COVID-19 Update

The 18th Wing is in Health Protection Condition ALPHA until further notice. These measures apply to everyone who wishes to gain or maintain access to Kadena AB.

The health and safety of Team Kadena as well as our local community depends on our continued vigilance and accountability. Please remember to practice good hygiene, adhere to social distancing guidelines, and wear your face mask when social distancing is not possible. Anyone who feels sick – even with mild symptoms – needs to stay home.

If you’re experiencing COVID symptoms, inform your chain of command.

As always, stay tuned to our Facebook page and our website for additional updates.

Travel to all U.S. military installations on Okinawa prefecture is permitted at this time for members and dependents stationed in Okinawa. Members are required to comply with all staff directives and posted mitigation measures when on other U.S. installations on Okinawa.

All FHP measures are mandatory for everyone who accesses Kadena AB and anyone who refuses to obey these directives may face administrative action.

Base Visitor Entry Requirements:

a. Service Members, non-mission essential visitors (e.g. visiting family members, friends, and significant others, etc.), DoD contractor personnel, JASDF and official visitors prior to accessing KAB are no longer required to show proof of vaccination status or negative COVID test.

b. All deployed, active, and activated reserve and guard component personnel (to include DOD civilian and contract personnel IAW their statement of work) deployed to or TDY/TAD to Japan greater than 30 days must be fully vaccinated prior to entry into Japan. This includes operational movement of units, individual augmentees, and exercise support personnel.

c. JSDF personnel, LN employees, and visitors to U.S. facilities and areas suspected of or diagnosed with COVID-19 will be denied access to all U.S. facilities and areas. This denial of access will be upheld until:

(1) a negative COVID-19 test is produced within 72 hours of entry to KAB; or

(2) a document is produced showing the member tested positive for COVID-19, followed the applicable GoJ guidance regarding isolation, and have been medically cleared and signed by a medical doctor.

During periods of medium, low, or non-existent COVID community level, masks are no longer required in Bldg 626 (18 MDG)

During periods of high COVID community level, patients/visitors to Bldg 626 (18 MDG):
 

• Will wear a face covering compliant with CDC guidance within the facility at all times
   
• Will be provided one surgical mask if they do not have a compliant facemask
   
• Exceptions: <2yrs old (children ages 2-5 who can't/won't keep the mask on should be taken directly to an exam room), where mask wear can cause a clinical safety hazard, when needed be removed for medical or dental care.
  ​

Individuals riding buses, vans, or cars that remain on USFJ installation or travel between USFJ installations are not required to wear a mask when COVID-19 Community Level is Low or Medium (e.g., DODEA school buses, on-base bus routes)

While off USFJ installations, personnel should follow host nation policies and practices regarding mask wear. Pre-elementary (age 6 and below) children are not required to wear a mask.

All personnel will comply with social distancing measures to the maximum extent practicable (i.e., maintain 6 feet separation from non-household members and minimize close contacts) and will ensure proper hygiene. These requirements apply regardless of vaccination status.

Within Japan: All personnel are required to follow local force health protection measures published by the prefecture or facility that is being visited.

Outside Japan: All personnel are reminded to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings and must follow local force health protection guidance.

All personnel desiring to travel outside Okinawa Prefecture are required to follow local force health protection measures published by the prefecture or facility that is being visited.

Individuals who develop COVID-19 like symptoms (see list below) must remain home and immediately report their illness to their supervisor/Unit Control Center (UCC) and contact their healthcare provider team. Members empaneled to the 18th Medical Group (18 MDG) should contact the appointment line at 630-4817, or +81-98-960-4817 during duty hours. If needed, the Military Health System Nurse Advice Line may be reached at 646-9355 or +81-98-971-9355. In case of an emergency, dial +81-98-971-7312 prior to reporting to the Emergency Room (ER) at USNHO. Testing for COVID-19 will be directed by the 18 MDG in accordance with CDC guidelines and clinical judgment of primary care providers.
 

a. 18 MDG is responsible for the medical care of members with positive COVID-19 test results. 18 MDG will coordinate any evaluation needed and track symptomatic members. A medical representative is the release authority and will provide release clearance for all COVID-19 positive personnel to unit leadership.
 

b. All individuals who test positive for COVID-19 will be placed in isolation. Please see ISOLATION section for more info.

c. While on installation restriction, individuals may travel directly between their personal off-base domicile and their installation only. POV, GOV, walking and cycling are authorized. Use of public transportation including taxi services is not authorized. Use of off-base services is not authorized.

d. Care for isolated member(s) will be handled by their owning unit.
 

Close Contact - Someone who was less than 6 feet from an infected person (laboratory confirmed or clinical diagnosis) for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period.

Individuals who meet the criteria for COVID-19 exposure, will begin on-base quarantine procedures. Individuals in quarantine will remain on installation or domicile for a minimum of 5 days, while practicing strict mitigation strategies including avoiding crowds, wearing a mask at all times around others, practicing social distancing procedures, and hand and cough hygiene for a total of 10 days. Travel between domicile and installation is authorized on non-public transportation.
 

• When the close contact is up to date with vaccinations, quarantine as described above is not required if the individual has been asymptomatic since the current COVID-19 exposure and, if practical, test on day 5 following exposure. These individuals will exercise increased precautions for 10 days after exposure including wearing a mask at all times when around other individuals even if not otherwise required.
   
• Testing may be performed 5 days after exposure. Day of exposure is day zero. If at any time during quarantine, an individual develops symptoms, they will be tested/retested for COVID-19.
   

• If the test is negative, the individual remains asymptomatic, and 5 days or more have elapsed, they may be released from quarantine.
   
• If the test is positive, individual will enter isolation and will be subject to isolation and release protocols (See ISOLATION for more info)

For persons previously within the last 90 days diagnosed with COVID-19 who remain asymptomatic after recovery, in the event of subsequent close contact with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals, additional quarantine (including post-travel quarantine) is not necessary or recommended during the CDC-specified time period as long as they remain symptom-free. Consultation with CMA or public health official is required to make a final determination.
 

• These individuals will continue to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for the next 10 days, but quarantine and testing is not required.
   
• If they become symptomatic, they should immediately self-isolate and seek medical attention to determine if repeat testing is necessary.

All individuals who test positive for COVID-19 will be placed in isolation.

Duration of isolation and precautions after isolation

Persons testing positive for COVID-19 will be required to complete a minimum of 5 full days in isolation status from the start of symptoms (or positive test result, if asymptomatic) and 2 days restriction to the installation with strict mitigation measures for minimum of 7 days on installation.

To leave isolation after day 5, infected individuals must be free of fever without using fever-reducing medication for the 24 hours prior to release and symptoms must be improving.

There are no requirements for a negative COVID-19 test to be documented prior to being released from isolation.

To be released from restriction to installation, infected individuals must have remained fever-free since release from isolation, developed no new or worsening symptoms, and any remaining symptoms must be improving.

If these criteria are not met after day 7, restriction to installation will be extended until criteria are met or until a full 10 days have elapsed since start of symptoms (or positive test result if asymptomatic).
 

• Healthcare Personnel (HCP) will follow current DHA guidance. 
   
• Take precautions for 10 full days after the positive test or onset of symptoms: Wear a well-fitting mask. Do not go to places where you are unable to wear a mask. Do not travel. Practice strict mitigation strategies including avoiding crowds, practicing social distancing procedures, and hand and cough hygiene.
   
• Use of public transportation is not authorized for the full 10 days from the start of symptoms (or positive test result, if asymptomatic).
   
• While on installation restriction, individuals may travel directly between their personal off-base domicile and their installation only. POV, GOV, walking and cycling are authorized. Use of public transportation including taxi services is not authorized.
   
• Use of off-base services is not authorized.
   
• Care for isolated member(s) will be handled by their owning unit.

Official and Unofficial Travel out of Japan will follow the requirements in the Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG) and other requirements by the relevant GCC Commander, DoD Guidance, Host Nation or local restrictions.

Official and Unofficial Travel into Japan AOR will comply with DoD regulations and the FCG. Travelers that qualify for SOFA status will enter Japan under SOFA status, regardless of whether the traveler applied for and received an approved entry visa from GOJ. An approved visa does not negate the provisions of the SOFA. The provisions of the USFJ guidance and implementing service orders remain applicable to all SOFA travelers.
 

1. Vaccination status for all deployed, active, activated reserve and guard component personnel (to include DoD civilian and contract personnel IAW their statement of work) deployed to or TDY/TAD to Japan greater than 30 days must be fully vaccinated prior to entry into Japan and will be in accordance with INDOPACOM guidance. This includes operational movement of units, individual augmentees, and exercise support personnel.
    
2. All members travelling for official reasons (i.e., TDYs, exercises, and other training) will be fully vaccinated prior to travel outside of Japan. Any exceptions for official travel by non-vaccinated individuals must be deemed "mission critical" by either the PACAF/CC for USINDOPACOM-sponsored official travel or by the Under Secretary of the Air Force for DAF-sponsored official travel (i.e., formal training, court-martial duty, etc) before departure.
    
3. All travelers should contact their gaining organization/command in advance of travel and to keep the organization/command updated during the conduct of their travel. Travelers that do not have a gaining organization/command, to include unofficial travel, should coordinate with their respective service component point of contact for testing and support.

Personnel will follow Government of Japan testing guidance for entry into Japan.

If unable to obtain a molecular COVID-19 test, an alternative viral test (antigen) may be used.

If traveling with a pre-departure antigen test or recovery letter, personnel may be required to test at commercial airports.

Travelers will comply with commercial airport testing procedures.
 

• ​Individuals recovered from COVID-19 infection within 90 days of travel must receive clearance from a health care provider or public health official and maintain a copy of the recovery letter in their possession during travel.
   
• Travelers who have at least 1 booster or have received a negative molecular COVID-19 pre-travel test are exempt from arrival testing. Travelers who received a negative antigen pre-travel test will be subject to additional testing on arrival at a commercial airport or within 1 day of arrival at the installation where their travel terminates (e.g., residence, air terminal, MTF).
   
• Travelers transiting Japan or MILAIR/Patriot Express flights who make a temporary and unexpected stops are exempt from arrival testing as long as they remain on installation.
   
• Individuals who have completed isolation for a positive test would not normally undergo repeat testing within 90 days per CDC recommendations; however, repeat testing may occur upon entry into Japan commercial airport.
   
• Children 6 and under may assume the vaccination status of their least vaccinated guardian present during travel.

For guidance on stop movement, PCS, TDY, contingency deployments, and leave, log in to https://mypers.af.mil for the most up-to-date Air Force information.

myPers Mobile Log In Guide - iOS

myPers Mobile Log In Guide - Android

If you need more assistance or are having an emergency, please contact your chain of command for specific guidance.

Members who meet the PCS criteria/exemptions included in Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) or Headquarters Air Force (HAF) guidance require Squadron Commander (or civilian equivalent), or the first O-6 in the traveler’s chain of command or supervision, authorization to proceed with their PCS. IAW DAF guidance, dated 23 August 2022, Airmen who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including those awaiting final decision on a medical exemption or religious accommodation, may proceed on PCS orders, but are restricted from proceeding on any other official travel without USecAF approval.

Individuals not assigned to Japan will follow the requirements in USFJ FHPO Guidance.

All deployed, active, and activated reserve and guard component personnel (to include DOD civilian and contract personnel IAW their statement of work) deployed to or TDY/TAD to Japan greater than 30 days must be fully vaccinated prior to entry into Japan. This includes operational movement of units, individual augmentees, and exercise support personnel.

Aircraft Commanders will confirm that all aircrew under their supervision are operationally and medically qualified for transient air travel.  In addition, Aircraft Commanders will monitor crew and Mission Essential Personnel (MEP) health conditions throughout the mission and ensure any close contact with personnel coming from an overseas location comply with this policy.

1.  Medical Testing. Should Transient Aircrew require COVID-19 testing, they may utilize the following procedures:

1. If individuals are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, the Aircraft Commander will notify the 18th Wing Command Post (18 WG/CP), who will then call the appointment line at DSN 630-4817 or Cell phone +81-98-960-4817.
    
2. If COVID-19 testing is required for travel to another location, then the Aircraft Commander will call the Wing Staff Agency Unit Control Center for coordination (634-5475). For weekend requests, contact 18WG/CP to be connected to the KCRC Director.
    
3. Command and Control. 18 WG/CP will brief all crews prior to lodging. 18 WG/CP will provide Prime Knight and classified material storage without direct interaction (business will be conducted through the entrapment door). Crews are only allowed inside the 18 WG/CP for mission-essential business (i.e., .mil computer use). Transient Aircrew whose duration of stay is extended beyond five days will inform 18 WG/CP and contact the Kadena Reception Working Group (DSN 634-5903) for additional support requirements.
    
4. Lodging. Unless billeting is full, all Transient Aircrew and associated support personnel (i.e., maintenance members) operating on KAB will be billeted on base. If no lodging is available on KAB, all efforts will be made to utilize lodging on other USFJ Installations.