2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

 Expanding & Sustaining Operations

Last Updated: January 10, 2022
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Commanders can use the following resources to help guide their decisions regarding changes in Health Protection Conditions (HPCONs) and health protection measures as part of their Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic response. Commanders are advised to balance force readiness with disease threats to mitigate transmission of COVID-19 on installations and their neighboring local communities. Commanders need to apply appropriate health protection measures to balance risks and potential health consequences for their installations and off base.​

When considering a HPCON transition, the installation Commander should evaluate:

  • Army guidance, mission, and training priorities
  • Healthcare facility capability and capacity
  • Local disease epidemiology
  • Laboratory testing capability and capacity
  • Capability to implement Army Public Health prevent, detect, and respond measures:

Adjusting the Dial: Guidance for Installation Risk Reduction (PDF guide) | APHC


Roadmap to Coronavirus Disease Risk Reduction in Army Training Formations (PDF guide) | APHC



Contents

Returning to the Workplace

Sustaining Workplace Operations

Best Practices and Recommendations

Returning to the Workplace

The following resources provide recommended actions for the safe re-integration of the total Army workforce (Soldiers, DA Civilians, contractors, and volunteers). Installation Commanders, Public Health Emergency Officers (PHEOs), installation hospitals and clinics (and to the extent possible local health departments) must work together to determine those actions which are needed to balance mission completion with the safety of their workforce.​

 

 Fully Vaccinated Personnel

DOD follows CDC guidance. Public Health guidance changes subject to new evidence-based medicine findings. Published DOD instructions and FRAGOs may lag behind current expert medical and public health recommendations. Commanders are advised to refer to both DOD guidance and to consult with their Public Health Emergency Officers (PHEOs) in their decision-making.

As of January 10, 2022, personnel are not required to remain out of the workplace even if they have been in close contact with someone who is suspected or confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 if they remain asymptomatic and-​

  • have waited 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such ​as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines,
  • have waited 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson's Janssen vaccine, or
  • have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 3 months and who have recovered (FRAGO 57, MEDCOM OPORD 20-29, 192a).



Sustaining Workplace Operations

Installation Commanders and Public Health staff should follow established DOD and Army COVID-19 protocols consistent with their specific circumstances to aid in infection control to mitigate against workplace hazards and protect the health and safety of all personnel on their installations.​

Sustaining Workplace Operations (PDF guide) | APHC

-Sustaining Workplace Operations - Building Readiness Annex | APHC

 


Best Practices and Recommendations

  

Information and resources for specific facilities and services are available at: https://ephc.amedd.army.mil/HIPECatalog/searchResults.aspx?hotlist=88


Additional Resources for Decision Makers