---Mountain Home AFB: HPCON Bravo PLUS has been implemented

HPCON BRAVO PLUS

The counties surrounding MHAFB are still assessed as "High" community transmission, and the COVID-19 Delta variant poses a threat to Gunfighters, our families and our mission, therefore:

• In consultation with local Public Health experts, the installation commander has changed the MHAFB HPCON Level from BRAVO to BRAVO PLUS, effective immediately.

During HPCON BRAVO, all service members, federal employees, onsite contractor employees, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status will adhere to the following protective measures:

- FACE COVERINGS - Face coverings will be worn on and off installation while indoors as long as the risk is assessed as “substantial” or “high” (with the exception of your personal residence)

- LARGE GATHERINGS RESTRICTIONS - Limit your participation in indoor unstructured gatherings on base to less than 25 people.

• Airmen are also encouraged to limit participation in indoor unstructured social gatherings of 25 people off base.
• An unstructured gathering is a meeting where people co-mingle and interact for over 15 mins and create an environment where on sick person can affect a large number of people.

- OTHER PROTECTIVE MEASURES - Physical distancing (6 feet or more); hand wash hygiene; seek healthcare if ill; avoid others who are sick; frequent cleaning and disinfecting common use surfaces.

Additionally, we have stood up a COVID Working Group and they will provide daily recommendations to me on our base posture as well as upcoming activities and events, up to two weeks out. We will update the local COVID status weekly and adjust measures accordingly. You can view our latest guidance at https://www.mountainhome.af.mil/Home/COVID-19/.

See Idaho Rebounds: Our Path to Prosperity for additional details as required:
https://rebound.idaho.gov/stages-of-reopening/

See U.S. Department of Defense: Coronavirus: Latest DoD Guidance for additional details: https://www.defense.gov/Explore/Spotlight/Coronavirus/Latest-DOD-Guidance/

WOC Directive: Public Health Emergency for MHAFB

The 366 FW Commander has declared a Public Health Emergency for MHAFB.
What this declaration of Public Health Emergency means for the Gunfighter family is that we will be begin limiting base access to mission essential individuals only and to those who live on base and in the dormitories, which is in line with Gov. Little's Stay-Home order.

Official business for non-essential personnel, dependents, or retirees includes:
- Shopping at the Commissary, the Base Exchange, or the Shoppette
- Visiting medical facilities; conducting postal service activities
- Contacting military law enforcement; and providing essential services or supplies to an individual on base
Official business does not include:
- Social gatherings, family/friend visitation for those not part of designated family care plans, etc.

WOC Directive: COVID19-20-10- Relaxed Grooming Standards

Due to the closure of on and off base barbers and salons, the grooming standards will be relaxed to include but are not limited to the following examples: 
- Hair touching the collar
- Hair touching the ears (male standard)
- Female bangs/side-swept hair extending past eyebrow line
- Hair exceeding bulk (male and female standard)
   - Does not affect current standards for facial hair
During the timeframe these services are suspended, all Airmen are encouraged to continue to present a professional appearance and maintain standards IAW AFI 36-2903 Chapter 3-Grooming and Appearance Standards, to the best of their ability while in uniform. 

WOC Directive: COVID19-20-09- Workplace Cleaning

Enhanced cleaning and housekeeping routines to mitigate risk
- Frequently clean all shared workspace surfaces (i.e. workstations, countertops, and doorknobs, etc.).
- Purchase appropriate quantities of antimicrobial soap, bleach, spray bottles, and disposable items such as paper towels and gloves; however, at this time do not purchase large quantities.
- If available, provide disposable wipes for cleaning commonly touched surfaces (i.e. doorknobs, keyboards, remote controls, desks).
- Clean area prior to disinfection.
- Disinfect using diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants.
-- Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.
See CDC guidance for additional details as required
https://www.cdc.gov/…/commu…/guidance-business-response.html
https://www.cdc.gov/…/organizati…/cleaning-disinfection.html
https://www.cdc.gov/…/p…/disinfecting-building-facility.html

MHAFB WOC Directive: All Active Duty, Guard, or Reserve members assigned to MHAFB or the 366 FW will limit movement IAW DoD, ACC, 366 FW, and local government guidance to mission essential tasks. If on a split team construct, avoid contact with the opposite team as much as possible, including in the workplace, public settings (BX, commissary, etc.), or private setting to the max extent possible. All RSAF personnel, DoD civilians, contractors, and dependents are encouraged, but not required, to follow the above guidance to safeguard Gunfighters, families, and the community and preserve mission capability.

Following the guidance of Idaho's public health experts, Gov. Brad Little issued a statewide stay-home order today, March 25 2020, for all Idahoans. For more information visit https://gov.idaho.gov/pressrelease/governor-little-issues-statewide-stay-home-order-signs-extreme-emergency-declaration/

If you are experiencing symptoms, call the Medical Treatment Facility at 208-828-7900 or the Nurse Advice Line at 1-800-TRICARE. 

Finance:
366 FAS is taking increased measures to keep the Gunfighters that visit our office safe by mitigating risk and modifying our operations to maximize social distancing. Current Finance Customer Service is available for in-person appointments with mandatory wear of masks.  Walk in hours are suspended until further notice.  We will also continue to provide appointments M-F through virtual mediums; Phone, MS Teams. See below for support options.

Option 1: (NEW) Submit an inquiry thru The Comptroller Services Portal (See details below)

https://usaf.dps.mil/teams/SAFFMCSP/portal/SitePages/Home.aspx

Option 2: Contact us via e-mail through our customer service org box to request an appointment; 366CPTS.FinanceCustomerService@us.af.mil.

Option 3: For emergency/immediate response: a representative from our office can be reached through your First Sergeant.

What is the Comptroller Services Portal?

The 366 Finance Customer Service office is excited to announce the launch of the Air Force Comptroller Services Portal (CSP) https://usaf.dps.mil/teams/SAFFMCSP/portal/SitePages/Home.aspx

The CSP enables Airmen to submit customer service requests related to Military Pay, Civilian Pay, and Travel Pay, through a simple online process. The site is secure and fully protects Personally Identifiable Information (PII). CSP does not require VPN access but does require a CAC reader when using a personal computer. Members will be prompted to review their user profile and make any necessary updates (2-3 minute process) before submitting their initial request.

The CSP allows customers to submit, review, and track their requests anytime, anywhere.  Email notifications alert the customer anytime changes are made. As the CSP continues to grow, you will also have access to regulations, announcements, knowledge articles, calendars, and other useful links to assist you in all things FM. 

We are looking forward to the exciting and positive change this new service will provide. Thank you for embracing the future with us!

-A queue system has been implemented at the Main Gate to allow after-hours visitor passes to be processed one guest at a time. Any person requesting a visitor pass after the Visitor Center closes (1600), will be directed to park in the Visitor Center Parking lot and wait for the Gate Guard to motion them forward. Visitor passes will be processed hands-free at the gate shack on a one-on-one basis.
 

---WOC Directive: COVID19-20-19-Travel and Leave Guidance

Per the 29 Jun 20 “Exemption of Authorized Leave for Department of Defense Service Members from Coronavirus Disease 2019 Personnel Movement and Travel Restrictions” memorandum:

Leave travel for DoD Service members is exempt from the May 22, 2020 “Transition to Conditions-based Phased Approach to COVID-19 Personnel Movement and Travel Restrictions.”

Unit Commanders or equivalent (not delegated lower) are authorized to approve leave outside of the local area without an exception to policy request.

Unit Commanders may delegate approval to supervisors for leave inside the local area. MHAFB’s local area is defined as <10 hours driving distance from the installation, following posted speed limits.

In addition:
• Commanders and supervisors will conduct a risk assessment of the health status and travel itinerary before Service members proceed on leave.
• DoD personnel will comply with any DoD, Federal, State, and local restrictions while in a leave status.
• Commanders and supervisors will establish a means of communication with all Service members throughout the period of leave and the post-travel process, as well as prescribing actions for their particular circumstances.
• Service members should not travel if they display a fever or other symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or if they have had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 14 days.
WOC-D-16 (prior travel and leave guidance) is rescinded.

A queue system has been implemented at the Main Gate to allow after-hours visitor passes to be processed one guest at a time. Any person requesting a visitor pass after the Visitor Center closes (1600), will be directed to park in the Visitor Center Parking lot and wait for the Gate Guard to motion them forward. Visitor passes will be processed hands-free at the gate shack on a one-on-one basis.
-CONTRACTORS, work with your contracting officer or FAS for base access.
-All other visitors should be in line with Gov. Little's (Phases Plan) found here: https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/stay-heathy-order

Status: Open with adjusted hours. No more ID check at the door.

No More AD/Dependent only hours. Maintain max of 70 personnel in facility.

Face coverings are required. Please maintain

Monday:
10 - 6 p.m.: Open to All 
Tuesday - Friday:
10 - 7 p.m.: Open to All  

Weekend Hours: 
10 a.m. - 6 p.m.: Open to All

Food Court:
Open for dine-in, limit seating to 50% with tables 6 ft apart.
Subway and Pizza Hut, limit seating to 50%, open for dine-in

Barber Shop: 'Closed until further notice'

CHAPEL is OPEN!

WORSHIP SERVICES:  Sunday worship services have resumed.  Catholic Mass is at 0930 and Protestant Worship is at 1115.  All services will be live-streamed as well on the Chapel Page at the regular service times.  Follow the Chapels Facebook page for specific service info and further updates.

COUNSELING:  Our walk-in hours have resumed as well.  Walk-in time is from 0900-1500, Monday through Friday.   We are able to accommodate your comfort level and social distancing counseling’s needs to include web-based tele-chaplain capabilities.

HOW TO CONTACT:  If you would like to set an appointment please call the chapels main number @ 208-828-6417.   For emergencies or after duty hours you can always call the on-duty chaplain phone: 208-863-6750. Once we take the phone interview we can set-up a tele-chaplain meeting with them.

Civilian Personnel Office: 
- Until further notice, walk-in customer service provided by the Civilian Personnel Office will be by appointment only. Call 208-828-8429. 
Wing Information Protection Office:
-Until further notice, all fingerprints for background investigations will be provided by appointment on Thursdays only. Fingerprint appointments on other days may be considered for emergencies only. Please call 208-828-1275 or 4529.
Finance:
-As we continue to see the impact of the novel corona virus 2019 (COVID-19) spread across the US, the 366 FAS is taking increased measures to keep the Gunfighters that visit our office safe by mitigating risk and modifying our operations to maximize social distancing.  Effective Monday 6 April, Finance Customer Service will transition from M-F in-person appointments through virtual mediums: e-Finance, MS Teams. See below for support options.

Option 1. Utilize e-Finance for military pay/PCS requests; https://efinance.sso.cce.af.mil/login?4

Option 2. Contact us via e-mail through our customer service org box to request a virtual appointment; 366CPTS.FinanceCustomerService@us.af.mil.

Option 3. For emergency/immediate response: a representative from our office can be reached through your First Sergeant.

Note: Due to possible VPN connectivity limitations, we will do our best to answer e-mails within 24-48 business hrs.Thank you for your patience as we work through this unprecedented time; we want to be sure to take care of our Gunfighters and their families as best we are able!

---WOC Directive: COVID19-20-19-Travel and Leave Guidance

Per the 29 Jun 20 “Exemption of Authorized Leave for Department of Defense Service Members from Coronavirus Disease 2019 Personnel Movement and Travel Restrictions” memorandum:

-Leave travel for DoD Service members is exempt from the May 22, 2020 “Transition to Conditions-based Phased Approach to COVID-19 Personnel Movement and Travel Restrictions.”

-Unit Commanders or equivalent (not delegated lower) are authorized to approve leave outside of the local area without an exception to policy request.

-Unit Commanders may delegate approval to supervisors for leave inside the local area. MHAFB’s local area is defined as <10 hours driving distance from the installation, following posted speed limits.

In addition:
• Commanders and supervisors will conduct a risk assessment of the health status and travel itinerary before Service members proceed on leave.
• DoD personnel will comply with any DoD, Federal, State, and local restrictions while in a leave status.
• Commanders and supervisors will establish a means of communication with all Service members throughout the period of leave and the post-travel process, as well as prescribing actions for their particular circumstances.
• Service members should not travel if they display a fever or other symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or if they have had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 14 days.

WOC-D-16 (prior travel and leave guidance) is rescinded.

For more information, please visit https://www.defense.gov/explore/spotlight/coronavirus/

For the 366th Travel ETP MEMO click here 

Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet

Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet

Vaccination Updates

Provided are fact sheets for the two COVID-19 vaccines which have garnered Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) status from the FDA.  There are other vaccines in various stages of development, but as of today, the Pfizer and Moderna products are the only two with EUAs. Ultimately, both vaccines have a similar side effect profile and similar efficacy.

In terms of how the 366th Fighter Wing will need to operate in this environment, distribution will be based on tiered prioritizations from SECDEF, but the vaccine remains optional. However, SECDEF is tracking this information and requires declinations to be documented in the record. This means that the appointment to show up at the MTF will be mandatory, but the decision to be vaccinated or not is still optional for all, including active duty members at this time.

Overall, the development of these mRNA vaccines (which have been studied since 1997) are an incredible achievement for science and medicine! Everyone has their own values and priorities that will factor into their decision about the COVID vaccine, and that it ultimately comes down to trust.  In light of that, we encourage each of you to begin having conversations with trusted medical professionals, and to conduct an honest review of the validated scientific and medical literature so that you might come to an informed decision for yourself and your family.  In addition to the fact sheets attached, here are some things to consider:

Operational considerations as we move forward:

1. FAA has approved pilots and controllers to get the vaccine. Members are to observe a period of no-fly/control for 48 hours following any administration of vaccine.
2. CDC/DHA has recommended staggering vaccination of personnel and vaccinating prior to a 48 hour rest cycle to avoid potential mission compromise due to recipients experiencing common vaccine side effects including pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle pain and weakness, chills, nausea/vomiting, axillary swelling/tenderness, fever, redness and swelling at the injection site.
3. At time of review, CDC and FDA were tracking 6 potential anaphylactic reactions to the Pfizer vaccine. Early review points to Polyethylene Glycol being the potential offending agent. Polyethylene Glycol is a common compound used as a stabilizing and lubricating agent that is commonly found in products like Miralax, lubricants, and eye drops. As a mitigation factor, CDC/FDA recommends a 15-30 minute observation period following vaccination, with epinephrine rescue therapy at hand. All cases became stable after closer inpatient monitoring.
4. Vaccination is the start of our journey out of the COVID challenge. Still continue mask-wear, social distancing, and good hygiene practices until we reach herd immunity levels. Even vaccinated, you can still become sick or spread the virus, vaccination improves your body’s ability to fight an infection, reduce potential disease burden, and reduce potential risk.

For members that are pregnant or breastfeeding the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) have the following recommendations with regard to COVID vaccine and pregnancy/lactation:

• ACOG recommends that COVID-19 vaccines should not be withheld from pregnant individuals who meet criteria for vaccination based on Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)-recommended priority groups.
• COVID-19 vaccines should be offered to lactating individuals similar to non-lactating individuals when they meet criteria for receipt of the vaccine based on prioritization groups outlined by the ACIP.
• Individuals considering a COVID-19 vaccine should have access to available information about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, including information about data that are not available. A conversation between the patient and their clinical team may assist with decisions regarding the use of vaccines approved under EUA for the prevention of COVID-19 by pregnant patients.  Important considerations include:
  • the level of activity of the virus in the community
  • the potential efficacy of the vaccine
  • the risk and potential severity of maternal disease, including the effects of disease on the fetus and newborn
  • the safety of the vaccine for the pregnant patient and the fetus.
• While a conversation with a clinician may be helpful, it should not be required prior to vaccination, as this may cause unnecessary barriers to access.
• Vaccines currently available under EUA have not been tested in pregnant women. Therefore, there are no safety data specific to use in pregnancy. See details about the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) EUA process below.
• Pregnancy testing should not be a requirement prior to receiving any EUA-approved COVID-19 vaccine.
• Pregnant patients who decline vaccination should be supported in their decision. Regardless of their decision to receive or not receive the vaccine, these conversations provide an opportunity to remind patients about the importance of other prevention measures such as hand washing, physical distancing, and wearing a mask.
• Expected side effects should be explained as part of counseling patients, including that they are a normal part of the body’s reaction to the vaccine and developing antibodies to protect against COVID-19 illness.
• The mRNA vaccines are not live virus vaccines, nor do they use an adjuvant to enhance vaccine efficacy. These vaccines do not enter the nucleus and do not alter human DNA in vaccine recipients. As a result, mRNA vaccines cannot cause any genetic changes.

https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-advisory/articles/2020/12/vaccinating-pregnant-and-lactating-patients-against-covid-19

1. We will vaccinate in accordance with Department of Defense priority schema
2. You will be notified via your chain of command when it’s your turn.
3. The appointment to go to the MTF will be a mandatory appointment. Receiving the vaccine is optional.
4. Please take time to read the information and make an informed decision.

ALL Travel requires a risk assessment; each Squadron/Directorate may have their own risk assessments

LEAVE:

• Ordinary Leave travel for DoD Service members is exempt from the May 22, 2020 “Transition to Conditions-based Phased Approach to COVID-19 Personnel Movement and Travel Restrictions." This allows travel to and between RED states.
  • ​OCONUS travel should be limited to emergency/hardship reasons as quarantine periods are mandatory​
  • Within Local Area (<10 hrs driving): Supervisors may approve leave.
  • Outside Local Area: Unit Commanders or Directors are the approval authority for leave.​
• Leave in Route
  • All leave en route requests between PCSs need an ETP approved by the first Colonel in the Chain of Command.
  • ​All leave en route requests between TDYs need an ETP approved by the first Colonel in the Chain of Command.

PCS:

• ​​All CONUS PCSs from or to a RED installation require an ETP signed by the first Colonel in the Chain of Command.

  • Current listing: https://mypers.af.mil/app/answers/detail/a_id/46624
  • Members also need a statement from their inbound and outbound commanders stating that the PCS is authorized (email traffic is accepted; members must bring this with them to their Final Out appointment with MPF)
  • OCONUS PCSs are considered mission essential and will not require an ETP.​
• ​​​​​​CONUS PCSs into Mountain Home do not require a mandatory quarantine period. Inbound members will quarantine if they are ill or are exposed to the COVID-19 virus.​
• All OCONUS PCSs to or from a CDC Level 3 Country may require a 14-day quarantine period (See 10 Nov 20, 14 Day ROM waiver).
  • Member's PCSing from a CDC Level 3 Country requiring quarantine will do so upon arrival to Mountain Home Air Force Base
    • Members must contact and notify 366 FSS Lodging about quarantine before arriving to Mountain Home
    • Member's PCSing to a CDC Level 3 Country must contact their gaining location to determine if quarantine will be completed at the gaining location or if quarantine will be completed at Mountain Home Air Force Base ​

TDY:

• All TDYs from or to a RED installation require an ETP signed by Colonel in the Chain of Command.
  • Members traveling to Mountain Home will obtain an ETP from their respective Chain of Command.
• CONUS TDYs into Mountain Home do not require a mandatory quarantine period. Inbound members will quarantine if they are ill or are exposed to the COVID-19 virus.
• OCONUS TDYs from a CDC Level 3 Country into Mountain Home may require a 14-day quarantine period that will be completed upon arrival to Mountain Home Air Force Base  (See 10 Nov 20, 14 Day ROM waiver).​
  • Members must contact and notify 366 FSS Lodging about quarantine before arriving to Mountain Home
• Mountain Home personnel traveling to other installations will contact their TDY POC in order to determine if a quarantine period is mandatory for the TDY location. ​

Deployment/Redeployment:

• ​Deployers: Members will work with their UDM to determine if quarantine will be administered at home station or in theater.​
   
• ​Redeployers: Prior to arrival to Boise Airport/Mountain Home, UDMs will ensure that each redeployer has undergone a risk-based screening to determine if ROM is necessary.  This includes confirming that the location they travel from is low-risk for COVID-19, that the redeployers have traveled in a safe manner, and that they are administered a Public Health screening questionnaire when they arrive, either in person or via telephone. ​
  • Members will not start any in-person in-processing until the quarantine period is complete
  • Post-deployment downtime (R&R) will not be combined with quarantine. 

Mr. Gunderson, Mountain Home High School:   Mr. McLean runs a homework/tutoring club (mostly math help) Mon-Thurs from 3-4 PM in his classroom (31).  

Mrs. Cruser:  West Elementary:   Hi Nix!  The last I heard if there were tutors available, they had those names at the District Office.  Sometimes we tell parents to try Kahn academy for math.  

Mrs. Straw, North Elementary:  Hi Nix!  I don't have anything I give parents for tutoring or homework help.  Right now if parents call we do offer some help for students on Friday during online learning.  

Mr. Cochran, MH Junior High School:  Hey Nix, Here's an announcement about tutoring you can find on our website that's included in our monthly newsletter: 

• Our After-School Tutoring Program has started.  It is offered to all students Monday-Thursday from 3:00-4:00.  If your student would benefit from tutoring or just needs extra-time on schoolwork, they can attend on one or more of the days offered.  They just need to check in at the front office.  If your student is attending tutoring, there is no busing provided, please arrange for their transportation. 

Also, parents can contact our counselor, Mrs. Sirani (sirani_jl@mtnhomesd.org) about our "daytime tutoring" which is offered to students struggling to pass their core subject classes like English and math.  

Mr. McCluskey, Stephensen Elementary:  Primary focus for during face-to-face sessions is new material, math, and reading.  Online sessions focus on practicing already taught/learned skills.

Fridays provide the primary intervention/enrichment times. 

• All teachers have a live “Morning Meeting” session.
  • All times are consistent by grade level.
  • Teachers review with students important topics and discuss the learning objectives for the day. 
  • Morning Meetings are usually 15-30 in length.
  • Teachers answer questions before signing off. 
• All teachers provide a live “office hours” session for at least one hour.
  • To answer questions or schedule another meeting time.
• All teachers schedule in-person individual and/or small group sessions throughout the day at the school to address specific student needs. 
  • SES coordinates with the Youth Center to drop-off and pick-up students during the 1:00-3:00 pm time frame. 

Internet support

• Math
  • https://videos.dmtinstitute.com/
    • Parents can access by creating their own account or through their student’s account.  Phil McCluskey, Principal

Mrs. Smith, Hacker Middle School:   Hi Nix, I think we are little unique in that we offer virtual afterschool tutoring Monday through Thursday from 3:30 -5:30.  Parents can sign students up by contacting Mrs. Schipani.  Probably the most common supplemental site we recommend is Khan Academy.  There are also great links in each students' Clever Portal that can take them to other helpful practice websites their teacher recommends. 

School Liaison Input (“Nix”):  I have attached my two main resources listing that I provide to parents when I am asked for resources as well.  The first one being a living document that I add to and share with others in our world-wide school liaison community.  I am awaiting a response from the district on any listing they have.

Tutor.com Overview Fall 2020

Tutor Homework Assist Resource for School Age Children