New COVID updates for JBLM

Vaccine rollout plans, Madigan visitor policies, gyms and more discussed by base officials

By Claire Nunn on January 6, 2021

Vaccine updates were the top subject discussed Tuesday by officials at Joint Base Lewis McChord during a scheduled monthly Sound Summit broadcast. Other topics included visitor policies at Madigan, updates on the laundromat, CFC totals, gyms and more.

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Col. Scott Roofe, Madigan commander, said phase two vaccines should commence in the next two to three weeks. Currently, the base is inoculating medical personnel, emergency workers, some deploying personnel, and some youth and childcare staff, Roofe added.

In the next phase, the base will identify those over 75 years of age with health issues. Roofe said a hotline providing information will be available within the next week, however those in phase two will be notified by staff.

Roofe reiterated that the vaccine is not mandatory to military personnel, however, he said he expects that to change at some point down the line.

“When, remains to be seen,” Roofe added.

Roofe reminded beneficiaries that there are military urgent care facilities off the base, asking that Madigan’s ER remain for those who “acutely ill.” He said more information on making those decision is available on the MHS Genesis system or by calling (800) 404-4506.

Finally, Roofe said Madigan has returned to its stricter visitor policies. Those rules and exceptions are available on Madigan’s website.

Col. Skye Duncan, garrison commander said the base gyms are still limited only to active-duty personnel, stating the base will continue to follow state COVID guidelines except where readiness is a factor.

“We are an integral part of this community – we want to be good partners,” Duncan added.

He said the pools are open to all DoD ID card holders for workouts.

Duncan also stated that the main mini mall is scheduled for demolition, which affected laundromat services on base. He said the laundromats at the RV centers on North Fort and McChord are still open. Duncan said the base is studying budgets and ideas to either rebuild a laundromat in the future, or find an off-base partner to provide the services.

Also announced were plans for a winter vacation bible school on base. To participate, pick up art supplies this week at the North Fort Chapel.

CFC officials announced that the 2020 campaign raised $1.35 million versus $1.59 million in 2019.

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