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SUBJ/DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE COVID-19 TESTING PRIOR TO OVERSEAS TRAVEL (UPDATE
1)//
REF/A/NAVADMIN/OPNAV/072031ZJAN21//
REF/B/EXECUTIVE ORDER/13998/21JAN21//
REF/C/USD P&R MEMO/29DEC20//
REF/D/CDC ORDER/12JAN21//
REF/E/GENADMIN/USTRANSCOM/230226ZJAN21//
REF/F/NAVADMIN/OPNAV/042056ZNOV20//
NARR/ REF A IS NAVADMIN 03/21, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE COVID-19
TESTING PRIOR TO OVERSEAS TRAVEL.
REF B IS EXECUTIVE ORDER 13998, PROMOTING COVID-19 SAFETY IN DOMESTIC AND
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL.
REF C IS FORCE HEALTH PROTECTION GUIDANCE (SUPPLEMENT 14).
REF D IS CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION ORDER REQUIREMENT FOR
NEGATIVE PRE-DEPARTURE COVID-19 TEST RESULT OR DOCUMENTATION OF RECOVERY FROM
COVID-19 FOR ALL AIRLINE OR OTHER AIRCRAFT PASSENGERS ARRIVING INTO THE
UNITED STATES FROM ANY FOREIGN COUNTRY.
REF E IS USTRANSCOM AMENDED GUIDANCE TO THE JOINT FORCE UPDATING COVID-19
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAVELERS MOVING FROM OCONUS TO CONUS DESTINATIONS IN
RESPONSE TO FORCE HEALTH PROTECTION SUPPLEMENT 14.
REF F IS NAVADMIN 298/20, US NAVY COVID-19 STANDARDIZED OPERATIONAL GUIDANCE
VERSION 3.1.
RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN adds requirements for COVID-19 testing prior to
international travel, in line with reference (a), to include testing prior to
entry into the U.S. from a foreign country, as described in references (b)
through (e). Reference (a) is cancelled.
2. The dynamic nature of the COVID-19 pandemic requires the implementation
of measures to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 spread.
Many countries, to include the U.S., now require negative test results before
arrival. In line with reference (c), and to ensure Service Members and
families are not refused travel or delayed, all travelers executing
international orders, to include returning to the U.S. from a foreign
country, are required to have a negative viral COVID-19 test (molecular or
antigen). An antigen test may be used for testing prior to travel when a
molecular test (such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or Abbott ID NOW) is
not available.
However, a molecular test is the preferred test prior to travel. If the
destination location requires a specific test, test timing, or test result
format, travelers must follow the stricter requirement.
3. Service Members and/or family members must do the following
a. Possess, and present on request, proof of a negative viral COVID-19
test administered within 72 hours of embarkation for international travel for
each traveling family member. Valid proof may be electronic or printed for
commercial flights. Printed proof will be requested prior to Air Mobility
Command (AMC) Patriot Express (PE) (i.e., rotator) or Military aircraft
flights.
Travelers should verify specific country entry requirements to avoid delays,
fines, or other complications upon arrival.
Note: If previously infected with COVID-19, a molecular COVID-19 test may
still produce a positive result. If unable to achieve a negative result,
consult with a medical provider, the Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG), and/or
your travel provider to determine the necessary medical clearance
documentation. Documents likely include the proof of COVID-19 positive
results, written documentation from the treating physician that the traveler
has recovered, and the date of the onset of symptoms or positive test.
b. Review the FCG (https://www.fcg.pentagon.mil/Fcg.cfm) to determine
the exact entry requirements for the final destination (does not apply to
routine intermediate stops). COVID-19 travel information for travelers
returning to the United States may be found on the Department of State
website (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/
en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-19-information.html). Additionally, travelers
are encouraged to register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
(https://step.state.gov) for a free service enabling travelers to enroll
their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. This service provides
updates from the embassy regarding travel requirements and safety conditions
in the destination country.
c. Review associated destination requirements, such as type of test,
timing or test result format, to determine specifics for entry that may be
more restrictive than service policy, e.g., testing within 72 hours from
arrival instead of embarkation - in this case, travelers must execute their
testing in order to arrive at their embarkation site with proof and have
sufficient time remaining to travel to their destination prior to the
requirement expiring.
d. Plan intermediate travel and leave. Do not place you and your family
in extremis should an unexpected restriction of movement (ROM) be required
while traveling prior to embarkation. During trip planning, ensure you
identify facilities along your route of travel that will accommodate you or a
family member who may become COVID-19 positive. Additionally, financially
plan for an extended trip and/or additional tests should they become
necessary. Service Members are encouraged to use their Government Travel
Charge Card (GTCC) for travel expenses on official orders as this will assist
in alleviating personal financial impact. TRICARE covers COVID-19 tests when
medically necessary and appropriate. Visit:
https://www.tricare.mil/covid19testing for more details on COVID-19 testing
coverage. TRICARE does not fund strictly travel-based tests. If not using a
military facility, Service Members traveling on official orders should be
prepared to pay for tests and be refunded via travel claim, in line with the
Joint Travel Regulations. For those that choose not to use the GTCC or do
not possess a GTCC, advanced travel pay is encouraged since molecular-based
tests may be expensive. If paying for a commercial test that requires an
upfront fee (copay), Service Members should ensure to submit the full testing
cost via travel claim.
e. Take responsibility for testing. The service is providing the
following options to assist with individual travel situations, but it is the
responsibility of the traveler to ensure all requirements have been met:
(1) When traveling internationally from the U.S.:
(a) Military treatment facilities (MTF) will execute free tests
for Service Members and dependents in possession of international orders in
line with reference (c). Tests should be scheduled prior to arrival at the
MTF. MTFs should deliver hard copy documentation of test results within 24
hours of testing to the Service Members and dependents. This allows for
testing in a different area than former duty stations to account for leave or
training in route. A non-inclusive list of preferred MTFs may be found on
the Overseas PCS COVID-19 Testing Fact Sheet via the MyNavy Portal
(https://www.mnp.navy.mil/covid-19.html).
Note: Most MTFs are closed during the weekend and holidays.
Travelers are encouraged to plan for alternate testing solutions if boarding
a flight at the beginning of the week.
(b) Travelers assigned to a U.S. Transportation Command
(USTRANSCOM)/AMC PE flight (i.e., rotator) may be tested at the Madigan Army
Medical Center (Seattle) or Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
(Bethesda) if travel timing precludes testing prior to arriving at the PE
terminal. If using this option, travelers should appear in person 48 hours
prior to boarding at their respective Aerial Port of Embarkation (APOE).
Walk-up testing is located in temporary shelters outside the facilities.
Direct communication with the testing sites is limited. Applicable contact
information as follows:
i. AMC Gateway, Baltimore, MD:
Phone - (609) 253-8825
Schedule - Limited operations
ii. Walter Reed National Military Medical Center,
Bethesda, MD:
Phone (Central Screening) (571) 335-9985
Schedule - 0700-1600 EST, no weekends or
holidays
iii. AMC Gateway, Seattle, WA:
Phone - (253) 982-3504/0555
Schedule - Limited operations.
iv. Madigan Army Medical Center, McChord, WA:
Phone (PrevMed) (253) 968-4443
Schedule - 0600-1700 PST, weekends/no holidays
(c) Commercial sites that support antigen or molecular-based
tests (e.g., PCR and Abbott ID NOW) may be used to satisfy the requirement.
See planning and cost considerations above.
(2) When traveling to the U.S. from a foreign country:
(a) Travelers returning to the U.S. should primarily use their
closest U.S. installation MTF. COVID-19 testing results will be available
via TRICARE Online, often within 24 hours of testing.
Results may be printed, if hard copies are required. A list of preferred
international MTFs may be found on the Overseas PCS COVID-19 Testing Fact
Sheet via the MyNavy Portal (https://www.mnp.navy.mil/covid-19.html).
(b) International commercial sites that support antigen or
molecular-based tests may also be used to satisfy the requirement. However,
travelers should consult with their local installation, military liaison, or
U.S. Embassy prior to doing so. See planning and cost considerations above.
f. Travelers that test positive for COVID-19 while executing
international travel must do the following:
(1) Immediately execute ROM procedures. If a member of a family unit
tests positive, the entire family unit must commence ROM. Travelers may not
proceed separately. If not already in place at suitable lodging, priority
for ROM site should be given to the following in order: 1) APOE, 2) home or
detaching installation, 3) nearby family member, 4) nearby acceptable
military installation and 5) nearby acceptable hotel. Call ahead to the
preferred ROM site for notification and support. If no ROM site is available
and additional support is required, call the MyNavy Career Center (MNCC)
contact information below. If at a U.S. PE APOE, USTRANSCOM/AMC will take
immediate responsibility for the travelers, to include medical, lodging, pet
services, meals and transportation support.
AMC will direct travelers to nearby military installations or participating
lodging sites. While in ROM, travelers must strictly adhere to force
protection health guidance and return to work criteria, in line with
reference (f). Do not proceed until consulting with your detailer and/or AMC
(if at a U.S. PE APOE).
(2) Contact the MNCC for initial notification and additional support.
Available 24/7, by phone at 1-833-330-MNCC (6622) or email at
askmncc@navy.mil. Provide valid contact information and proof of positive
test result(s) to the servicing MNCC agent. The servicing MNCC agent will
take appropriate action to notify the Service Member detailer, Navy Passenger
Transportation Office (NAVPTO), and the OPNAV COVID-19 Taskforce Liaison.
(3) Continue communicating with your detailer and NAVPTO agent for
orders modification (ORDMOD) and logistics support. Upon notification from
the MNCC, the detailer and NAVPTO agent will contact the Service Member to
discuss an ORDMOD and re-book future travel. ORDMODs will ensure per diem is
available and reimbursable for qualified expenses incurred during the ROM
period. Service Members may use the GTCC if issued. Additionally, Service
Members may request a travel advance through the MNCC regardless of GTCC
possession.
(4) Secure from ROM. Once the travelers meet return to work
criteria, in line with reference (f) and in conjunction with any medical
provider guidance, they may continue execution of their orders after
conferring with detailers and/or AMC (if at a U.S. PE APOE). Service Members
and detailers should be proactive to continue travel as soon as possible.
4. Command Pay and Personnel Administrators must do the following before a
Service Member detaches:
a. Notify Service Member of the testing requirement for international
travel and options. Keep a record of the plans of the Service Member for
testing, to include the intended facility site and date.
b. Counsel Service Members on the expense for commercial testing and
discuss options for the potential financial burden, e.g. GTCC, advanced
travel pay, reimbursement, etc.
c. Ensure the Service Member has detaching command contact information
in case additional support is needed during an intermediate ROM status.
5. Travelers with valid proof of COVID-19 vaccination are currently not
exempt from the testing requirement.
6. Contact the MNCC with any questions, issues or to provide feedback at
833-330-MNCC/6622 or via e-mail at askmncc@navy.mil.
7. Released by Vice Admiral John B. Nowell, Jr, N1.//
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