-post schools; and COVID-19 vaccination sites.
General Order 1 also includes the following updates:
Travel Policy
Vaccinated service members are not required to be placed in travel restriction of movement upon return from leave or pass.
High risk leave or pass will be assessed to determine whether a travel restriction of movement is required.
Additional Guidance & Local Community Orders
All previous restrictions on activities have been rescinded. While at off-post establishments, all DOD personnel should comply with updated CDC, State and Local guidelines regarding the wear of masks and any other COVID-19 restrictions.
Exceptions to Policy
Commanders and supervisors may request an exception to policy in writing; all are authorized to deviate from General Order 1 restrictions for emergency purposes.
For more updates regarding General Order 1 and the new mask mandate visit facebook.com/FortStewartHunterArmyAirfield/ to tune into the upcoming Marne 6 COVID-19 Facebook town hall on May 25 at 6 p.m.
Story by Kevin Larson
Fort Stewart Public Affairs Office