Alabama military base first in US to require troops to show proof of COVID vaccine

The commanding general of Fort Rucker announced that the Alabama military base will require service members not wearing face masks to “show proof of vaccination” while on duty to combat the increase in COVID cases. 19.

Why is this important: The order, released Wednesday, makes Fort Rucker the “first military base on the mainland” of the United States to allow leaders to “check the vaccination status of people in uniform,” the Washington Post notes.

Details: Major General David Francis said in a video that due to “rising rates in the counties around us and some in Fort Rucker,” leaders were implementing the guidelines.

• “[I]If you are not wearing a mask, the leaders will be able to ask you, ask the soldiers, to prove that they have been vaccinated by showing their vaccination record, ”Francis said.

Yes, but: The order does not apply to civilians, who “must be taken at their word unless the supervisor has good reason not to,” according to the guidelines.

The big picture: There has been a slight increase in coronavirus cases in the United States, driven by the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant.

• About 70% of the military have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. In Alabama, just over 40% of the population has received at least one dose, by WashPost.
• Alabama is one of several Republican-led states to ban agencies, schools, and businesses from requiring COVID-19 vaccine passports to access services.