What do you recommend in terms of weekend day trips around Germany? Are you advising any additional travel restrictions?
Under the 7th ATC General Order and Bavarian State guidelines, there is no travel except to work, medical appointments or to shop for essential items.
What is the plan to provide support (e.g. food, medication, etc.) to families if placed in home quarantine / isolation?
The first line of support to any Soldiers or Families isolated is the unit. The company chain of command and SFRGs will assist by making trips to the commissary for the Families. The isolated individuals are still expected to fund the goods brought to them.
Will soldiers who have shipped their vehicle be granted a rental vehicle that will be charged to their GTC and reimbursed by DTS?
See your chain of command. It will be a case-by-case basis.
Will there be increased opportunities to volunteer with the Red Cross and other agencies that provide assistance dealing with COVID-19 in Ansbach? If so what forum will push out this information?
Please contact Red Cross.
Will reservations at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort be cancelled by Command? Can we still go there?
Under the 7th ATC General Order and Bavarian State guidelines, there is no travel except to work, medical appointments or to shop for essential items.
How is word about no PCSing being communicated to Soldiers and families?
Chain of command, a letter was issued by the SECDEF, Facebook postings, USAG Ansbach website: https://home.army.mil/ansbach/index.php/about/Garrison/public-affairs/coronavirus-covid-19.
Will we still be allowed to sign visitors onto post?
No visitors are allowed on post at this time. The exception is for those who were already visiting a family member on post and cannot return to the states because of travel restrictions.
For how long are all of these restrictions expected to last?
The General Order remains in effect until rescinded by BG Norrie.
Are we allowed to travel between Urlas and Katterbach. Is this allowed and is the mail room open for this? Or will I need to wait until the restriction is lifted?
Yes, travel between neighboring Kasernes is permitted and the mail room remains open.
Are DoD dependents still allowed to travel? I work in Stuttgart and travel back and forth.
DoD Dependents are not subject to the General Order. However, Garrison Commanders are obligated to ensure the safety and health of their garrison. As a result, if a commander determines Family Member actions have compromised the safety and health of the garrison, he or she has the authority to deny access to anyone, at any time. The intent of the measures being taken by the United States, the state of Bavaria, the Federal Republic of Germany, and the DoD are intended to prevent and mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Travel can increase the risks of contracting and spreading the disease. We all have a part to play in taking responsible, proactive measures to not contract or spread the disease. Moreover, many borders in Europe are closed, and U.S. embassy services and support are extremely strained. As a result, DoD dependent travel is highly discouraged.
Is there any guidance for the Families?Since the Soldiers are locked down and some were asking online.Can we go shopping off post?
At this time Family Members are allowed to shop off-post, but note that this could change. Soldiers are restricted from leaving their installation of residence. Although Family Members are not subject to General Order 1, Garrison Commanders are obligated to ensure the safety and health of their garrison. As a result, if a commander determines Family Member actions have compromised the safety and health of the garrison, he or she has the authority to deny access to anyone, at any time.
How does the latest COVID-19 restrictions affect construction contractors working in USAGs Bavaria and Ansbach? Are they still allowed on Post?
These workers are subject to the same screening procedures as everyone else coming onto our installations.
How does the latest COVID-19 restrictions affect construction contractors working in USAGs Bavaria and Ansbach? Are they still allowed on Post?
There will be some restrictions in the coming days.
Are DoD dependents still allowed to travel for work?
In accordance with Army and Bavarian guidelines, DoD dependents are allowed to travel to and from work.
Are people in the U.S. that are stationed in Germany allowed to fly back into Germany at this time?
Work with your chain of command. Each situation is different.
DFMWR:
Will the bowling alley and library close?
The Library and Bowling Alley lanes are closed. The Strike Zone restaurant is open for takeout. You can call your order in advance at 09802-83-2638. The hours have been expanded to 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Monday-Sunday.
How many people will be let into gyms at one time?
All Fitness Centers are closed at this time.
While CYS is closed will Families be charged while it is not in use?
No, Families will not be charged and will be refunded on a prorated basis.
Are they still going to do spring sports through CYS?
No, all sports have been canceled.
DODEA SCHOOLS:
Is there an estimated time for school closures?
Beginning Monday, March 16 students stopped reporting to school. On Wednesday, March 18, students should have logged into their first period class between 10-11 a.m. The school hopes to confirm all students are online, and if not, or there is an issue, the school asks that you call. DoDEA would like all students to be ready by Mar. 19 to work online from home. Students should have everything they need, but a parent may have to come to the school in a few weeks to replenish Art supplies or other items.
What will be done about sure start classes? Will they also do online classes?
There will be some activities that students can do, and they will be able to contact their teachers online.
Will there be some kind of orientation for parents to assist their kids doing online classes/school work?
No there is not; however, the Google School Suite can be turned on to allow the parent to access the entire lesson, so if the parents would like that kind of support let the school know. They will not do that for every class, parent and student automatically because it would be too much to wade through, but if there is something they need help with it can be turned on.
What about Families with no internet? Will the school pay for internet service? Or compensate those who do have internet?
Contact the school and they will discuss options with you.
Is there a way to speak directly with elementary teachers?
You can call the front office and make an appointment with the teacher.
What about laptops?
Call the school, parents need to go to the school with their student to obtain a computer and sign a hand receipt.
HEALTH CLINIC:
Are there COVID -19 test kits available?
There are testing kits available at the Health Clinic, but they are not testing everybody. You have to have the symptoms, have been exposed to someone who has it or have been in an area that has a high prevalence. The Health Clinic is screening for the parameters that need to be tested.
Why isn't the "common" cold being identified as a Coronavirus and why haven't we done these closures in the past?
The Garrison has not needed to do these closures in the past for the general cold and flu season. All of the things we are doing are to prevent the transmission of this particular virus. The Coronavirus has moved much faster, so we have been more aggressive and diligent.
There are a lot of viruses that go around all the time. There are times when we have genetic mutations that occur in these viruses just like the common cold or flu. So, we have the flu every year but sometimes they are more virulent or more dangerous. This virus does have a mutation that makes it more of an issue for people who are older or have chronic medical conditions. Most individuals that are young and healthy will have common cold symptoms and that is how they will be treated, as if they have the common cold. They will be asked to restrict movement so they do not infect individuals that it could affect more severely.
Since the gate guards are asking the questions around the clock, will the clinic change its hours to accommodate anyone that answers "yes" past 4:30 p.m., or will we be responsible for going to the Klinikum on the economy?
For the majority of cases that are screened at the gate, if they are sick, they are going to have mild symptoms. So those individuals need to stay at their house and self-isolate during the weekend or after hours. Those individuals can then come in the following morning at 7 a.m. to be screened. If at any time you have severe symptoms, you should access the local hospitals.
Is there guidance for new DA Civilians to the area to give them instruction on getting care? They may not have found a local provider yet, so are there recommended providers, where to go to the local hospital, etc., being prepared for those personnel that might have gotten here in the past month or so?
The Health Clinic does in-processing for incoming personnel. They have providers they can recommend from Tricare. From these providers, prescriptions can be filled at the clinic.
Are physical therapy appointments at Ansbach still a go or are they shutting that down too? Are referral appointments canceled as well?
Ansbach AHC is still operating all Physical Therapy services. However, changes to services may be curtailed in the future, but changes to any service provided at Ansbach AHC will be shared via USAG Ansbach communication platforms.
Request instructions for non-TriCare civilians regarding COVID-19 testing.
Non-TriCare civilians should contact their PCM for questions regarding COVID-19 testing. Non-TriCare civilians can also use the 116117 service. Special note: 116117 Call Center will only speak German to callers. However, please stay updated daily via USAG Ansbach communication platforms because as the situation develops, services to non-TriCare civilians may be expanded.
•Network of over 30 providers with on-call rotations throughout
•Will connect to nurse for basic information
•Provider will come to home to evaluate and collect specimen
Type in zipcode or stay on line and someone from the Region will connect you to live person (who only speaks German).
116117 Smartphone App
Schedule an appointment via the app
What options are there for hospitals for civilian Army contractors where they understand and speak English?
All Host Nation Facilities that see TriCare Patients speak English.To name a few:
Ansbach Klinikum
Klinik Rothenburg o. der Taube
Klinik Bad Windsheim – Neustadt a. d. Aisch
University Erlangen
How long for flu test results? My daughter was tested today and was told I would receive a call.
All clinics have in-house Flu testing capabilities. These tests are run ASAP and have a turn-around-time of 2 hours from the time the test was collected to the time the result is received.A nurse will call patients with lab testing results.Patients can print a copy of all Lab results via TriCare Online. https://www.tricareonline.com
Is there any way to get routine pharmacy refills without having to be seen?
Is there a way to know 100%? Some people can have it and not show symptoms, no fever, no cough. How do we really know for sure if they are not testing people unless they have fever?
There is no way to know 100 percent without testing everyone because society as a whole does not have enough testing material to test everyone. Therefore, we need to test individuals that are more likely to be positive for the disease. Some individuals will not have the classic symptoms but at least 95 percent will have fever, and a far larger number will have a combination of the respiratory symptoms and fever. We do not rely simply on temperature for testing; there is also a questionnaire that will help us determine individuals that are more likely to have the virus and need to be tested. The best way to make sure individuals don’t get infected is to have everyone follow the preventive measures that are in place such as hand washing, covering coughs/sneezes and staying home when sick.
How will the specialty medical appointments be handled? For example, if a spouse is 7 months pregnant and receives care at the OBGYN in Ansbach?
These services should still remain open. At this time it is only elective surgeries that are being rescheduled. OBGYN care should continue, but check with you local provider for further details.
Are patients able to go to their doctor appointments to/from a local doctor or Landstuhl?
Patients should be able to see providers as needed for continued care. If you are enrolled in the USAHC Ansbach clinic, you can obtain a memo from you Primary Care Provider with the MTF Commander’s signature; however, if you are a Soldier, your Command has the final decision.
Will we have medical support if needed? What happens if we are infected?
The Ansbach Clinic will be available for care. If you are infected and only have mild-moderate symptoms, you will be treated for those symptoms and isolated until your symptoms resolve so you do not infect anyone else. In most cases, healthy individuals under 60 years of age with no chronic medical problems, will have mild systems associated with the common cold/flu, then will return to normal. If you are older than 60 and have chronic medical conditions, you can have mild to severe cold symptoms. Severe symptoms may require hospitalization or further monitoring and care.
LRC:
Are household goods shipments on hold?
There are different categories. If your HHG has been scheduled with a date, those will be rescheduled, and they will not be picked up. If your HHG has been picked up and you need loaner furniture, call the HHG. The only personnel that can have their HHG picked up if they are not on restriction are individuals who are retiring or separating.
DECA:
Commissary closures?
The Commissary will remain open and supply lines are working. Items will be resupplied as they come in. At this point we have not seen limits from DECA on what we can purchase, but AAFES is limiting three per family for some sanitation products. Also, remember items are available off post.
Can stuff be rationed at the commissary so people don't fall victim of panic buyers?
The Commissary currently has a 3 purchase limit on essential items to include antibacterial gels, sanitation wipes and sprays, hand soap, bleach, toilet paper, and tissue. DeCA recommends that customers calmly purchase what they need and avoid panic buying to ensure products are available for others in our community.
When will the commissary implement measures that will keep customers and employees safe? There are employees living in Nuremberg that work on base.
The commissary currently has a sanitation station at the entrance to the commissary with disinfectant wipes for shopping carts and sanitation hand wipes for hand use. DeCA is sanitizing and wiping down all self-service registers and regular registers, register belts, pin pads, etc. They are also sanitizing and power washing all shopping carts, hand baskets, and handicap carts. All other measures are in line with the Garrison COVID-19 PLAN.
AAFES:
Is there any anticipation of closures for services that come in close contact with people such as the barber shop or nail salon?
The Beauty Salon is closed. The seating in the Barber Shop has been placed outside of the shop with appropriate social distancing.
Lots of people in the food court during lunch, what are they doing about it?!
The food court is take out only now.
DHR:
Is there support for spouses who are working and now will not have CYS services/child care?
That is a challenge that will have to be worked in conjunction with the units and CYSS. There are options for taking leave or administrative leave to provide care for children. There may be options to do telework or alternate shifts as well.
Has anything been narrowed down regarding lodging for those that were about to PCS, have shipped household goods and need a place to stay?
Yes. Because every situation is unique, we will have to work with the family, Soldier and chain of command. What everyone needs to understand is that for the next 60 days, all official travel and PCS is stopped. If HHG and cars have not been shipped and homes have not been turned over, then you will maintain what you currently have. If you have a specific issue, contact your chain of command and the HHG team will work with you.
Since schools and CYS are closed and we have two working parents (GS &/or military) what type of leave must be requested since we are unable to work?
This needs to be worked out with your chain of command. The 12th CAB Soldiers should speak with their leadership about their situations dealing with no school and CDC availability. The leadership will work with you.
Will the post office and CMR remain open??
Yes, they will. Practice social distancing and wash your hands upon entrance.
Is AER the only option to help families during this time?
See your chain of command.
Will single GS employees with children be charged leave if they have to stay home with kids due to school closure?
Employees need to get with their chain of command.
What about ERDs? Are those considered official travel and will they be halted for 60 days as well?
Yes, they are official travel. However, the chain of command can contact DHR to discuss exceptions to policy.
Will personnel PCSing to another location in Germany be restricted?
Yes, for the next 60 days.
UNITS:
How will families that are quarantined receive food and essential items?
Care packages will be coordinated with the Red Cross. Unit leadership is looking to unit representatives and supervisors and SFRGs to help provide those things for individuals quarantined. They can do that in a safe manner by not having contact, but by doing the shopping.
How will this affect personnel that was scheduled to go to schools like SLC. Is there a plan in place to get us back in those schools? Is it a distance learning thing we can do? How will this affect promotions to the next grade?
See your chain of command.
OTHER SERVICES:
Will the VTF remain open as we are retiring and I am looking into making appointments for our pets to make sure shots are up to date and screen for any health issues that may pop up? And, Health certificates as well to fly with.
Due to updated COVID-19 guidance, the VTF will be suspending the majority of services and hours. If you have prescriptions that need to be filled or have approval to travel within the next 30 days please call them or send them a message via Facebook messenger and they will respond within one business day. Future hours will be posted at a later date.
Can I still get legal services?
The Legal Assistance Office is closed, but offering services by appointment-only. Please refer to the USAG Ansbach Legal Assistance page for email and telephone points of contact.
Effective March 4th, the wear of masks is no longer required in Department of Defense facilities within the 7th Army Training Command Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) area. This includes most services, offices, motor pools, troops area, barracks, etc.
Masks will still be required within designated medical facilities, and host-nation vendors such as those within the Exchange hallway.
Please refer to DoDEA Europe Schools and CYS for the latest guidance in those locations.
Those who have tested positive for COVID-19 must continue to wear a mask for five additional days after release from isolation.
Requirement to wear a mask is not based on vaccination status, it is based on healthcare capacity and an assessment of health posture. Based on updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Dept. of Defense, and in stride with assessments from our public health experts on conditions within both our U.S. military community and our host nation, we currently assess a low-risk environment with regards to COVID-19.
Remember, these changes are for our installations, and host nation regulations still apply. The changes in our posture do not prevent individuals from wearing a mask if they choose to do so.
ANNEX A & TAB1 (Information Update)
USAG The official translation of the supplement to the Bavarian Ordinance 11 and a new Tab 1 to the 7th ATC General Order is posted on the 7th ATC COVID-19 web page. There are no changes to current operations on USAG Ansbach installations.
USAG Ansbach has implemented closures and restrictions for the health protection of our community. These closures and restrictions will impact normal day-to-day operations across Ansbach and Illesheim. Updates will be posted here and at the USAG Ansbach Facebook Page. Please ensure you are registered for the Alert Mass Notification System.
As precautions against spreading and contracting respiratory illnesses, community members should limit unneccessary travel. Stay close to home, minimize interactions with crowds including at malls, movie theaters and restaurants. Practice frequent, good hand washing with warm water and soap.
If you do not feel well or are running a fever, call your health care provider.
SYMPTOMS
Common human coronaviruses usually cause mild to moderate upper respiratory tract illnesses, like the common cold. Most people get infected with these type viruses at some point in their lives. These illnesses usually only last for a short amount of time. Symptoms may include:
• Runny nose • Headache • Cough • Sore throat • Fever • A general feeling of being unwell
Human coronaviruses can sometimes cause lower-respiratory tract illnesses, such as pneumonia. This is more common in people with cardiopulmonary disease, people with weakened immune systems, infants, and older adults.
HOW IT IS TRANSMITTED
As with most viruses, human coronaviruses are most commonly spread from an infected person to others by the following means:
• Through the air by coughing and sneezing. • Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands. • Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS
According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are currently no vaccines available to protect against human coronavirus infection. However, there are simple steps that can be taken to protect yourself and others. To reduce your risk of infection, or transmitting the virus to others, public health officials recommend the following steps:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. • Stay home while you are sick.
TREATMENT
There are currently no specific treatments for illnesses caused by human coronaviruses. Most people with common human coronavirus illness will recover on their own. Medications for pain and fever can help relieve symptoms. If you are mildly ill, drink plenty of fluids, stay home, and rest.
IF YOU ARE FEELING ILL
Community members who are feeling ill, including the below symptoms, should adhere to the following guidance:
If, within the last 14 days, you had close contact with a suspected or confirmed case of the coronavirus OR traveled from a high risk area as identified by the CDC, AND
Are experiencing a cough, AND
Have a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), STAY HOME -- DO NOT GO TO THE HOSPITAL.
Call Ansbach Army Health Clinic at (06371-9464-3600) or DSN 590-3600 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
In an emergency, please call 112.
If you do NOT meet ALL THREE of these criteria, but you have symptoms of upper respiratory infection, call your primary care provider for advice.
USAG Ansbach has implemented closures and restrictions for the health protection of ou Bavaria will now require FFP2 masks to be worn on public transportation and in retail stores off post effective Monday, 18 January according to a Bavarian Government press release. The FFP2 masks are only required off post on public transportation or while shopping for individuals who are 15 years of age or older, under 15 only need to wear the cloth mask. In discussion between senior leaders and the SRO it has been decided there will NOT be a requirment for these masks on any of our installations. AAFES has obtained the FFP2 mask type and have it available for purchase to the garrison facilities.
USAG Ansbach has implemented As you enter any of the USAG Ansbach installations, you will see the POND security officers point to a sign and ask you to "Please read and comply with the sign." The sign lists a few screening questions related to COVID-19 symptoms. The security officer will than conduct their access control procedures. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the sign, the security officer will direct you to contact the Military Police. This process is extremely important for the safety and welfare of our community, and your cooperation with POND security officers will enable them to continue to provide for a safe environment. You may occasionally see soldiers at our installation access control points asking similar questions or monitoring the process with our POND teams. Thank you for your assistance in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
