Base Alabama to ask unmasked troops to show vaccination cards

Unmasked soldiers will need to prove they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 after further orders from the commanding general of Fort Rucker, Alabama.

The new measure was put in place by Major General David Francis on Tuesday, marking one of a military leader’s most aggressive efforts to combat the spread of the virus as the new delta variant is behind the majority of infections and deaths. Most southern states hover around 50% of adults who have received a first dose of the vaccine as they see an increase in cases.

Alabama is lagging behind most of the country in the fight against the coronavirus, with only about 33% of the state fully vaccinated. The majority of states vaccinate at least half of their population.

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“The big difference is going to be that if you don’t wear 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 in a posted video. on the base’s Facebook page on Monday.

Masked troops will not have to prove their vaccination status.

About 70% of US troops have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine which remains voluntary. However, the Pentagon is considering mandatory inoculations once the Food and Drug Administration fully approves the injections.

The order only applies to the military, 5,000 of whom serve on the base that houses the army’s aviation headquarters. However, the thousands of civilians who work and live on the base are “caught and strongly encouraged to adhere” to the new rule. Failure to comply with vaccination or mask requirements could result in installation start-up.

Pentagon press secretary John Kirby told reporters Tuesday that the Defense Department is “closely monitoring the Delta variant” and that leaders are working for a fully vaccinated force.

“We continue to encourage troops to get the maximum immunization… we think this is the best way to go,” Kirby said.

On Sunday, the U.S. military in South Korea reimposed an indoor mask warrant regardless of vaccination status and restricted travel to Seoul, putting the bars off limits as the nation grapples with a wave of infections.

The new directive will last until July 23, according to a statement from US forces in Korea. The new restrictions came as the South Korean government announced 1,316 new COVID-19 patients on Friday, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 165,344.

Five US soldiers in South Korea tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday.

– Steve Beynon can be contacted at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @StevenBeynon.

Related: Pentagon Considering Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccine As FDA Weighs Approval

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