Kaiserslautern American
Page 5 Photo by Andrii Vodolazhskyi/Shutterstock.com
March 27, 2020
COVID-19 from Page 1 gathered from the Kaiserslautern Military Community and addressed the ongoing challenges associated with combating the pandemic and the importance of social distancing. Below are some questions and answers from the virtual town hall. For a full list of FAQs, including ones that were not addressed live, visit https://www.ramstein.af.mil/ COVID-19/.
Any talks of relaxing hair regulations during this lockdown like the Navy did? Or will Air Force members be expected to maintain hair regulations from home? With barber shops and hair salons closed, this is a topic of discussion. Guidance will be coming soon. How does the “no more than two” rule affect mission essential offices? Mission essential activities will remain open. Each leadership team knows exactly what it takes to run their operations. We will not dictate to them how many
people they can have at work, however we encourage the use of electronic means where possible. Is it okay to run, walk or bike outdoors as long as we maintain social distance guidelines? What’s the advice for those of us living in stairwell housing on base without our own backyard? Perfectly okay at this time. The good news is, it’s not lockdown. If you are out by yourself, or no more than two, then good-to-go to do those things. Are there any positive cases on RAB? Yes. Check https://www. ramstein.af.mil/COVID-19 for the most up-to-date number. Is there a non-emergency number to call to report an American having a party off base? If you have concerns dial 1-1-2. No one will prevent you from calling
emergency services. We don’t need police efforts, what we really need is compliance. We need the Airmen to know why these guidelines are being pushed out. We are trying to lower the curve and reduce the spread of COVID-19 so it doesn’t outpace our medical capacity. What about on-base policy when it comes to social distancing? On base policy reflects that of the CDC and host nation. Maintain two-meter spacing and groups are to be no larger than two individuals unless residing in the same household. Any updates on college dependents in the states getting here? The U.S. Embassy is working on that specific issue. More information to come. Will the commissary limit shoppers by assigning scheduled shopping days like what has been done in
Korea? Will they limit one person per family shopping at a time? The Mission Support Group commander continues to work closely with our DeCA team, exploring what options are available for us to continue to meet the needs of the community and help people remain protected. We ask that you make sure you are doing everything you can to help protect yourself. Are there any plans for the Vehicle Control Center to stop sign-ins for visitors? Not at this time. Some information may change as the situation develops, please continue to check the site for the most up-to-date information. Visit the Ramstein homepage (www.ramstein. af.mil) and go to the COVID-19 tab at the upper right side of the page. ADVERTISEMENT
For service members who are intransit to our final destination, but are affected by stop movement here, is there any way that rooms on base can be opened up at zero cost to the member? Unfortunately no. There is some great guidance on the financial front allowing certain entitlements to individuals during this unique time. Please visit https://www.ramstein.af.mil/ COVID-19/ and view the Comptroller Policy Memo for more information.
Are space available opportunities to CONUS impacted? All Space-A travel has been terminated, with one exception. If you are on emergency leave with non-funded travel approved, Space-A is available to you.
TKS continues Internet, Mobile, TV service during coronavirus outbreak Although the coronavirus outbreak has touched all the military communities in Europe, TKS has adjusted its business operation to ensure all services can continue for customers on post/base and off. Out of safety for customers and TKS staff members, all shops have been closed to do their part in mitigating the spread of COVID-19. With these closures, TKS has brought all their in-store representatives into their customer support center to assist customers with their service and purchase needs.
Customers can still make purchases for all products by calling 0631-3522499 or emailing service@tkscable.com or with the live chat on their website, www.tkscable.com. It should be made clear that all services for current customers will not be interrupted during the COVID-19 outbreak. If additional restrictions are put in place for restricted movements, there will also be no disruption of service. TKS is committed to keeping you connected during these trying times. Services such as easy TV, easy TV GO, easyConnect and all other services are available through the TKS Hotline.
“We are there for you” has been TKS’s message throughout the crisis and it will continue to remain so in the future. TKS wishes the entire military family health and safety.