By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Military, civilian personnel and visitors who are fully vaccinated may now shed their masks while inside the military bases on Guam, the Joint Region Marianas said today, announcing the Department of Defense's updated Covid-19 mask mandate policy which takes effect immediately.
"In light of improving public health conditions, fully vaccinated individuals are not required to wear masks on base," said JRM Commander Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson.
However, Nicholson said the mask requirement remains mandatory for individuals who are not fully vaccinated or who are unable to be fully vaccinated.
"Effectively combatting Covid-19 is a matter of readiness, and I encourage
everyone to get vaccinated," Nicholson said.
"The health and safety of the men and women who serve the DoD is a top priority, and to defend the nation and protect the American people, we need a healthy and ready total force. Vaccinating all personnel against Covid-19 will save lives and allow for the defense of our nation."
An individual is considered fully vaccinated when he or she is at least 14
days post-completion of Covid-19 vaccinations with a Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) approved, or World Health Organization authorized
vaccine.
All active-duty personnel and government civilians are reminded to continue
to comply with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines
and Government of Guam public health requirements when off-base.
Additionally, all personnel shall adhere to mask requirements for on-base
establishments that mandate masks in order to safely operate including
medical facilities and Department of Defense Education Activity schools.
Altogether, more than 98 percent of active-duty personnel on Guam have been
fully vaccinated. Federal government civilians have until Nov. 22 to get
fully vaccinated, in accordance with President Biden's executive order.
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