COVID on JBLM updates

Base officials brief community during Tuesday townhall

By Claire Nunn on November 4, 2020

COVID cases on base are following the same rise in cases across the civilian the community said officials during a Facebook Live townhall on Joint Base Lewis McChord, Tuesday.

“The base mirrors - the public,” confirmed Lt. Col. Luke Mease, base public health official.

COVID was a top topic discussed during the live event conducted by Lt. Gen. Randy George, I Corps and JBLM commander.

George said case counts are not rising on base due to training. He thanked commanders for keeping troops trained “safely.”

George said base cases are rising due to social events off the base and on weekends.

George said unless the state of Washington or the Defense Department changes the rules, holiday leave will go forward under current rules for travel. To see those, click here: www.defense.gov/Explore/Spotlight/Coronavirus/Latest-DOD-Guidance/

Base daycare officials said flu shots will be required for all children in daycare and school age programs. School aged children have not been required to have a flu shot in the past. Parents will be required to provide proof of flu shots by December 31.

Flu shots are not currently available on base. Madigan officials expect to hold a drive-thru flu shot program on McChord near the USO the first week of December, while CYS programs will also hold flu shot drives. Currently, flu shots are available off base at many local pharmacies, and they are covered by Tricare.

George said base Halloween events went well and thanked garrison and medical staff for keeping them safe. He said holiday events will go forward to include Winterfest, Trees for Troops and the base tree lighting. Trees for Troops will be by appointment only, contact the Northwest Adventure Center for reservations.

Units are encouraged to hold holiday events provided they follow rules concerning masks, distancing and ventilated rooms. George said MWR will reduce the costs of their building rentals this season.

In other news provided by base officials …

VETERANS DAY: Each year, service members from JBLM have supported Veterans Day speaking events all around the greater Puget Sound area. This year, with schools, businesses, service groups and communities unable to hold in-person events, JBLM is supporting Veterans Day for our Puget Sound community virtually. To see “JBLM Veterans Day Observance 2020” video, visit https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=YKX97Tw_pnA or https://www.dvidshub.net/.../jblm-veterans-day-observance.... (NOTE: YouTube is still blocked on DOD government computers)

• DONSA UPDATES: The holiday and DONSA training day schedule is posted on our website: https://home.army.mil/lewis-mcchord/index.php. Some units have the flexibility in using the DONSA date on another date, due to training. Contact your chain of command.

• THANKSGIVING MEALS CATERED: MWR Centralized Catering has Thanksgiving covered. MWR has two options for families. The catering team can cook and deliver your Thanksgiving meal or you can pick up and take it home. Visit https://jblm.armymwr.com/.../thanksgiving.../4777788/54059 or call 253-966-4998.

• GROUP FITNESS CLASSES: JBLM Group Fitness Classes are back at Jensen and Wilson fitness centers. Class sizes are limited to 10 due to COVID mitigation. All classes are free and taught by volunteers, so they are subject to cancellation in the event of an emergency. Visit @JBLMmwr page for specific times.

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