Navy Region Southwest is responsible for Navy operations in California, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah – and Naval Air Station Lemoore – issued its order this week and is encouraging navy installations and personnel to work with its local, state, and federal partners.
The directive calls for Naval Air Station Lemoore to follow local government directives and work with base leadership to complete its essential mission while taking common-sense steps.
As the number of positive COVID-19 cases continues to rise throughout the state of California as well as in other states within the Navy’s Southwest Region, California’s state, local, and county officials are taking steps to limit the spread of the virus.
U.S. Navy COVID-19 Updates
“The health and well-being of our personnel and their families remains our top priority so Southwest Navy Commands continue to make adjustments in day-to-day operations to help protect the Fleet, our sailors, civilians, and contractors and their families, as well as prevent the further spread of the virus. These adjustments were made in alignment with federal guidance and state governor direction, and include the following, which are in effect until further notice,” stated a message on the Navy Region Southwest Facebook page.
So far, based on the Navy’s orders, NAS Lemoore and all Navy installations will adhere to the following guidelines:
- All catering functions, special events, ticket offices, and recreational trips are canceled or closed until further notice.
- Fitness centers and gymnasiums (inclusive of swimming pools), bowling centers, recreation centers (community and enlisted), auto skills centers, and movie theaters will close.
- All Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) bars will close. Restaurants and quick-service food and beverage outlets will provide to-go orders only. Galley and MWR rations-in-kind (RIK) operations will remain open but will eliminate salad bars and enhance efforts for social distancing.
- Child development centers (CDC) school-age care will remain open. Teen centers, youth sports, and hourly childcare will be suspended.
- Religious services on board all installations are suspended until further notice to limit gatherings of more than 10 people in accordance with guidance from the commander-in-chief.
- Beginning March 18, Commissaries will begin 100% I.D. card checks at the entrance of all stores and will revoke the visitor policy. These measures are in place to reduce the number of people in stores, support social distancing, and minimize crowds.
- Beginning March 19, “early bird” shopping hours will be eliminated to allow more time for cleaning and re-stocking.
Like its civilian counterparts, the naval commands are encouraging alternative work schedules to maintain operational readiness but help to slow the spread of the coronavirus. These measures include working at home and limiting the number of pf personnel needed to be physically at the job site.