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MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/JAN//
SUBJ/DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE COVID-19 TESTING PRIOR TO OVERSEAS TRAVEL//
REF/A/NAVADMIN/OPNAV/042056ZNOV20//
REF/B/USD P&R MEMO/29DEC20//
REF/C/NAVADMIN/OPNAV/302124ZOCT20//
NARR/REF A IS NAVADMIN 298/20, US NAVY COVID-19 STANDARDIZED OPERATIONAL
GUIDANCE VERSION 3.1.
REF B IS FORCE HEALTH PROTECTION GUIDANCE (SUPPLEMENT 14).
REF C IS NAVADMIN 294/20, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE COVID-19 RAPID ON-SITE
TESTING AT BALTIMORE AND SEATTLE PATRIOT EXPRESS AERIAL PORTS OF
EMBARKATION.//
RMKS/1. In line with references (a) and (b), this NAVADMIN announces
Department of Defense requirements for COVID-19 testing prior to overseas
travel. This message also incorporates and updates information contained in
reference (c), United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM)
implementation of rapid on-site COVID-19 testing capability at Baltimore and
Seattle Patriot Express Aerial Ports of Embarkation (APOE) operated by Air
Mobility Command (AMC). Reference (c) is hereby cancelled.
2. The dynamic nature of the COVID-19 pandemic requires the implementation
of measures to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 spread outside the Continental
United States (OCONUS). Many countries now require negative test results
before arrival. To ensure service members and families are not refused
travel or delayed, all travelers executing OCONUS orders are now 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 more strict 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 OCONUS travel
for each traveling family member. Valid proof may be electronic or printed.
Proof will be requested prior to AMC Patriot Express (rotator) flights but
may not be requested prior to commercial 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 medical provider, the Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG), and/or your
travel provider to determine if the destination will allow entry with a
letter from a physician.
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). Additionally, travelers are encouraged to
register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
(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
enroute 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-positive. Additionally, financially plan for an
extended trip and/or additional tests should they become necessary. We
encourage service members to use their Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC)
for travel expenses on official orders as this will assist in alleviating
personal financial impact.
e. Take responsibility for testing. The service is providing the
following options in priority order to assist with individual travel
situations, but it is the travelers responsibility to ensure all requirements
have been met:
(1) When traveling on the AMC Patriot Express (rotator) flights,
Madigan Army Medical Center (Seattle) and Walter Reed National Military
Medical Center (Baltimore), have been designated as primary testing sites for
APOEs. These centers are staffed and funded to test Patriot Express
travelers in possession of OCONUS orders. Travelers are encouraged to appear
in person 48 hours prior to embarkation at the 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:
(a) Baltimore AMC Gateway: (609) 253-8825, limited operations.
(b) Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda,
MD: Central Screening - (571) 335-9985, Testing - 0700-1600 EST, no weekends
or holidays.
(c) Seattle AMC Gateway: (253) 982-3504/0555, limited
operations.
(d) Madigan Army Medical Center, McChord, WA: Preventative
Medicine Department - (253) 968-4443, Testing - 0600-1700 PST, weekends
included, no holidays.
(2) Other military treatment facilities (MTF) may execute free tests
for service members and dependents if tests are scheduled prior to arrival at
the MTF for those in possession of OCONUS orders. 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 via the MyNavy Portal,
https://www.mnp.navy.mil/.
Note: Most MTFs are closed during the weekend travelers are encouraged to
plan for alternate solutions if boarding a flight at the beginning of the
week.
(3) Commercial sites that support antigen or molecular-based tests
(PCR and Abbott ID NOW) may be used to satisfy the requirement.
TRICARE does not fund strictly travel-based tests. Travelers should be
prepared to pay for tests and will be refunded via travel claim in line with
Joint Travel Regulations if traveling on OCONUS orders. We encourage service
members to use their GTCC for travel expenses on official orders as this will
support these tests. For those that choose not to use the GTCC on official
orders, recommend taking advance travel pay as molecular-based tests may be
expensive. Additionally, if commercial sites require an upfront fee in an
effort to bill TRICARE, service members should ensure to submit the full
testing cost via travel claim.
f. Travelers that test positive for COVID-19 while executing OCONUS
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 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 references (a) and (b). Do not proceed until
consulting with your detailer/AMC.
(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 members detailer, Navy
Passenger Transportation Office (NAVPTO), and the OPNAV COVID 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
requirements, in line with reference (a) and in conjunction with any medical
provider guidance, they may continue execution of their orders after
conferring with detailers/AMC. Service members and detailers should be
proactive to continue travel as soon as possible.
4. Command Pay and Personnel Administrators (CPPA) must do the following
before a service member detaches:
a. Notify service member of the testing requirement for overseas travel
and options. Keep a record of the service members plans for testing, to
include the intended facility site and date.
b. 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. Vaccinated travelers should only rely
on molecular-based tests because they may be at higher risk of a false
positive with an antigen test.
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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