HPCON Charlie
Effective Nov. 25 at 6:00 a.m. PDT, leadership from the Space and Missile Systems Center and the 61st Air Base Group have updated the local health protection condition (HPCON) from “Bravo” to “Charlie.”
As cases of COVID-19 continue to increase rapidly across Los Angeles County, it is strongly recommended that you celebrate Thanksgiving at home with only those who reside within your immediate household, and celebrate virtually with all other friends and family. Remember that the fewer people you and your household have in-person contact with, the lower your risk of getting and/or transmitting COVID-19.
In order to safeguard the health our community, the Trusted Traveler Program is suspended. Personnel and residents may instead obtain a base pass for guests. Personnel and residents who wish to sponsor guests onto the installation must affirm that they will comply with the restrictions for gatherings outlined in this memorandum and comply with any other measures implemented in association with the declared Public Health Emergency.
Between Nov. 25 – 29 only, residents who have guests arriving outside of the published hours for pass-writing may visit the 24th St. Gate at Fort MacArthur to seek assistance and obtain a base pass.
Please be advised that the gate guard will need to call in an officer from patrol in order to assist in these instances. As such, it is requested that residents instruct their guests to do all that is possible to arrive within normal hours for passes, and only use this service when it is impossible to alter arrival plans.
Additionally, a reminder that the sponsor and all guests must be physically present in order to obtain a base pass.
Questions regarding access to the installation may be directed to the Visitor Control Center (VCC) by calling (310) 653-0548, Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. PDT (excluding Federal Holidays).
Click here to read the entire Thanksgiving Holiday gatherings and Suspension of Trusted Traveler Program memorandum.
Los Angeles Air Force base is currently operating under: Phase 1
As of 23 November 2020, SMC and LAAFB have returned to Phase 1 operations. All personnel are expected to abide by the following actions:
Personnel performing mission essential tasks (with supervisor approval) may return to the workplace
All others must maximize telework capabilities
Any unit’s daily, on-site footprint is limited to no more than 25% of total unit workforce (exceptions to policy approved by Leadership and based on mission requirements )
Conference Room meetings limited to 10-persons max (masks and social distanced)
Common Areas closed; social gatherings not authorized
Observe all COVID-19 physical distancing, mask, & sanitation protocols
High risk/vulnerable populations should continue to telework (coordinate with supervisor)
HPCON Charlie Measures Trusted Traveler suspended (one ID holder per vehicle), with sole exception of retirees seeking Commissary, BX, or Pharmacy access only.
To maintain security of our installations, when approaching any of the gates on LAAFB or Fort MacArthur, you must remove your face covering to show your full face when presenting your ID.
Click here for Department of the Air Force aggregate numbers of COVID-19.
BX UPDATE May 20, 2020
BX EARLY MILITARY ACCESS DISCONTINUED Due to stabilization in the BX shopper demand and supply lines, we’ve discontinued the half an hour of early shopping for military in uniform.
LA AFB Fitness Center 0500-1000 & 1400-1900 Mon-Fri Military only access and by appointment only Showers will remain closed per AF Reqts Effective Thursday, 18 Jun 2020
Los Angeles AFB Exchange Mon-Sat 0900-1700 (Effective April 18) Sun 1100-1700 (310) 414-9404 *Face Covering Required*
Commissary Sun: 1000-1800 Mon: Closed Tue/Wed: 1000-1800 Thurs: 1000-1900 Fri/Sat: 1000-1800 *ID Card checks at the entrance *No visitors 310.414.9001 X2999
Military Clothing Mon-Sat 0900-1800 Sun 1100-1700 (310) 414-9404
Cleaners Mon-Sat 1100-1600 Sun Closed (424) 222-0424
Family Haircare 0900-1600 Mon-Sat 1100-1500 Sun Appointment preferred, but not required. Walk-ins allowed, but must follow social distancing (310) 414-0050
South Bay Bar & Grill Breakfast: 0700-0900 Lunch: 1100-1300 Mon-Thur
If you have a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For urgent issues, the MHS Nurse Advice Line is available 24/7 by phone or web/video chat. Call 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273), Option 1 or visit www.mhsnurseadviceline.com to speak with a nurse. UPDATE ON COVID-19 TESTING PROCEDURES/REMINDERS Call your healthcare provider if you or a family member are experiencing severe symptoms. Call 9-1-1, or go to the nearest emergency room if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency but please call ahead prior to showing up at the emergency room with COVID-19 symptoms. Visit the Center for Disease Control & Prevention website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV to view COVID-19 symptoms.
Active Duty Military Members: Must contact their Primary Care Manager (PCM) or the Nurse Advice Line at 1-800-TRICARE prior to utilizing one of the above mentioned testing sites.
Non-Active Duty Members: Does not need a referral. Members can receive urgent care from any TRICARE authorized urgent care center or network provider. If utilizing a drive-up testing site, members should also contact their healthcare provider for treatment advice and to provide results of testing.
TRICARE non-Prime beneficiaries: Co-pays will be waived retroactively to March 18 for approved COVID diagnostic testing and office visits related to the testing. If you paid any copays for testing related to COVID-19 and the resulting office visits with a network or non- network provider, you may file a factual appeal for reimbursement. TRICARE Website: www.tricare.mil/coronavirus
TRICARE Beneficiaries: What you need to know!
Los Angeles County Drive-Up Mobile Testing Sites Several drive-up mobile testing sites are available to all LA County residents. The Forum in Inglewood and South Bay Galleria in Redondo Beach are the closest sites from Los Angeles AFB. Testing is available by appointment only. Individuals over 65, or anyone with underlying chronic health conditions will be prioritized for same or next day testing. Visit http://coronavirus.lacity.org/testing for more information and to schedule an appointment.
Military or civilian member(s) undergoing testing or with a positive COVID-19 test result must contact the Los Angeles AFB Public Health Department at 310-653-6688, or 310-413-2953 immediately, as well as your supervisor or someone in your chain of command.
You must self-isolate and contact 61 AFB Public Health if you:
Do Not Isolate if:
Visit http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/docs/homeisolationencov.pdf for detailed guidance on self-isolation.
61 MDS OPTOMETRY SERVICES The G-EYES Program allows active duty members to directly reorder prescription glasses without having to travel to a Military Treatment Facility (MTF). Originally used for deployed members, the G-EYES Program has opened up to all active duty members during the COVID pandemic to promote social distancing. Users of the program must have received eyewear through an MTF previously to use G-Eyes. Please click here to order your glasses online.
Alcohol & COVID-19: What You Need to Know | April 20, 2020
Special Leave Accrual | April 16, 2020
Mandatory Wear of Face Coverings or Face Masks | April 10, 2020
Department of Defense Guidance on the Use of Cloth Face Coverings | April 6, 2020
COVID-19 Face Covering Fact Sheet | April 6, 2020
Department of the Air Force Guidance on Use of Cloth Face Coverings | April 6, 2020
Public Health Directive | March 27, 2020
COVID-19 Public Health Risk Categories | March 27, 2020
Declaration of a Public Health Emergency | March 27, 2020
UPDATE - May 19, 2020
Based on the data at hand, in combination with the actions implemented by state and local governments, effective COB Thursday May 21, until further notice, the local leave radius restriction is extended to 250 miles.
Please follow physical distancing and mask guidelines, recommended hygiene practices (wash hands for 20 seconds, refrain from touching your face, etc), and review guidance from local governments prior to visiting public gathering locations.
NEW – SecDef Extends STOP MOVEMENT: SecDef travel restrictions have been extended to 30 Jun 20 with a continued stop movement, both internationally and domestically for all DoD Service members. The memo includes guidance on stop movement for DoD civilian personnel and dependents of DoD Service members as well.
Exemptions and the waiver process are detailed in the memo which can be found posted at the official command website: https://www.losangeles.af.mil/COVID-19/. Some examples of exemptions to the travel restrictions include travel associated with uniformed personnel recruiting and accessions activities, travel by patients or medical providers, global force management deployment and redeployment ops, individuals pending retirement or separation, etc.
Waivers can be granted and should follow the current process already established for SMC. SecDef stated he will review this policy every 15 days to determine if travel can resume earlier than 30 Jun 2020.
LA AFB Douglas Street Gate Evening Closures (October 30, 2020)
Due to safety precautions, the LAAFB Douglas Street Gate will be closed from 2000-0400 from 3-9 November 2020.
Both inbound and outbound gates will be closed. On an as-needed basis, the gates can be opened during these hours by contacting the BDOC at (310) 653-5787.
Douglas Street Gate Reopening (October 26, 2020)
The Douglas Street Gate will be reopening for normal vehicle traffic (inbound/outbound) and pedestrian traffic at 0100 hours, Tuesday 27 OCT 20. The Aviation Blvd Gate will close upon opening of the Douglas Gate.
HPCON Bravo Measures (October 19, 2020)
Effective Oct. 19, leadership from the Space and Missile Systems Center and the 61st Air Base Group have updated the local health protection condition (HPCON) from “Charlie” to “Bravo.”
When the HPCON is B, or “Bravo,” the area is experiencing an increase in community transmissions. In addition to wearing facial coverings and continuing to uphold sanitary standards, all personnel are expected to abide by the following actions:
Practice social distancing. Avoid unnecessary contact with others, such as shaking hands and hugging.
Avoid unnecessary travel, especially to areas known to be experiencing active disease transmission.
Ensure supplies of food, medication and other items needed for babies and pets are available to last at least 14 days.
Prepare for travel restrictions and cancellation of public gatherings, such as school, religious and other community activities. Make alternative arrangements for childcare.
Observe local guidance on movement restrictions and access requirements for military installations.
Seek guidance from employers and unit leaders about changes to work practices (for example, telework) and training events.
Comply with medical orders for self-isolation or quarantine.
Due to this HPCON change, anyone with base access and who is entitled to use 61st Force Support Squadron facilities, may now make reservations at the Ft. MacArthur Inn. Additionally, the installation’s Trusted Traveler Program has resumed allowing up to five individuals in a single vehicle entry when accompanied by personnel with authorized base access.
In accordance with Department of Defense, local and state guidelines, local personnel need to be mindful of critical changes to the HPCONs and how it applies to them. To keep service members, civilian employees, contractors and their families’ safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, protocols are reviewed and updated to assess risk levels within the local community.
Adherence to the most up-to-date COVID-19 guidelines will be implemented and monitored by the installation commander and public health.
“With flu season quickly approaching, it’s important to continue practicing smart health and safety habits such as routinely cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces, washing your hands and staying home if you are sick,” said Capt. Alan Hintze, 61st Medical Squadron public health element chief.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is still an on-going concern and is expected to strain medical resources this winter, which is why getting your flu shot is incredibly important this flu season,’ Hintze continued. “While the two viruses are different, symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu are very similar, making it hard for medical providers to differentiate between the two based on symptoms alone.”
According to Defense.gov, the vaccine could help reduce the overall impact of contagious respiratory illnesses on the population and decrease the burden on the health care system during the overlapping flu season and COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to getting the flu vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends:
Staying home when sick
Covering both nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
Washing hands, avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth,
Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces
Preserving a strong immune system by getting plenty of sleep, staying active, managing stress, drinking fluids and eating nutritious foods.
For more information on the HPCON levels, click here and for the most up-to-date Los Angeles County information, click here.
Douglas Street Gate Closure (September 29, 2020)
The Douglas St gate will be closed to all vehicular traffic (inbound and outbound) beginning 0500 hrs on Friday, Oct. 9, 2020 and remain closed for approximately two weeks to repair subterranean water lines.
All inbound and outbound vehicular traffic for LA AFB must use the Aviation Blvd gate during this time. Pedestrian traffic must continue to use Douglas St entrance, as Aviation Blvd entrance is not equipped with safe pedestrian access.
Indoor Barbershop Operations: (September 11, 2020)
The Family Hair Care salon is now open in the BX!
Hours Mon-Sat, 0900-1600 Sun, 1100-1500
Appointments are preferred, but not required.
Fitness Center Outdoor Operations: (September 9, 2020)
Effective 26 Aug 2020, the Fitness Center is open for outdoor use by Military and Security Forces Squadron personnel only.
1-Hour appointments are available Mon-Fri between the hours of 0600-0900 & 1500-1800
By Reservation Only
Reservations must be made via Sharepoint or by calling the Fitness Center front desk at 310--653-6771 during the hours listed above. All indoor access is closed to include restrooms and water fountain access, so patrons should bring their own water bottles.
Arriving for your Appointment
Arrive 10 min. prior to scheduled appointment at back door near the OUTDOOR RIG for appointment verification, temperature check, and COVID-19 screening Arrive 10 min. prior to scheduled appointment and check in for appointment verification, temperature check, and COVID-19 screening
Bring your own water & bottle, bands, and/or yoga mat if needed The inside of the Fitness Center is completely closed. There will be NO ACCESS to restrooms, lockers, showers, and/or water fountains Masks are mandatory and must be worn at all times unless you are using cardio equipment All personnel must hand sanitize before working out All personnel are required to wipe equipment before and after each use
Stay up-to-date at lafss.com/fitness/
Face Mask with a Valve is PROHIBITED at LAAFB (August 19, 2020)
Effective immediately, wearing a face mask with a valve is PROHIBITED at LAAFB. Face coverings with valves do not provide adequate protection to prevent the spread of the COVID-19.
The primary purpose of wearing face masks is to keep respiratory droplets from reaching others and to mitigate the spread of Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Masks with one-way valves or vents allow exhaled air to be expelled out through holes in the material. This can allow exhaled respiratory droplets to reach others and potentially spread the COVID-19 virus.
Updated Opening and Closures: (July 13, 2020)
For complete and current details on all current openings and closures, see the “Base Service Phase 1 Status” table below.
Airman’s Attic will open next week (starting 20 July) by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, contact Ms. Cindi Smith at (630) 973-9324.
The Fitness Center is closed until further notice.
The Barbershop and Beauty Salon is closed until further notice.
All food vendors on base will serve takeout only.
The Fort MacArthur Chapel will provide outdoor services only.
Public Health Emergency Extension Effective May 22, 2020 Delcaration of Public Health Emergency dated March 26, 2020 is extended for a period of 90 days.
Travel Restrictions Update May 19, 2020
ATTENTION Effective 24 April 2020, the Public Health Emergency (PHE) for LAAFB has been extended for a further 30 days, per the base commander. All instructions from the 26 March 2020 PHE declaration memo remain in effect. The official PHE renewal letter may be found here.
Effective Immediately Mandatory Wear of Face Coverings or Face Masks (.pdf) April 10, 2020
UPDATE APRIL 6, 2020
Downloadable PDF Documents:
Department of Defense Guidance on the Use of Cloth Face Coverings
Department of the Air Force Guidance on Use of Cloth Face Coverings
COVID-19 Face Covering Fact Sheet
HPCON CHARLIE MEASURES Trusted Traveler suspended (one ID holder per vehicle), with sole exception of retirees seeking Commissary, BX, or Pharmacy access only.
SCHOOL CLOSING INFO California school campuses are closed for the remainder of the school year. Students will complete their education via virtual, district learning, or other means as the School District deems necessary. Click here for more information on Governor Newsom’s order.
EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH SITE AFRL has an Educational Outreach Site, “Wizards of Wright,” focused on STEM Education. The site includes DIY Experiments and a variety of resources Airmen and their families may find useful during this time by clicking here.
RELIGIOUS SERVICES AVAILABLE
CATHOLIC SERVICES: To receive weekly Catholic homilies, please email 61ABG.HC@us.af.mil or call 310-653-5080.
PROTESTANT SERVICES: For updates and to watch our Facebook Live worship on Sundays at 1100, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/ProtestantChapelFortMac/
JEWISH SERVICES: Please contact 310-653-5080 or 61ABG.HC@us.af.mil
GENERAL SPIRITUAL SUPPORT: Office Hours: 0700 - 1600 Schedule a Counseling Appointment: Please send an e-mail to 61ABG.HC@us.af.mil or call 310-653-5080 Walk-In Counseling: 0800 - 1500 After Hours: Please contact Command Post at 310-653-3070
#FlattenTheCurve #Coronavirus
UPDATE APRIL 2, 2020
FORT MACARTHUR CLINIC CLOSURE: With COVID-19 still looming mandatory telework has been increased for clinic personnel and manning numbers will not support operating both medical facilities. Starting tomorrow 2 Apr 2020 the Ft MacArthur Clinic, bldg. 30 will be closing until further notice, no medical services will be offered there.
DEPLOYMENT READINESS CELL: The Installation Deployment Readiness Cell located in Bldg 272 is currently closed to walk-in customers. Though there is a hold on international deployments, IDRC will continue to check for new taskings and notify leadership as required. Pre-deployment training is also on hold for most deployments. If deployers have a class already scheduled, they must contact their UDM before proceeding. Questions should be directed to the following UDM/IDRC on-call numbers: Mr. David Hinesley at 310-686-2337, Ms. Marie Matammu at 408-444-1357. In addition, the agencies/capabilities listed below will only provide deployment support upon IDRC/UDM request: CBRN, Supply/Mobility, Edward AFB Range, ISOPREP, Photo Lab, Gas mask test, Self Aid Buddy Care, EAST, Passport Office, Travel, Reintegration. These are temporary measures as we navigate through this crisis. Thank you for your understanding.
MAGELLAN HEALTHCARE WEBINAR: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought uncertainty, rapid change, worry and stress to our world. To support your staff and their household members during this challenging time, we invite you to attend a live webinar on Thursday, April 2, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. PST on how to build resilience and adaptive skills during the pandemic. Attend this webinar, brought to you by Magellan Healthcare, to hear Dr. Carney, Magellan’s Chief Medical Officer, share insights on why people are feeling stress and panic and give tips on how to build resiliency. She will also discuss ways to help children cope and thrive, when it may be time to seek help and the importance of acceptance and adaptation skills to manage through the pandemic.
FRIDAY FOOD TAKE-OUT: The Fort MacArthur Harborview Lounge will be offering takeout meals this Friday from 1700-2000 (taking phone orders at 1645).
UPDATE MARCH 28, 2020
As of 28 March, the Secretary of Defense has decided that only OSD or the Services will release numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases that are aggregated at DoD/Service levels. As we confront this growing crisis, and out of concern for operations security with regard to readiness, we will not report the aggregate number of service member cases at individual units, bases or combatant commands. We will continue to do our best to balance transparency in this crisis with operations security.
For Department of the Air Force aggregated numbers, click here.
We are doing everything we can to help minimize the spread of COVID-19. Department of the Air Force personnel and their families live, work, and attend school in this community and we are committed to doing our part to limit the spread of the virus.
UPDATE MARCH 27, 2020
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
March 27, 2020
MEMORANDUMS FOR LOS ANGELES AFB, FORT MACARTHUR, PACIFIC HEIGHTS AND PACIFIC CREST
Public Health Directive
COVID-19 Public Health Risk Categories
Declaration of a Public Health Emergency
Los Angeles Air Force Base will remain active and mission essential personnel are required to report for duty.
CRITICAL UPDATES AND RESOURCES
COVID-19 Screening Tool App and Website
Check your risk factors, recent exposure and symptoms to get CDC recommendations on next steps, including guidance on social distancing and self-isolating, how to closely monitor symptoms, whether or not a test is recommended at this time, and when to contact a medical provider.
Official U.S. Government Resources
#COVID19 UPDATE TO BASE OPS:
HPCON CHARLIE MEASURES:
LAAFB EL SEGUNDO:
Visitor Access Suspended (Mission Critical Visitors are exempt) until further notice. The Visitor Control Center continues to register VA Health Identity Card holders and their caretakers. VCC continues to process Mission critical Entry Access Lists, which must be authenticated by a GO/SES.
Trusted Traveler suspended (one ID holder per vehicle), with sole exception of retirees seeking Commissary/BX access only.
FORT MACARTHUR, PACIFIC CREST AND PACIFIC HEIGHTS:
Continued Access: Military ID card holders, resident DBIDS card holders, postal and package delivery service, garbage and recycling service, CELS/TVC maintenance.
Visitor Access Suspended
Trusted Traveler suspended: No guests in vehicle, no escorting vehicles.
California Governor Gavin Newsom on March 13 issued a statewide “stay-at-home” order to combat the spread of COVID-19. To understand what this means for you and your families at home, visit the California Coronavirus Response website by clicking here.
The order outlines 16 Critical Infrastructure Sectors that must continue. Our mission at LAAFB falls under the “Government Facilities Sector,” which authorizes military installations to remain open. As such, uniformed military personnel, DoD government civilians, defense contractors and Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) personnel may leave their residences to provide any service or perform any work deemed essential for National Security.
LA AFB will continue mandatory telework for all SMC personnel; with the exception of identified mission essential personnel supporting either LAAFB or leadership-designated space acquisition missions.
Only mission essential personnel who have mission essential tasks tomorrow (that can only be done at your duty location) are authorized to report to work. Mission essential personnel who can do their mission essential tasks from home or do not have any mission essential tasks to complete on Fri, March 20, are authorized to stay home.
In order to ensure that everyone remains healthy it is essential that anyone who is sick or undergoing testing for COVID-19 contact base Public Health at 310-653-6688 or 310-413-2953 to assist those being tested.
Thank you for doing your part to ensure we stop the spread and keep where we work, live and play safe.
Let’s #FlattenTheCurve! #Coronavirus #ReadyAF #StrongerDAF
The following changes in operations have been directed by the installation commander:
BASE ENTRY CONTROL: Please aid social distancing for yourself and our Defenders by holding ID cards at arm length out of your vehicle window for no-touch ID checks.
CLINIC:
Effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020, the 61 MDS shifted to providing primarily virtual urgent care only to ensure the safety of all and minimize the spread of COVID-19. As a result, the 61 MDS suspended all routine and follow up care until further notice. Currently scheduled routine visits will be cancelled and patients will be called if their appointment has been affected. All acute appointments will be conducted virtually, meaning that our patients will receive a phone call from their provider. Please do not come to the clinic for your appointment unless directed to do so by your health care team.
Patients can call our appointment line at 310-653-2873 to schedule appointments or for any questions. They can also contact the Nurse Advice Line at 1-800-874-2273, Option 1 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hrs/7 days per week. For general questions about COVID-19 and self-reporting, please contact our Public Health Department at 310-653-6688 or 310-413-2953. At this time, there are no changes to the hours of operations.
TRICARE beneficiaries assigned to the 61st Medical Squadron can contact the main appointment line at 310-653-2873. TRICARE beneficiaries can also contact the Nurse Advice Line at 1-800-874-2273, option 1 to speak with a registered nurse 24hrs / 7 days a week. Civilians who are not TRICARE beneficiaries, please contact your health care provider.
Impacted Clinic Services:
DISASTER MENTAL HEALTH:
The 61MDS stood up a Disaster Mental Health (DMH) team which provides undocumented support via telephone to LA AFB beneficiaries experiencing mental health stressors related to COVID-19.
Contact DMH at 653-6636 from 0800-1600.
1) DMH consists of AFRC, chaplains, and mental health teams.
2) DMH is separate from the mental health clinic. 3) DMH services provided by the chaplain team remain 100% confidential, while those provided through mental health clinic are required to assess/report safety/mission related concerns. Care will otherwise remain undocumented. 4) DMH team is an appropriate choice for you if you are experiencing significant emotional distress related to COVID-19.
MILITARY AND FAMILY LIFE COUNSELOR: MFLCs are currently available to provide non-medical, Telehealth counseling services at this time using Zoom. Please call Terry Curtis (Adult MFLC) at (310) 658-2334 and Janice Le (Child and Youth MFLC) at (818) 987-6344 in order to set up an appointment.
COMMISSARY HOURS AND RULES OF ENGAGEMENT:
From 1000-1030, ONLY personnel IN UNIFORM and families of our deployed personnel with Installation CC letter in hand will be permitted to shop in the Commissary on weekdays. If there is an entry line due to limiting the number of shoppers, then anyone that arrives to the military line before 1030 will be granted entry into the commissary before any other beneficiaries. The beneficiary patron line will be allowed entrance to shop once the military-only line that formed between 1000-1030 is exhausted. As a reminder the Commissary’s hours currently are (1000-1800 Tuesday-Sunday, Thursday 1000-1900). There will be a dedicated IN UNIFORM checkout line during all operating hours at the commissary.
The Commissary is no longer allowing the use of personal shopping bags. This measure has been put in place to ensure the safety and well-being of patrons and employees.
SMC HELP DESK RULES OF ENGAGEMENT:
The SMC Help Desk has enacted a check-in and call-back system for walk-in’s to help comply with social distancing directives. Customers will be asked to sign-in with their contact information and will then be free to leave until they are contacted by the Help Desk when there is availability.
AIR FORCE AID SOCIETY: - The Air Force Aid Society (AFAS), https://afas.org/ is being extremely generous during this difficult season. - Military members can complete an application online, as this site will be checked daily by A&FRC team members. - Supportive financial care is provided based on approval from agencies for AFAS: Navy Relief, Army, Marine, Reserve, Guard and Air Force for military members and retirees.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: - For civilians EAP (Employee Assistance Program) or https://www.feea.org/ (Federal Employee Education and Assistance) Funds are available as they offer disaster relief for Federal Employees. - Civilians fill out an application online as well at https://www.feea.org/ and will be contacted if approved.
61 SFS PASS & ID (SMC BADGES): The 61 SFS PASS & ID section will take walk-in customers from 0700-1400, Tuesday-Thursday. Effective April 1, customers will be serviced by appointment only from 0800-1400, Tuesday-Thursday. Walk-ins will be restricted to mission critical emergencies only.
CAC/ID SERVICES: The MPF will only be servicing customers by appointment from 0800 – 1400, Monday to Friday. Walk-ins will be restricted to mission critical emergencies only. The customer lobby will be limited to 10 people maximum. Appointment slots will be opened every Friday for the upcoming week.
BX:
The BX will maintain normal operating hours for all eligible customers. Hours are Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Beginning 19 March from 9-9:30 a.m., ONLY personnel IN UNIFORM will be permitted to shop in the BX on weekdays until further notice.
The Barber/Beauty Shop (Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.) and Dry Cleaners (Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.) are also still maintaining normal operating hours.
MAIL ROOM: Mail room hours are 0700-1000 and 1200-1500 daily.
CLUB:
Effective March 18, the South Bay Club will be closed until further notice.
POOL:
Effective March 18, the Fort MacArthur pool will be closed until further notice.
CHAPEL SERVICES SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
The Installation commander and Chaplain Corps have made the difficult decision to suspend Chapel services at Los Angeles AFB and Fort MacArthur until further notice. Properly balancing the needs of many is challenging and we do not make these decisions lightly as we do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19. Look forward to the uplifting messages that will be provided via command leadership channels. As always, please feel free to contact the chapel at 310-653-5080.
RELIGIOUS SERVICES AVAILABLE:
YOUTH CENTER:
Effective 19 March, the Youth Center will be closed until further notice.
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER:
As a precautionary measure, the LA AFB Child Development Center is closed effective March 30 until further notice. For questions, please call Ms. Patricia Brown at 310-653-8340.
FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS:
For those families with children, here is a wonderful resource for ways to keep your little (and not-so-little) ones engaged, happy and healthy. If you follow the link, there are daily schedules to grab ideas from in order to assist in building quality routines for parents and children. Stay safe! https://www.noggin.com/KidsTogether
IMPACTED TRAVEL ASSISTANCE: If the COVID-19 Restriction of Movement (ROM) impacted your travel (PCS/HHG/TDY/Deployment/Leave), we ask that you contact the SMC Financial Services Office to determine if any financial burden can be mitigated.
WAPS TESTING POSTPONED: Current WAPS testing is postponed through May 11. Airmen can voluntarily elect to test prior to 11 May 2020 pending testing center availability.
HELPING AGENCIES:
Command Post – 310-653-3070
Comm Help Desk – 310-653-3195
Employee Assistance Program - 1-866-580-9078
Military One Source - 1-800-342-9647
SAPR - 310-653-7272
Military and Family Life Counselor (Children) – 1-818-987-6344, during normal duty hours
Military and Family Life Counselor (Adults) – 1-310-658-2334, during normal duty hours
Airman & Family Readiness Center - 310-653-5290, during normal duty hours or email at laafb.afrc@losangeles.af.mil
Chaplain Corps – Call Command Post to request assistance for the on-call Chaplain
Mental Health – Call Command Post to request assistance for the on-call MH provider
COVID-19 REPORTING PROCEDURES:
If any military or civilian member is undergoing testing or has been confirmed to have COVID-19, please contact our Public Health Department at 310-653-6688, or 310- 413-2953 immediately. Please be patient if you don’t reach a staff member in Public Health. Their phone is busy so please call back in 10 minutes. You can also contact Public Health for general questions on COVID-19.
COVID-19 testing criteria can be viewed at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/ncorona2019.
If a member has been instructed to quarantine or isolate, please also contact your supervisor or chain of command so that they are informed and can ensure you have the support you need during this time.
If you are over 65 y/o and have underlying health conditions, then you DO NOT represent “high risk”, but RATHER “higher risk.” This higher risk refers to the risk for developing severe disease and complications (pneumonia, organ failure, etc.) IF you become infected with COVID-19. The higher risk does NOT mean you are more likely to contract COVID-19.
Most persons that become infected with COVID-19 are either asymptomatic or have a mild respiratory illness. A minority of those infected go on to more severe illness (mostly pneumonia), which MAY require hospitalization and a provision of supplemental oxygen. Of those hospitalized, a rare few require ICU care, a subset of which may further require intubation and ventilation for respiratory support and high concentration oxygen under pressure.
Our experience thus far in the US shows that certain groups are at higher risk for severe illness if infected. CDC is reporting that persons over 65 y/o, and persons with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk. Underlying medical conditions include (but are not limited to)
If you are over 65 y/o and/or have conditions identified above, you are at higher risk of COVID-19 complications. If this is the case, here are some suggested dos and don’ts:
Your “higher risk” status will never come into play if you do not get infected with COVID-19. Your primary mission is to ensure you do not get infected. Following the guidelines above are your BEST chance to avoid infection.
If you do become infected, you still are unlikely to have severe disease. Because of your higher risk, however, you should contact your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
Bottom Line: If you feel ill, it is likely NOT COVID-19. If it is COVID-19, you are UNLIKELY to get seriously ill. Your “higher risk” means that you are more likely than the average person to get seriously ill if you are infected with COVID-19, but it is still UNLIKELY.
-Major General Matthews USSF Surgeon General
DISASTER MENTAL HEALTH: Below is information from the Disaster Mental Health (DMH) Team (Phone: 310-653-6639; M-F 0800-1600).
The DMH Team is here to help! DMH includes virtual access to services such as:Mental health technicians, spiritual support, family services
*DMH Services are not medical services and therefore do not involve medical or mental health record documentation. Exclusions related to safety apply, IAW with federal and local laws and guidance.
DOD COVID-19 SYMPTOM CHECKER: The Defense Digital Service released a tool for DoD members to assess their coronavirus risk/symptoms: https://mysymptoms.mil/
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