UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 072031Z JAN 21 MID200000522699U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 03/21 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// REF/A/NAVADMIN/OPNAV/042056ZNOV20// REF/B/USD P&R MEMO/29DEC20// REF/C/NAVADMIN/OPNAV/302124ZOCT20// NARR/REF A IS NAVADMIN 298/20, US NAVY COVID-19 STANDARDIZED OPERATIONAL GUIDANCE VERSION 3.1. REF B IS FORCE HEALTH PROTECTION GUIDANCE (SUPPLEMENT 14). REF C IS NAVADMIN 294/20, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE COVID-19 RAPID ON-SITE TESTING AT BALTIMORE AND SEATTLE PATRIOT EXPRESS AERIAL PORTS OF EMBARKATION.// RMKS/1. In line with references (a) and (b), this NAVADMIN announces Department of Defense requirements for COVID-19 testing prior to overseas travel. This message also incorporates and updates information contained in reference (c), United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) implementation of rapid on-site COVID-19 testing capability at Baltimore and Seattle Patriot Express Aerial Ports of Embarkation (APOE) operated by Air Mobility Command (AMC). Reference (c) is hereby cancelled. 2. The dynamic nature of the COVID-19 pandemic requires the implementation of measures to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 spread outside the Continental United States (OCONUS). Many countries now require negative test results before arrival. To ensure service members and families are not refused travel or delayed, all travelers executing OCONUS orders are now 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 more strict 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 OCONUS travel for each traveling family member. Valid proof may be electronic or printed. Proof will be requested prior to AMC Patriot Express (rotator) flights but may not be requested prior to commercial 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 medical provider, the Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG), and/or your travel provider to determine if the destination will allow entry with a letter from a physician. 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). Additionally, travelers are encouraged to register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) (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 enroute 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-positive. Additionally, financially plan for an extended trip and/or additional tests should they become necessary. We encourage service members to use their Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) for travel expenses on official orders as this will assist in alleviating personal financial impact. e. Take responsibility for testing. The service is providing the following options in priority order to assist with individual travel situations, but it is the travelers responsibility to ensure all requirements have been met: (1) When traveling on the AMC Patriot Express (rotator) flights, Madigan Army Medical Center (Seattle) and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (Baltimore), have been designated as primary testing sites for APOEs. These centers are staffed and funded to test Patriot Express travelers in possession of OCONUS orders. Travelers are encouraged to appear in person 48 hours prior to embarkation at the 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: (a) Baltimore AMC Gateway: (609) 253-8825, limited operations. (b) Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD: Central Screening - (571) 335-9985, Testing - 0700-1600 EST, no weekends or holidays. (c) Seattle AMC Gateway: (253) 982-3504/0555, limited operations. (d) Madigan Army Medical Center, McChord, WA: Preventative Medicine Department - (253) 968-4443, Testing - 0600-1700 PST, weekends included, no holidays. (2) Other military treatment facilities (MTF) may execute free tests for service members and dependents if tests are scheduled prior to arrival at the MTF for those in possession of OCONUS orders. 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 via the MyNavy Portal, https://www.mnp.navy.mil/. Note: Most MTFs are closed during the weekend travelers are encouraged to plan for alternate solutions if boarding a flight at the beginning of the week. (3) Commercial sites that support antigen or molecular-based tests (PCR and Abbott ID NOW) may be used to satisfy the requirement. TRICARE does not fund strictly travel-based tests. Travelers should be prepared to pay for tests and will be refunded via travel claim in line with Joint Travel Regulations if traveling on OCONUS orders. We encourage service members to use their GTCC for travel expenses on official orders as this will support these tests. For those that choose not to use the GTCC on official orders, recommend taking advance travel pay as molecular-based tests may be expensive. Additionally, if commercial sites require an upfront fee in an effort to bill TRICARE, service members should ensure to submit the full testing cost via travel claim. f. Travelers that test positive for COVID-19 while executing OCONUS 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 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 references (a) and (b). Do not proceed until consulting with your detailer/AMC. (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@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 members detailer, Navy Passenger Transportation Office (NAVPTO), and the OPNAV COVID 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 requirements, in line with reference (a) and in conjunction with any medical provider guidance, they may continue execution of their orders after conferring with detailers/AMC. Service members and detailers should be proactive to continue travel as soon as possible. 4. Command Pay and Personnel Administrators (CPPA) must do the following before a service member detaches: a. Notify service member of the testing requirement for overseas travel and options. Keep a record of the service members plans for testing, to include the intended facility site and date. b. 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. Vaccinated travelers should only rely on molecular-based tests because they may be at higher risk of a false positive with an antigen test. 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//