As leaders here continually assess COVID-19 protection and mitigation measures, the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general has updated guidance and policies regarding the installation’s COVID-19 control measures.

Effective Feb. 5, General Order No. 5 — dated Dec. 23, 2020 — is rescinded and replaced with General Order No. 6, dated Feb. 5 and signed by Brig. Gen. James Bonner, MSCoE and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general.

Per a Presidential Executive Order on protecting the federal workforce, a face covering that covers the nose and mouth is required at all times in federal facilities, except for:

— Children under the age of 2.

— Any person with a medical condition or disability documented by a physician that prevents them from wearing a face covering or face shield. Civilian employees are required to obtain a documented reasonable accommodation.

— Any person who is in a personal office of similar private space while no others are present.

— Any person exercising in an on-post physical fitness center who can maintain social distance.

— When outdoors, as long as social distancing can be maintained.

— When a commander determines its use creates a hazard or safety concern.

— When in private homes or hotel rooms. For clarity, when congregating in open barracks bays or three-person rooms, continue mask wear at all times unless sleeping or performing personal hygiene or training where mask wear is not possible.

— When passing through any MSCoE or Fort Leonard Wood access control point.

In addition to the directive regarding federal facilities, all service members, civilian employees and family members should also continue to follow the three Ws — wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, wear masks and watch your distance — and anyone not feeling well should stay home, seek medical advice and notify supervisors to develop a plan to work from home if possible.

Other major updates and changes under General Order No. 6 apply to all military personnel on or off post as well as government civilian personnel while performing duties on post. They include:

— No mileage restrictions for permanent party personnel.

— Service members are authorized to dine in at restaurants. Masks will be worn when not actively eating and drinking in the establishment. Service members remain authorized to use take-out, drive through and delivery options.

— Barber shops, nail salons, beauty salons, spas, gyms, tanning salons and tattoo parlors remain approved for use by service members as long as the 3Ws are followed.

— All bars and clubs (defined as only selling alcohol) remain off limits to service members through March 15.

— Anyone participating in social gatherings outside of the workplace is strongly encouraged to use good judgment and the 3 Ws. Workplace social gatherings on the installation, such as office parties and pot-luck lunches, remain prohibited until March 1.

— All service members in a training status here will execute ROM for their initial 14 days on the installation. Under ROM, movement is confined to quarters, place of duty, fuel and hygiene purchases, solitary outdoor recreation and exercise, and medical care as needed. Food purchases through curbside pickup and drive through services at restaurants are authorized. Anyone in a ROM status is prohibited from attending social gatherings.