R 291854Z JAN 21 MID600050190282U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 026/21 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/JAN// SUBJ/DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE COVID-19 TESTING PRIOR TO OVERSEAS TRAVEL (UPDATE 1)// REF/A/NAVADMIN/OPNAV/072031ZJAN21// REF/B/EXECUTIVE ORDER/13998/21JAN21// REF/C/USD P&R MEMO/29DEC20// REF/D/CDC ORDER/12JAN21// REF/E/GENADMIN/USTRANSCOM/230226ZJAN21// REF/F/NAVADMIN/OPNAV/042056ZNOV20// NARR/ REF A IS NAVADMIN 03/21, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE COVID-19 TESTING PRIOR TO OVERSEAS TRAVEL. REF B IS EXECUTIVE ORDER 13998, PROMOTING COVID-19 SAFETY IN DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL. REF C IS FORCE HEALTH PROTECTION GUIDANCE (SUPPLEMENT 14). REF D IS CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION ORDER REQUIREMENT FOR NEGATIVE PRE-DEPARTURE COVID-19 TEST RESULT OR DOCUMENTATION OF RECOVERY FROM COVID-19 FOR ALL AIRLINE OR OTHER AIRCRAFT PASSENGERS ARRIVING INTO THE UNITED STATES FROM ANY FOREIGN COUNTRY. REF E IS USTRANSCOM AMENDED GUIDANCE TO THE JOINT FORCE UPDATING COVID-19 TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAVELERS MOVING FROM OCONUS TO CONUS DESTINATIONS IN RESPONSE TO FORCE HEALTH PROTECTION SUPPLEMENT 14. REF F IS NAVADMIN 298/20, US NAVY COVID-19 STANDARDIZED OPERATIONAL GUIDANCE VERSION 3.1. RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN adds requirements for COVID-19 testing prior to international travel, in line with reference (a), to include testing prior to entry into the U.S. from a foreign country, as described in references (b) through (e). Reference (a) is cancelled. 2. The dynamic nature of the COVID-19 pandemic requires the implementation of measures to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 spread. Many countries, to include the U.S., now require negative test results before arrival. In line with reference (c), and to ensure Service Members and families are not refused travel or delayed, all travelers executing international orders, to include returning to the U.S. from a foreign country, are 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 stricter 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 international travel for each traveling family member. Valid proof may be electronic or printed for commercial flights. Printed proof will be requested prior to Air Mobility Command (AMC) Patriot Express (PE) (i.e., rotator) or Military aircraft 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 a medical provider, the Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG), and/or your travel provider to determine the necessary medical clearance documentation. Documents likely include the proof of COVID-19 positive results, written documentation from the treating physician that the traveler has recovered, and the date of the onset of symptoms or positive test. 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). COVID-19 travel information for travelers returning to the United States may be found on the Department of State website (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/ en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-19-information.html). Additionally, travelers are encouraged to register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (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 while traveling 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-19 positive. Additionally, financially plan for an extended trip and/or additional tests should they become necessary. Service Members are encouraged to use their Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) for travel expenses on official orders as this will assist in alleviating personal financial impact. TRICARE covers COVID-19 tests when medically necessary and appropriate. Visit: https://www.tricare.mil/covid19testing for more details on COVID-19 testing coverage. TRICARE does not fund strictly travel-based tests. If not using a military facility, Service Members traveling on official orders should be prepared to pay for tests and be refunded via travel claim, in line with the Joint Travel Regulations. For those that choose not to use the GTCC or do not possess a GTCC, advanced travel pay is encouraged since molecular-based tests may be expensive. If paying for a commercial test that requires an upfront fee (copay), Service Members should ensure to submit the full testing cost via travel claim. e. Take responsibility for testing. The service is providing the following options to assist with individual travel situations, but it is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure all requirements have been met: (1) When traveling internationally from the U.S.: (a) Military treatment facilities (MTF) will execute free tests for Service Members and dependents in possession of international orders in line with reference (c). Tests should be scheduled prior to arrival at the MTF. 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 on the Overseas PCS COVID-19 Testing Fact Sheet via the MyNavy Portal (https://www.mnp.navy.mil/covid-19.html). Note: Most MTFs are closed during the weekend and holidays. Travelers are encouraged to plan for alternate testing solutions if boarding a flight at the beginning of the week. (b) Travelers assigned to a U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM)/AMC PE flight (i.e., rotator) may be tested at the Madigan Army Medical Center (Seattle) or Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (Bethesda) if travel timing precludes testing prior to arriving at the PE terminal. If using this option, travelers should appear in person 48 hours prior to boarding at their respective Aerial Port of Embarkation (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: i. AMC Gateway, Baltimore, MD: Phone - (609) 253-8825 Schedule - Limited operations ii. Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD: Phone (Central Screening) (571) 335-9985 Schedule - 0700-1600 EST, no weekends or holidays iii. AMC Gateway, Seattle, WA: Phone - (253) 982-3504/0555 Schedule - Limited operations. iv. Madigan Army Medical Center, McChord, WA: Phone (PrevMed) (253) 968-4443 Schedule - 0600-1700 PST, weekends/no holidays (c) Commercial sites that support antigen or molecular-based tests (e.g., PCR and Abbott ID NOW) may be used to satisfy the requirement. See planning and cost considerations above. (2) When traveling to the U.S. from a foreign country: (a) Travelers returning to the U.S. should primarily use their closest U.S. installation MTF. COVID-19 testing results will be available via TRICARE Online, often within 24 hours of testing. Results may be printed, if hard copies are required. A list of preferred international MTFs may be found on the Overseas PCS COVID-19 Testing Fact Sheet via the MyNavy Portal (https://www.mnp.navy.mil/covid-19.html). (b) International commercial sites that support antigen or molecular-based tests may also be used to satisfy the requirement. However, travelers should consult with their local installation, military liaison, or U.S. Embassy prior to doing so. See planning and cost considerations above. f. Travelers that test positive for COVID-19 while executing international 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 U.S. 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 reference (f). Do not proceed until consulting with your detailer and/or AMC (if at a U.S. PE APOE). (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(at)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 Member detailer, Navy Passenger Transportation Office (NAVPTO), and the OPNAV COVID-19 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 criteria, in line with reference (f) and in conjunction with any medical provider guidance, they may continue execution of their orders after conferring with detailers and/or AMC (if at a U.S. PE APOE). Service Members and detailers should be proactive to continue travel as soon as possible. 4. Command Pay and Personnel Administrators must do the following before a Service Member detaches: a. Notify Service Member of the testing requirement for international travel and options. Keep a record of the plans of the Service Member for testing, to include the intended facility site and date. b. Counsel Service Members on the expense for commercial testing and discuss options for the potential financial burden, e.g. GTCC, advanced travel pay, reimbursement, etc. c. 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. 6. Contact the MNCC with any questions, issues or to provide feedback at 833-330-MNCC/6622 or via e-mail at askmncc(at)navy.mil. 7. Released by Vice Admiral John B. Nowell, Jr, N1.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//