Base Commander Issues Shelter-In-Place aboard MCLB Albany
An immediate Shelter-In-Place order has been put in place for all Marines, Sailors, and dependents who live aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany until 11:59 p.m. on 13 April 2020, unless it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended by the installation commander.
The Shelter-In-Place will be in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Shelter-In-Place (https://emergency.cdc.gov/shelterinplace.asp), state, and local Dougherty County Shelter-In-Place Order with updates (http://dougherty.ga.us/content/1800/379008/379647/default.aspx).
The Shelter-in-place requires on-base residents to stay indoors except for certain essential activities which includes buying food, medical treatment, and traveling to and from work.
Authorized movements are as follows: work, commissary, Marine Corps Exchange (MCX), exiting the base only to get essential supplies such as food and water that cannot be found at the commissary or MCX, clinic and medical attention on or off the installation, and dependents who work off the installation.
Individual physical fitness is authorized with social distancing (six feet). Public and private gatherings will not exceed 10 personnel, while maintaining proper social distancing guidelines.
Any person who refuses to obey or otherwise violates this declared order may be detained. Those not subject to military law may be detained until civil authorities can respond. Violators of procedures, protocols, provisions, or orders issued in conjunction with this order may be charged with a crime under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and under Section 271 of Title 42, United States Code (U.S.C.). Pursuant to Section 271 of Title 42, U.S.C., violators are subject to a fine up to $1,000, or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both.
Mandatory Face coverings
Starting this week, a mandatory use of cloth face coverings/masks must be adhered to by all personnel aboard the installation. Military personnel, civilians, their family members and Department of Defense contractors are strongly encouraged to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines on the use of cloth face coverings/masks in public settings. The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings or masks in public settings where other social-distancing measures are difficult to maintain, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. You can find the U.S. Surgeon General’s latest updates on COVID-19 here: https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/index.html. Specifically, face coverings or a mask will be worn on base in all areas where people may pass each other and/or work together. If you work alone, such as in an office, you can remove the face covering/mask but once you leave it must be worn until you leave the building. You are not required to wear these in your POV and continue to adhere to the following CDC guidance:
- Wash your hands often for 20 seconds
- Social-distancing
- Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
- Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
- Blow your nose, cough or sneeze into a tissue and throw it away
You can find the latest CDC guidance here: https://www.coronavirus.gov/.
The Department will continue to implement force protective measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 to our total force and their families, and the American people. The latest DOD policies can be found at https: //www.defense.gov/Explore/Spotlight/Coronavirus.
DOD Travel Restrictions
The Department of Defense has implemented new travel guidelines for military personnel and their families.
Visitor Control Center Curtailment Services & Johnson Road Gate Closure
In support of the Commanding Officer’s shelter-in-place mandate to combat the spread of COVID-19, the VCC services are curtailed. Access to MCLB Albany will be restricted to the main gate until further notice. In an effort to balance VCC services to the base community, the following enhanced services will be available:
- Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, CAC/PIN resets will be staffed on a call-in basis during the hours of 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Mission-essential (priority) and telework personnel requiring CAC pin reset services should call the MCPD Desk Sergeant at 229-639-5132, or 229-639-9108.
- Wednesday and Friday, CAC appointments will be made via the online RAPIDS Appointment Scheduler at https://rapids-appointments.dmdc.osd.mil/. CAC appointments will be for installation personnel only, until the shelter-in-place is lifted.
- Extension letters will be provided for expired/expiring Uniformed Services Identification (USID) cards to ensure uninterrupted sponsor and family member privileges.
- Mission-essential only contractual work requiring access or DBIDS credentials will be provided a temporary pass for the duration of work, not to exceed (6) months. Once vetted, and in accordance with current procedures, Project Managers can coordinate via email at: tiffany.watson@usmc.mil to arrange for pick-up and distribution of temporary passes.
For further assistance, please call (229) 639-5132, if busy or unable to contact, please call the alternate number at (229) 639-9108.
COVID-19 Stimulus Scams
Congress has recently passed a large COVID-19 relief and stimulus package. As with other aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic, fraudsters are exploiting the relief and stimulus to victimize the public. The U.S. Secret Service is observing a rise in stimulus relief fraud over the past several days and expect the fraud attempts to continue throughout the pandemic.
Criminal actors are using a variety of means to contact potential victims. In one instance, the criminal actors are using spoofed email addresses posing as U.S. Treasury officials requesting that the victim provide personal identifying information (PII), so that they can receive their share of the stimulus.
Other than via email, criminal actors are contacting potential victims via SMS/text, robocalls, and other messaging platforms. Through texts, criminal actors are sending links which directs individuals to a website, which then prompts the potential victim to enter PII and other sensitive information, such as bank account numbers, email addresses, and passwords. Official stimulus/relief information regarding COVID-19 will never be sent via text/SMS or on any other messaging platforms.
Foreign partners are also seeing an uptick in COVID-19 stimulus relief fraud. The U.S. Secret Service anticipates instances of similar fraud affecting U.S. citizens in the coming weeks. The method is the same- a potential victim will receive a text message directing them to a link. Once they reach the link, they are prompted to enter a variety of PII data.
The U.S. Secret Service stresses that individuals seeking information about the stimulus/relief program to contact the specific government agency via its website for guidance. Individuals should follow protocols published by those government websites. During this time, it is stressed that the public maintain an increased vigilance when providing any PII or other privileged and protected information.
The U.S. Secret Service is working with domestic and foreign law enforcement partners, along with the private sector, to disrupt and dismantle COVID-19 related fraud schemes. If anyone has any information related to this alert, the GIOC can be contacted at GIOC@usss.dhs.gov.
School Closures
UPDATE: In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, Gov. Brian Kemp has suspended all in-person instruction for K-12 schools for the remainder of the school year. The following schools are closed in Southwest Georgia:
- Dougherty County Schools closed March 16, 2020 - April 6, 2020
- Lee County Schools closed March 16, 2020 - March 27, 2020
- Worth County Schools closed March 16, 2020 - March 27, 2020
- Sherwood Christian Academy closed March 16, 2020 - March 30, 2020
- Byne Christian School closed March 16, 2020 - March 27, 2020
For more information on school closures, call 229-639-7497.
Education Testing Updates
In light of the COVID-19 virus and the closures of Education Testing Centers and METS, HQMC Test Control is recommending all Marines who require in-service testing to schedule at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). After testing is completed, Marines are required to submit a command authorization letter and a certified true copy of their original test scores to msabtesting@usmc.mil. HQMC Testing will upload scores into Marine's official record. For more information, please call 229-639-5426, or email Natalie.knox@usmc.mil.
Commissary Modified Hours
MCLB Albany Commissary is diligently working to keep your shopping experience as safe and pleasant as possible, therefore until further notice as of March 19, 2020, staff will be conducting 100% ID card checks at the entrance and no visitors will be permitted entry. Additionally, we will no longer have Early-Bird Hours. Operating hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday; 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Thursday; Closed Sunday & Monday We are attempting to replenish the items that have been sold out such as toilet paper, paper towels, hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes and sprays, just to name a few. We thank you for your patience and for your service. For more information, please call 229-435-1721.
Commissary Critical Hiring Need
Are you a US citizen? Are you at least 18 years old or 16 years old & a HS Graduate? Have at least one year of general work experience? Need a temporary job? Available to start NOW? If you answered yes to all of the above, please bring your resume and two forms of ID to the commissary and ask for the Store Director. Currently seeking to temporarily (NTE 1 year) hire an experienced Meat Cutter. For more information, please call 229-435-1721.
Marine Corps Exchange Modified Hours
Beginning March 18, 2020, the Exchange will be operating on modified business hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; and Saturday – Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Starting March 19, 2020, the Exchange will return to regular business hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. The gas pumps will operate Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.; and Saturday – Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Only 50 patrons at a time will be allowed in the store. The Exchange will accept debit and credit cards only until further notice. For more information, please contact 229-888-6801.
Marine Corps Community Services Cease Operations
The following activities will cease operations until further notice:
- Base Theater, 229-639-5166
- Clubs at Dubber’s Oak (Officer’s Club, SNCO Club), 229-639-5227
- Catering (will reschedule as needed), 229-639-6236
- Bowling Parties (will reschedule as needed) 229-639-5227
MCLB Albany Postal Modified Hours
Mail Call: Tuesday & Thursday; 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. All units will come during the allotted timeframe as mentioned above to retrieve mail. No mail will be delivered outside the allotted schedule. During this timeframe, mail that needs to be sent out can be done as well. If there are any questions or concerns contact SSgt Garza, Nathaniel at 639-5570 or nathaniel.m.garza@usmc.mi or Capt Cerrato, Marcus at 639-6994 or marcus.cerrato@usmc.mil.
Volunteer Tax Center Operations Suspended
The volunteer tax center located on MCLB Albany has suspended operations. Notification will be made when an estimated time to resume operations is established. Tax filing deadline has been extended to July 15, 2020. The point of contact to request a future appointment is Corporal Samuel Restrepo, email Samuel.restrepo@usmc.mil, or leave a voicemail at 229-639-5212.
Town & Country Complex Closure
The Town & Country Complex (Base Restaurant/Pin City Bar & Grill) is closed until further notice. Subway restaurant is open Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sunday: Closed. For more information, please call 229-639-5227
Subway Temporary Modified Hours
Carry-Out only. Until further notice Subway has temporarily modified its business hour to Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday: Closed, Sunday: Closed. Effective March 23, Subway is only accepting debit/credit cards until further notice. For more information, please call 229-432-5000.
Kelly’s Dry Cleaners Closure
Kelly’s Dry Cleaners will temporarily close effective April 6, 2020 until further notice. If you have items that need to be picked up that can’t be retrieved by April 3, 2020, please contact 229-382-4353 for emergency pick up. We appreciate your patience and understanding during these difficult times. We apologize for any inconvenience. For more information, please call 229-438-2565.
American Clippers Barbershop Closure
We appreciate your patience during this difficult time. American Clippers Barbershop will be closed until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience the closure may cause. For more information, please contact 229-432-9485.
Navy Marine Corps Relief Society Assistance
The Navy Marine Corps Relief Society could be an option that can help during these unprecedented times. NMCRS offers assist loans of up to $500 or other interest-free loans to aid in specific issues. Call 229-639-8444 or 702-822-0277 to schedule a meeting -- required documents will be needed. This is confidential.
Naval Branch Health Clinic Albany Acute – Care Services Only
Effective March 23, 2020 through April 2, 2020, Naval Branch Health Clinic Albany will provide acute - care services only, on a case-by-case basis, to active-duty personnel only -- using uniformed personnel at the clinic deemed mission essential. The clinic's pharmacy will remain open on a limited basis, although wait times will increase, given very limited staffing. The clinic will continue to perform rapid flu tests and rapid strep tests for active duty and their family members, and continue collecting COVID-19 (coronavirus) test samples for active duty and their family members when medically indicated. Family members and retirees can use the TRICARE network for urgent care, without a referral. Learn more at: www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/UrgentCare.
All TRICARE beneficiaries can contact the 24/7 Nurse Advice Line at (800) TRICARE (800-874-2273). It's open 24/7, including holidays. TRICARE East (Humana Military) is available at (800) 444-5445 and www.HumanaMilitary.com, to help find network providers. For your ongoing, maintenance medications, you can "skip the trip" with TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery. Home Delivery is free for active duty, and co-pays for other beneficiaries are for a 90-day-supply (rather than a 30 day supply). Visit www.tricare.mil/homedelivery or call (877) 363-1303. TRICARE network pharmacies are another option, with many locations offering drive-thru service. For more information, visit www.tricare.mil/networkpharmacy or call (877) 363-1303. Phoebe Putney Health System offers a COVID-19 Hotline at (229) 312-1919; it's open daily, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Potential Tricare Fraud/Scam IRT COVID-19
Tricare is warning beneficiaries that scammers are preying on coronavirus fears to steal personal information by offering Covid-19 test kits. As the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the United States continues to climb, some Americans have growing concerns about the availability of testing. Nefarious actors, it seems, are taking advantage of that uncertainty by contacting people over the phone claiming to be Tricare representatives and offering Covid-19 test kits.
"The scam involves direct calls to beneficiaries with an offer to ship or sell COVID-19 testing kits. The calls include requests for personal information such as Social Security numbers, bank or credit card information," the release states*. "Beneficiaries should avoid any solicitation regarding a COVID-19 test kit by anyone other than their attending physician."
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/03/26/tricare-warns-about-new-coronavirus-test-kit-scam.html
Tricare will only provide Covid-19 test kits upon order from a physician, and currently physician orders require that a patient meet certain criteria in order to be eligible for a test. Testing is authorized based on the clinical judgment of a provider, exposure, travel history and symptoms," Tricare's webpage reads**.
https://tricare.mil/COVID19FAQs?fbclid=IwAR2ci-dx0aDt59xhqZ79n2rBWnleXDEbcART4s_pdMUZ5pJsCs-Qe1IJODs
"You must have an in-person or virtual telephone/video visit with a provider who will arrange testing in a military treatment facility (if MTF-enrolled) or in the private sector (if enrolled to the network provider with TRICARE Prime or if you're using TRICARE Select or TRICARE For Life). If network, the cost of the test is covered in the cost of the visit itself."
As a result of these scammers, Tricare is asking that any unusual or suspicious calls from people claiming to be Tricare representatives should be reported on their Fraud and Abuse page here: https://www.tricare.mil/ContactUs/ReportFraudAbuse
For HOTLINE Reporting, the Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany's “HOTLINE“ reporting system provides a direct means by which personnel aboard the installation may report suspected cases of Fraud, Waste, and Abuse without fear of retribution. Suspicion of Fraud, Waste, and Abuse includes energy conservation violations and mismanagement of personnel, equipment and material. The ‘HOTLINE” is open to all military personnel, civilian employees and concerned individuals. Suspicious of Fraud, Waste, and Abuse may be reported by the following means to the MCLBA office of the Command Inspector General:
PHONE: 229-639-6244; PHONE HOTLINE: 229-639-9278; HOTLINE: https://hotline.usmc.mil/
WRITE TO:
COMMAND INSPECTOR GENERAL
814 RADFORD BLVD SUITE 20332
ALBANY, GA 31704-0332
EMAIL: SMBMCLBABASEINSPECTO@usmc.mil
FAX: 229-639-7776
Albany Veterans Affairs Clinic converts to Telehealth Visits
The Albany Veterans Affairs Clinic, which has converted to telehealth visits only, is temporarily closed and expected to reopen on April 6. Naval Branch Health Clinic Albany is providing routine, non-urgent care by using virtual visits (with the Navy Care app) or telemedicine. This is to help protect our patients, staff, and the public - and maintain mission readiness for the Department of Defense. By minimizing foot traffic through our facilities, we're mitigating the spread of COVID-19. The clinic is providing some on-site services to active duty only (for acute care, on a case-by-case basis) -- using uniformed personnel at the clinic deemed mission essential.
- The clinic will continue to perform rapid flu tests and rapid strep tests for active duty and their family members, and continue collecting COVID-19 (coronavirus) test samples for active duty and their family members when medically indicated.
- For existing appointments, the clinic will call you to convert the visit to a virtual (Navy Care) or telemedicine visit, whenever medically possible.
- The clinic's pharmacy remains open on a limited basis, although wait times will increase, given very limited on-site staffing.
- To contact Naval Branch Health Clinic Albany, please call ahead to (229) 639-7886.
For your ongoing, maintenance medications, you can "skip the trip" with TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery. Home Delivery is free for active duty, and co-pays for other beneficiaries are for a 90-day-supply (rather than a 30 day supply). Visit www.tricare.mil/homedelivery or call (877) 363-1303.TRICARE network pharmacies are another option, with many locations offering drive-thru service. Visit www.tricare.mil/networkpharmacy or call (877) 363-1303.
Family members and retirees can use the TRICARE network for urgent care, without a referral. Learn more at: www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/UrgentCare. TRICARE East (Humana Military) is available at (800) 444-5445 and www.HumanaMilitary.com, for help with network providers.
All TRICARE beneficiaries (active duty, families, and retirees) can contact the 24/7 Nurse Advice Line at (800) TRICARE (800-874-2273). It's open 24/7, including holidays.
Phoebe Putney Health System offers a COVID-19 Hotline at (229) 312-1919, open daily (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.).
Navy Federal Credit Union Closure
The Navy Federal Credit Union at MCLB Albany is following the guidance of base officials. The credit union will be closed until April 7, unless the base ordnance is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended in writing by the Base Commanding Officer. To reach NFCU, call 1-888-842-6328.
HITT Classes/Thomason Gym/Daniels Family Fitness Center Closure
Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany will be closing HITT classes, the fitness center, and gym today until further notice. For more information, please contact 229-639-6234/5246.
Intramural & Youth Sports Canceled
All Intramural and Youth Sports are canceled until further notice. For more information, please contact 229-639-5246.
Marine & Family Program Clients by Appointment Only
Marine & Family Program clients will be appointment only. Until further notice, Marine & Family Programs (Behavioral Health & Personal & Professional Development) will see clients by appointment only. No walk-ins allowed. However, anyone needing immediate crisis support services can still call our 24/7/365 Helpline (229-347-2651) and someone will be available to take your call. For more information, please contact 229-639-5252.
Information, Tickets and Tours Closure
Information, Tickets and Tours is closed effective April 6, 2020l until further notice. For more information, please call 229-639-8178.
Base Library Closure
The Base Library will be closed until further notice. For more information, please call 229-639-5242.
Outdoor Adventures Closure
Outdoor Adventures will be closed March 23, 2020 at 12 p.m. until further notice. For more information, please contact 229-639-5221/5241.
Auto Skills Center Closure
Effective March 21, 2020, the Auto Skills Center will close until further notice. For more information, please contact 229-639-5226.
Child Development Center Closure
Effective March 23, 2020, the Child Development Center will be closed until further notice. For more information, please contact 229-639-5765.
Child Abuse Awareness & Prevention Month
April is Child Abuse Awareness & Prevention Month. The 2020 Child Abuse Prevention Month campaign message is Stand Up for MilKids. This campaign aims to raise awareness of a key protective factor shown to increase children’s resilience: the stability of a caring adult in their lives – whether a family member, teacher, coach or another positive figure. A caring adult with a steady presence in a child’s life can be a source of trust and support, and is especially important for kids. Children who grow up with such an adult in their lives are significantly more likely to develop healthy social behaviors and positive coping skills that will help them to weather life’s difficulties, including abuse and neglect. The strength and unity of the military community presents a unique opportunity for this campaign, which encourages adults to step up as positive role models through a commitment to taking a pledge to Stand up for MilKids. The Behavioral Health Programs aboard MCLBA had hoped to show a strong display of awareness activities and campaign literature which can hopefully still be put out once our shelter-in-place and telework has been lifted. Until then, please keep this campaign in your mind and focus on preventing child abuse or neglect. Marine & Family Programs has many ways we can support families experiencing conflict. Please do not hesitate to reach out for support if needed. For more information, please call 229-639-7935.
We are still available by appointment 229-639-5252 and 24/7/365 by calling: 229-347-2651.
Please consider promoting the campaign message and pledge, and incorporating the information below:
- Child Abuse Prevention Month Message: Stand up for MilKids
- April Theme: Stand With MilKids
- Hashtags: #ResilientMilKids #StandUp4MilKids #NCAPM #NCAPM2020
Pledge: Visit https://www.militaryonesource.mil/stand-up-for-milkids and pledge to Stand up for MilKids to prevent child abuse.
Marine Corps Community Services Canceled Events
List of upcoming MCCS events that are canceled:
- CDC Spring Break Camp – March 30 – April 10 – 229-639-5765
- St. Patrick’s Day Party – March 17 – 229-639-5227
- Welcome Aboard Brief – March 19/April 16 – 229-639-5278
- SNCO Birthday Celebration – March 19/April 16 – 229-639-5227
- March Madness 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament – March 25 – 229-639-5246
- PCS Brief – March 26/April 23 – 229-639-5278
- Robotics Club – March 26/April 23 – 229-639-5242
- Veteran’s Breakfast – April 1 – 229-639-5278
- E5 & Below Night – April 2 – 229-639-5227
- Transition Readiness Seminar – April 6-10 – 229-639-9122
- Bosses Night – April 8 – 229-639-5227
- CDC Egg Hunt – April 9 – 229-639-5765
- LEGO Club – April 9 – 229-639-5242
- CDC Month of the Military Child Proclamation - April 10 – 229-639-5765
- Sensory Friendly Movie – April 11 – 229-639-7497
- CDC Earth Day – April 22 – 229-639-5765
- CDC Parent Advisory Board Meeting – April 23 – 229-639-5765
- Armed Forces Challenge – April 24 – 229-639-5246
Marine Corps Community Services Postponed Events
List of upcoming MCCS events that have been postponed with a reschedule date that's to be determined:
- Travel & Recreation Show – March 18 – 229-639-8177
- Library Escape Room – March 19 – 229-639-5242
- Finance Friday – March 20/April 17 – 229-639-6440
- Let’s Walk & Talk it Out – March 23 – 229-639-7497
- Accessing Community Resources & Network Supports – March 24 – 229-639-7497
- Raising Resilient Children - Tuesdays in April – 229-639-7935
- Warrior Stress Management - Wednesdays in April, 229-639-7935
- Transition Compensation for Abused Dependents – April 10, 14 & 22 – 229-639-8896
- Boots 2 Business – April 13-14 – 229-639-9122
- Library Carnival – April 16 – 229-639-5242
- CPR/AED – April 18 – 229-639-5767
- Pre-Deployment Brief – April 21 – 229-639-5767
- Skillbridge Brief – March 17/April 28 – 229-639-5426
- Accessing Higher Education – April 22 – 229-639-5426
- Career & Education Fair – May 13 – 229-639-5426