Trainees arrive at Nutter Field House Saturday to sign in after holiday block leave. With the return of the trainees, Brig. Gen. James Bonner, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general, updated guidance regarding the post’s COVID-19 control measures. (Courtesy photo)
As leaders here continually assess COVID-19 protection and mitigation measures, the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general has updated guidance regarding the installation’s COVID-19 control measures.
Effective Dec. 28, General Order No. 4 — dated Oct. 26, 2020 — is replaced with General Order No. 5, dated Dec. 28 and signed by Brig. Gen. James Bonner, MSCoE and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general.
Major updates and changes under General Order No. 5, which applies to all military personnel on or off post as well as government civilian personnel while performing duties on post, include:
— No mileage restrictions for permanent party personnel.
— Service members are prohibited to patronize any business or establishment that does not have a mask mandate, for both employees and patrons, regardless if they provide an essential service or not.
— Off-post barbers, salons, spas, gyms and tattoo parlors are approved for use by service members as long as they are enforcing a mask mandate for customers and employees.
— Bars and clubs are off-limits for service members.
— Service members are directed not to dine-in at off-post and on-post restaurants, but are encouraged to use take-out, drive-through and delivery options.
— Personal and social gatherings outside of the workplace are strongly encouraged to be limited to no more than six people. Service members residing on-post can have no more than six external individuals within their residence.
— All service members in a training status will execute restriction of movement until further notice. Under ROM, movement is confined to quarters, place of duty, fuel and hygiene purchases, solitary outdoor recreation and exercise, and medical care as needed. Food purchases through curbside pickup and drive through services at restaurants are authorized. Anyone in a ROM status is prohibited from attending social gatherings.
— Face coverings or face shields continue to be required at all times on Fort Leonard Wood. Exceptions can be found at: https://home.army.mil/wood/application/files/3115/9847/7895/exceptions.pdf.
To help prepare for the return of Soldiers from holiday block leave, the following measures are in effect as of Jan. 2.
— Telework will continue to be maximized.
— In-person meetings will continue to be limited to a maximum of 10 mission essential personnel only.
— When meeting in person, face coverings must be worn, and venues need to be large enough to allow for 6 feet of social distancing.
— Professional Military Education, Basic Officer Leadership, NCO Academy and MSCoE staff and faculty courses will maximize distance learning.
— Temporary duty assignments continue to be limited to mission essential.
— Non-Department of Defense ID cardholder exceptions to policy will only be approved for mission essential, exigency or urgent circumstances.
— Office social gatherings are not authorized.
— On-post restaurants remain takeout and drive through only.
— MWR and unit gyms are open for active-duty service members only from 5 to 8 a.m. Monday through Friday. However, starting Friday, all authorized patrons may use Davidson Fitness Center and Specker Gym during the following hours: DFC: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. weekdays; 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 7 p.m. weekends; 8 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 4 p.m. on holidays. Specker: 8 to 10 a.m., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. daily; 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. on holidays. DFC is limited to 65 patrons (55 patrons beginning Monday due to construction); Specker is limited to 45 patrons. Locker rooms remain closed.
— The Daugherty Bowling Center is closed.
— The Outdoor Adventure Center is closed.
— The Auto Skills Center is closed.
— The Clarke Community Library will only provide curbside during operational hours.
— Ozark Tavern is closed.
— Pershing Community Center and Morelli Heights are closed.
— Leisure Travel Office is closed but employees will be available by phone or email.
— On-post barber shops remain open.
— On-post deliveries continue to be allowed.
— On-post taxis are allowed. On-post Uber and Lyft services remain restricted.
— Child and Youth Services is not be impacted.
— Graduations remain virtual and family days remain canceled until further notice.
Everyone should continue to follow the three Ws: wash hands for at least 20 seconds, wear masks and watch social distancing.
(Editor’s note: Information for this article was provided by the Public Affairs Office.)
