JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- The Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson installation commander has rescinded the Public Health Emergency (PHE) originally declared on Nov. 9. Because of the steady reduction in community transmission of COVID and maintained medical capability and sufficient testing capacity, JBER will also transition from Health Protection Condition CHARLIE to BRAVO effective Jan. 29 at 5 a.m.
Many transmission mitigation measures will remain in place, including all Department of Defense directives on mask wear, physical distancing, sanitation, and hygiene practices. Commanders will also continue to use shift-based and flexible schedules and maximize telework when possible.
Several restrictions under the PHE have been modified.
On Jan. 29 at 5 a.m., base access will resume normal operations at the JBER visitor control center (VCC) at the Boniface Gate. A surge in visitor center usage for visitor passes is expected. Individuals are recommended to visit the VCC after 5 p.m. for faster service. Common Access Card holders intending to sponsor an individual may use the Intelink Sharepoint site located at: https://intelshare.intelink.gov/sites/jointbaseelmendorfrichardson/JBERSites/BaseAccess/SitePages/Home.aspx or through the JBER website. This enables CAC holders to sponsor up to nine US citizens for up to 60 days within 72 hours of their arrival to JBER. The trusted traveler program is still suspended.
Additionally, on Feb. 15, the Boniface Gate VCC operations will be temporarily relocated to the Richardson Gate Visitor Center to accommodate construction upgrades.
Limits on private gatherings on the installation have been increased to three family groups indoors and five family groups outdoors. Family groups are defined in the 27 Jan JBER Installation COVID Policy.
Official indoor and outdoor gathering limits have changed to a maximum of 25 persons, with meetings still conducted virtually if possible. Unit commanders may approve gatherings with appropriate COVID mitigation protocols of up to 40 people indoors and outdoors.
The memo which contains additional guidance may be viewed here: https://www.jber.jb.mil/Portals/144/COVID%20Files/JBER%20COVID-19%20Installation%20Policy%20Memo%20dtd%2027%20Jan%2021.pdf.
Follow updates on the JBER population prioritization and availability of the COVID-19 vaccine by visiting JBER’s website at https://www.jber.jb.mil/Coronavirus/.
For more information on the Department of Defense response to the Coronavirus visit https://www.defense.gov/Explore/Spotlight/Coronavirus/.
For more information on COVID-19 vaccines for DoD personnel and their families visit https://www.health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Combat-Support/Public-Health/Coronavirus/COVID-19-Vaccine-Efforts/Getting-the-COVID-19-Vaccine.
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