Hanscom COVID-19 travel policy updated

  • Published
  • By Lauren Russell
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs

HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – The 66th Air Base Group Crisis Action Team has updated the Hanscom Travel Policy, with the new one taking effect Aug. 1.

Although the Massachusetts governor exempts Department of Defense personnel and accompanying dependents on official orders from the Massachusetts Travel Order, DOD personnel and dependents are required to comply with the Hanscom travel policy, which is quite similar.

“Our updated directive was crafted to ensure we stay vigilant and focused on minimizing health risks to our installation and community members and families,” said Col. Katrina Stephens, installation commander.

All military and civilian personnel, as well as persons who will reside on base, traveling from a higher-risk state will quarantine for 14 days upon arriving in Massachusetts.

“Only under rare and extenuating circumstances, exceptions may be granted by unit commanders and directors, allowing mission-critical personnel to report to duty,” said Anthony Renzoni, 66 ABG CAT member.

Military leave will continue to be approved by commander and director equivalents in accordance with current stop movement guidance. DOD travel restrictions still apply.  

The updated Massachusetts travel order that also went into effect Aug. 1, will apply to personnel on pass and leave. The policy provides an exemption for commuters who travel to work at least weekly into Massachusetts from a higher risk state, or to personnel traveling from a lower-risk state.

Installation officials say the Hanscom Clinic will not provide tests for asymptomatic personnel.

“Due to global constraints on COVID-19 testing, the Hanscom Clinic is authorized only to conduct clinical, diagnostic, critical national capabilities- and deployment-related tests,” said Renzoni.

Information on off-base testing resources can be found at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-i-get-a-test?-.

For more information on TRICARE coverage of travel-related testing, visit https://tricare.mil/HealthWellness/HealthyLiving/Coronavirus/Coronavirus-FAQs#testing.

A complete list of Hanscom COVID-19 updates can be found at www.hanscom.af.mil/Coronavirus.