Okinawa Times
Opponents of the relocation plan also contend it should be scrapped for environmental reasons because the site is a habitat for certain corals and for that the International Union for Conservation of Nature says is critically endangered, just a step away from extinction. Facilities will also be fulfilling 3D Print requests and delivering requested books, DVDs, and other library items during our regular operating hours via curbside delivery. For those without a vehicle, the process is the same but with a separate queue for pedestrian traffic. While the COVID-19 pandemic still presents risk to DOD Service members, their families, and our civilian workforce, improving conditions warrant a transition in our approach to domestic and overseas personnel travel to a conditions-based, phased approach to personnel movement and travel. This ensures patrons keep their face coverings on at all times. Effective 03 June all MCCS fitness centers, satellite gyms, and HITT centers will return to normal pre-COVID-19 operating hours as posted on facility entrances and the MCCS Okinawa website. - Transition Assistance in-person counseling sessions for individual, transitioning Marines will resume. military will be publicly reported. Tokyo and Washington have agreed the current 1,100-acre 445-hectare Futenma base will be returned to Japanese control after operations are moved to Henoko. As a reminder, the Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform MCCUU should not be used to create masks due to it being treated with permethrin as a bug repellent. Once Q4 grades are calculated in courses where new content is taught, Q4 grades will be compared to Q3 grades for each course. Failure to do so could result in denial of access to USFJ military installations. ROM at a location other than the home station requires host installation commander approval. You can download the images by right clicking and selcting "Save image as. For anyone that will be servering as a sponsor to our newcomers, prepare yourself with the latest resources available to help you fulfill your sponsorship assignment with ease. With enough of the joint population inoculated, our health, readiness, and quality of life will significantly improve. Most of the additional cost and time is required to stabilize and strengthen reclaimed land off the coast of Henoko that will be used for runways, the Defense Ministry said. It presented its new estimate Wednesday to a panel of Japanese experts. DoDEA teachers will continue to be flexible and provide opportunities for students to submit late work or redo assignments for credit. This order extends the previous Japan-wide PHE declared on April 15, 2020. Update 1: Effective Thursday, April 9 at 4 a. Visit the Department of Defense COVID-19 rumors webpage for information on specific instances of incorrect information and the corrected responses. Face masks are still required to be worn in fitness centers as per previous guidance. These measures have been put into place to protect our forces, our families, and our local communities. That adds more than a decade to the plan, which has already been delayed by more than 20 years because of local opposition and other reasons. Be alert for symptoms. In Japan, all SOFA personnel arriving via MILAIR or commercial air a 14-day travel ROM on a U. Every tutoring session is anonymous and takes place in a secure online classroom. Now is not the time to let our guard down, stay vigilant. Embassy and Consulate in Japan Covid-19 response page on the right side of our webpage under partner responses. In your vehicle, please follow the signs and proceed to the Southern entrance, near the flagpole, of the hospital to pick-up your prescriptions. Access will be reopened to all authorized patrons, i. MCCS main indoor fitness centers remain closed. When key decision points are reached based on the local situation, commanders from the joint forces come together to discuss necessary measures to keep the on-base and off-base communities safe. The event will begin at 11:30 a. All personnel and dependents under SOFA status in Japan are expected to follow the USFJ public health order. for Times and specific base's Facebook Page links. - Gaming Rooms at the Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster and at Taiyo Steakhouse have reopened, with other facilities to reopen shortly. It is imperative that you have a plan if you decide to drink alcohol. - Group fitness classes for groups of 10 people or less with social distancing, etc. For this reason, you may see the application of slightly different protective measures across the Services on the island. Continue to follow our Facebook page along with our COVID-19 this webpage for updates as we release them. - ALLOWED: Social or work related gatherings are allowed in groups of ten or smaller with social distancing. Delaying the relocation of the base adds to safety risks for the crowded Ginowan area, one of the main reasons for moving Futenma. - All equipment at our existing HITT Centers including free weights, dumbbells and kettle bells will be available for use. - Foster Framing and Fine Arts and The Custom Shop will reopen. Numbers of people in isolation, quarantine, or possibly infected will not be released. This website includes resources for families, TRICARE information, financial support, scam alerts and much more. After caring for someone sick• - MCCS Special Events equipment rentals such as water slides will resume except for bounce houses. - New Parent Support Program home visits will resume. These measures have been implemented to protect our forces, our families, and our local communities. If you are not able to get through the COVID Care Line, please contact the Nurse Advice Line at 012-099-6985 from Japanese cell phones or 0066-3382-1820 Japanese toll free number. Every year, around May 15, the date when Okinawa was returned to Japan in 1972, the group usually hosts a peace parade, however due to the coronavirus pandemic it has been cancelled for the second straight. Then, use a household disinfectant. The plan requires 1,800-meter 5,900-foot runways built in a V configuration on reclaimed land in Henoko Bay near the U. If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Social distancing will be strictly enforced. Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. Kevin Schneider, extended the Public Health Emergency PHE for all of Japan. The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected. Marine Corps base being relocated to a less-crowded area of the southern Japanese island despite vehement local opposition. Patrons must bring their own gym towel to clean and wipe down all equipment after use. USNHO recently opened COVID-19 vaccinations to beneficiaries, including dependents ages 30 and up. 2 billion and take five years, with completion expected in about 2022. Click on the link below to read the most recent permanent change of station and household goods shipment guidance. This April 10 requirement applies where no local guidance has yet to be promulgated. Service Member Travel Guidance 3. After changing a diaper• For DOD service members, it also includes personal leave outside the local area and nonofficial travel outside the local area. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga on Thursday defended the relocation plan as "the only solution, taking into consideration the role of the Futenma air station as deterrence under the Japan-U. The PHE will remain in effect through June 14, 2020, unless it is renewed or terminated sooner by the USFJ Commander. This will apply to renewals, refills, new prescriptions, and emergency contraceptives. All DOD service members, and DOD civilian personnel and dependents of DOD service members and of DOD civilian personnel whose travel is government-funded, will stop movement, both internationally and domestically, while this memorandum is in effect, unless the conditions listed in the memo are met. Please continue to practice good hygiene, conduct social distancing, and wear appropriate facemasks. Per USFJ order, all SOFA personnel are not permitted to use public transportation upon arrival and will undergo a 14-day quarantine at their installations. That would likely reignite tensions and further delay the relocation. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Anyone with whom they shared a health care waiting area; or, 4. Once the prescriptions have been processed, the pharmacy staff will contact you via a text or a call to notify you that the prescription is ready for pickup. Department of Defense DoD , tutoring and homework help from Tutor. Berger's announcment to cancel the semi-annual PFT requirement due to COVID-19 considerations. Until further notice, we are only able to issue limited validity emergency passports. Face coverings are required in all areas except the outdoor HITT Centers and while using cardio equipment. - Off-base dining, flea markets, and other markets where social distancing can be maintained are again authorized due to improvements in the off-base COVID situation. You will need a CAC to access the document. As this pandemic continues it is too easy to become complacent. After leaving a public place• Butler Distribution Management Office has provided specific guidance and resources for service members and families that are expecting to conduct a PCS move to Okinawa during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Follow the link in our partner responses on the right side of this page. For more information see the graphic below. This will become even more important as we move into Golden Week and the number of off-island visitors to Okinawa grows substantially. Embassy in Japan has stated, "As of April 8, 2020, and in accordance with this worldwide directive, the Embassy and consulates in Japan have canceled all routine passport and citizenship appointments. Items are taken directly to cars. Please continue to practice good hygiene, conduct social distancing, wear appropriate facemasks, and stay vigilant. The declaration ensures commanders possess the necessary authorities to enforce compliance with health protection measures. Complete the 10-mile course on MCAS Futenma on your own time between Friday, May 22 and Monday, June 1 and receive a finisher's medal and T-shirt. These measures, some of which can be seen below, go into effect April 17. forces on Okinawa, we are all following U. This includes new seating arrangements. For any questions on III MEF HPCON or COVID-19 related guidance, send us a message at mefcovid. -NOT ALLOWED: Take annual leave. More details will be provided in a MARADMIN. To enforce social distancing, some equipment will be marked as unavailable for use. Due to the potential of toxicological exposure to permethrin via Inhalation, any permethrin treated material should not be used as face protection. Forces Japan declared a public health emergency for all of Japan, Apr. Use the provided patron-count sheet to sign-in and sign-out of the facility. All fitness centers will resume normal, pre-COVID-19, operating hours and "active duty only" hours will no longer be in effect. III MEF leadership takes into account a multitude of factors when considering making changes to HPCON levels. About half of the 50,000 American troops in Japan are stationed in Okinawa. Unfortunately there have been those looking to exploit the vulnerable state people may be in. After touching animals or pets• The company has its registered headquarters in. He is expected to reject an application by the central government for a local government permit to carry out additional land reinforcements. Basketball, soccer and football are not permitted. - NOT ALLOWED: Go to off-base restaurants. " For more updates on DoDEA's current plan visit their COVID-19 response page linked in our partner pages on the right side of our website. Naval Hospital Okinawa and mainland facilities at Misawa Air Base, Yokota Air Base, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, and Camp Zama have been added by DoD as expanded pilot administration sites that will receive initial vaccine shipments at the same time or shortly after Kadena. Maximum of: 50 people at a time at Foster and Hansen libraries 25 people at a time at all other MCCS libraries 3. When inside in non-residential settings, wear an appropriate face covering in accordance with CDC guidance. Numbers of people in isolation, quarantine, or possibly infected will not be released. - Tsunami Scuba equipment rentals, dive classes and charters for groups of 10 people or less will resume. servicemen were convicted, reigniting simmering Okinawan opposition to the U. Travelers from the United States are not permitted to enter Japan and should not board flights. Workouts should be kept to 60 minutes of less. For a full list of the changes, please contact your chain of command. It is still imperative that you work with your departing and incoming units to ensure you fall within the travel exemption policies. However, because there have been no changes to the situation here in Okinawa, at this time there is no immediate changes to restrictions, closures, or other actions. Continue to look for information from official sources and stay aware of false information and rumors. These documents provide further guidance on OCONUS travel, family separation allowance, teleworking, and a host of other useful topics. , all MCCS Fitness Centers island-wide will suspend operations for two weeks. Military members are expected to report their dependents who travel through areas with confirmed COVID-19 cases. Before eating or preparing food• Wash your hands often• This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. daily, with the following guidelines: - Access will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis to all authorized personnel no more "active duty only" hours - Face coverings will not be required. Get inside and cease all movement until all clear. An additional 14-day ROM at final destination is not required unless utilizing the Patriot Express. - Taiyo Golf Club custom-club fittings and large-group shotgun starts will resume. - Officer, SNCO, NCO and Enlisted Lounges will reopen with social distancing and occupancy limits; alcohol sales end at 9 p. Army and Air Force Exchange Service Movie Theaters Effective immediately, as of May 7, all exchange theaters on Okinawa will be temporarily closed until further notice. MCCS staff will monitor hand-washing, social distancing, enforce equipment cleaning, and perform sanitizing cycles three times daily. Graphs, like the one below, are used as a guideline for making decisions that impact the III MEF community. Indo-Pacific Command has raised the Health Protection Condition HPCON to "Charlie". Although there are no immediate changes to the HPCON measures, III MEF is regularly reevaluating the situation based on recommendations from public health professionals. It is applicable to anyone with access to U. , being coughed or sneezed on, coughing or sneezing on. -NOT ALLOWED: Go to off-base establishments that are not identified as essential services. Take a moment to review the infographic that MCCS put together to provide some useful information. Always remember "Not 1 Drop" when you drive. Forces Japan and other higher level guidance, but local commanders have some ability to determine how best to protect their units. In 2015 the editor in chief was Kazuhiko Taketomi. If no appointments are available, please continue to check back using the above link. The contact tracing record is to be reviewed solely by medical teams ISO of a COVID-19 trace investigation. For more information Dining Facilities Dining facilities remain open with precautionary measures in place to mitigate risk to our forces, families, and the local community. no more "active duty only" hours. After handling your cloth face covering• - CREDO Marriage Retreats for groups of 10 people or less will resume. They also offer tutoring in Spanish for some math, science and social studies subjects for native Spanish speakers. Patrons must wipe off equipment before and after use. Libraries Effective May 4, All libraries will reopen with normal hours with the following new guidelines. Kadena Medical Facility is among the selected pilot locations. Berger announced the PFT requirement for this semi-annual period is cancelled in accordance with COVID-19 prevention guidelines. Please do not walk into the hospital to pick up your prescriptions. This will include information related to the following: 1. Registration opens Friday, May 22 at midnight. The department's actions to stem the spread of COVID-19 has significantly limited the ability of service members to take leave during this national emergency, and we know that leave is vital to the health and welfare of our force. - Patrons must wipe off equipment before and after use with the available disinfectant wipes. Libraries will continue to provide virtual reference services via phone, Facebook Messenger, and by emailing libraryprogram okinawa. Clink on the link below to read the full MARADMIN. Extracurricular activities may be impacted by HPCON changes as well. Access will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis and is reopened to all authorized patrons no more "active duty only" hours 2. Patrons are required to bring their own gym towel. Visit the MCCS COVID response page under our partner responses on the right side of this page for a full list of updates. Head office in Type Founded 1 July 1948 [ ] Political alignment Headquarters , , Japan 153,370 2010 Website Japanese English The Okinawa Times is a based in ,. If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members. Updated guidelines include: - MARFOR-J Personnel will be allowed to utilize off-base retail stores as long as they practice social distancing and wear masks. You can find it at the link below. This is an island-wide call line for all your COVID-19 questions and concerns. military service members, DoD personnel, and their dependents who are being impacted by COVID-19 disruptions. alliance and a removal of its risks. This includes childcare, schools, and off-base residences that are not your own. Marine Forces-Japan will begin the transition through coordination with USFJ on June 12. This order expanded the previous declaration, which included only the Kanto Plain region. These measures, some of which can be seen below, go into effect April 7. Immediate vaccination administration prioritization will focus on those providing direct medical care and emergency services e. Effective 1200 on June 17, 2020 Taxis will be available for use on Marine Corps installations in Okinawa and personnel can request daily visitor passes for off-base visitors. Outdoor HITT Centers remain open per guidance issued April 22. Schools and Childcare The Department of Defense Education Activity DoDEA uses HPCON to guide actions in response to the COVID-19 health threat. Avoid close contact• checks at the entrance of all stores and no visitors will be allowed entrance. com, students get personalized help in more than 100 subjects for grades K-12 and college students, including math, writing, reading, ELL, science, English, social sciences, history, accounting, finance, nursing, world languages, computer science, study skills, test prep and more. Face masks are required to be worn 2. After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing• The service is funded by the Department of Defense and Coast Guard Mutual assistance and no cost to eligible students. Update 2: Added military one source link to right side of website. Before touching your face• - NOT ALLOWED: Take off-base leave outside of your residence. Updates to this tracker will continue to be put out via AtHoc messaging so please ensure you register yourself and your family. Therefore, DoDEA teachers will continue normal grading of assignments and assessments in Q4. -NOT ALLOWED: Move to or from any location with more than two individuals or one family per vehicle. Travel restrictions for Marines and their families 3. Naval Hospital Okinawa-wide COVID Care Line is Now Live! -ALLOWED: Go to off-base establishments for essential services. Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker. This includes take-out and drive-through. See them in "Policy" tab of this webpage. We understand that everyone is eager to enjoy Okinawa and all the great amenities and restaurants, but we ask you to continue to take precautions and practicing proper social distancing and good judgement with all activities. Face covering are required in all areas of the facility, except while using the cardio equipment. If an installation commander has already issued a directive to require face coverings in DeCA Commissaries, this order shall not supersede their policy, and all patrons and employees shall adhere to current rules. Students will receive the higher of the two grades for each course on their Q4 report cards. Online learning and teaching will continue in all DoDEA schools across the Pacific; School buildings in Korea are closed to students and maintaining online teaching and learning will remain the focus; however, we will keep a flexible approach that could allow any of the eight schools on the Korean peninsula to reopen before the end of the school year if conditions established jointly by the command and DoDEA are satisfied. Click on the link below to read the MARAMIN in its entirety. Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. Many previous off-base restrictions were lifted and many on-base activities have reopened. , are being scheduled to resume starting next week. As a reminder, we all have a part to play in limiting the spread of COVID-19. Chapel Chapel services are currently available both in-person and virtually. Click the link below for guidance from NCIS on COVID-19 stimulus check-related scams that have been taking place, and how you can protect yourself.。 。
