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Flotilla 1-1 What's New!

COVID-10 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I still perform Coast Guard Missions, request patrol orders or be assigned to duty?

A: Yes, but they may not be approved. Auxiliarists are precluded from Coast Guard missions with any risk of exposure to COVID-19. The Coast Guard Order Issuing Authority (OIA) and the Auxiliarists involved must properly apply risk management principles prior to requesting, planning or undertaking any assignment to duty where risk of exposure to COVID-19 is possible. Please do not request patrol orders or assignment to duty unless an authorized OIA has specifically requested Auxiliary support for a mission.

 

Q: How should orders for patrols or missions be requested? 

A: Requests for patrol orders should ONLY be requested after receiving a request from the OIA. The lead Auxiliarist for the patrol request or mission must contact the Order Issuing Authority (OIA) well in advance of the assignment to duty to determine whether to proceed due to COVID-19 Considerations. OIAs and Auxiliarists should also be aware of any mission restrictions or prohibitions established by the District Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX). If any patrol that was previously approved is cancelled, please go into AOM and cancel the patrol order.

 

Q: I’m an Auxiliarist who effectively serves as an Order Issuing Authority (OIA) for the assignment of Auxiliarists to duty for certain Auxiliary activities (e.g., conduct of vessel safety checks and marine dealer visits). Can I continue performing such functions?

A: No. If COVID-19 considerations exist, then the cognizant District Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX) will serve as the Coast Guard Order Issuing Authority. Use the Auxiliary Chain of Leadership and Management (COLM) to obtain authorization from the DIRAUX office. Individual members must not contact the DIRAUX.

 

Q: I am supposed to attend a C-school soon. Will I still be able to attend?

A: Auxiliary C-schools that had been scheduled through the month of May 2020 have been postponed. How to proceed with Auxiliary C-schools beyond May 2020 entails decisions that will have to be determined as COVID-19 circumstances continue to evolve over the next few weeks. Such future decisions will likely be made on a month-by-month basis by the Chief Director of Auxiliary office (CG-BSX-1). They will issue future guidance for any Auxiliary C-Schools.

 

Q: What do I need to know if I have been assigned to duty?

A: Auxiliarists assigned to duty should recognize the uncertain nature of COVID-19’s scope and its potential to spread. This requires heightened awareness and watchfulness when assigned to duty and in everyday life. Auxiliarists should vigilantly maintain good hygiene to safeguard themselves from exposure risks. Guidance from the CDC can be found on the following website: CDC Coronavirus (COVID-19) .

Coast Guard OIAs are continually assessing the operational risks posed by COVID-19 and developing strategies in advance of mission performance. OIAs are the best source for guidance regarding Auxiliary assignments to duty within their Area of Responsibility (AOR). As a reminder, any Auxiliarist who is requested to be assigned to duty for a Coast Guard mission has the absolute right to refuse orders or requests if they regard the risk outweighs the gain.

 

Q: I may have been exposed to COVID-19 while on a Coast Guard assignment to duty. What should I do?

A: Auxiliarists are encouraged to seek medical attention from their personal health providers and follow their guidance whether they exposed in the course of a Coast Guard assignment to duty or not. If you suspect you were exposed to COVID-19 during the course of an assignment to duty it should be processed as other Auxiliary injury claims in accordance with the provisions of the Auxiliary Manual (COMDTINST M16790.1 (series).

 

Q: What should I do if I was denied entry to a Coast Guard installation?

A: Please don’t take it personally. Commanding Officers of Coast Guard installations are authorized and expected to deny entry to any personnel, including Auxiliarists, to ensure the safety and security of the installation.

 

Q: Am I allowed to travel in my civilian capacity?

A: Yes. Before traveling consult the CDC for Travel Health Notices (THNs) for locations affected by COVID-19. Travel to foreign countries or territories effected by any level of THN is highly discouraged. If you do choose to travel, consult the CDC and Department of State Travel Advisory website prior to any trip.
DOS Travel Advisories  
CDC travel notices

 

Q: If I do travel, what should I do when I return?

A: If you are returning from or through a location that the CDC has issued a Level 3 THN then you are prohibited from participating in Coast Guard/Auxiliary activities or visiting units for 14 days following your return from travel. You must also advise your Flotilla Commander and your District Director of Auxiliary via your COLM.

If you are returning from or through a location that the CDC has issued a Level 1 or 2 THN then you must consult with your COLM before participating in in Coast Guard/Auxiliary activities or visiting units. CDC map of countries and territories affected: CDC Confirmed Cases Map

 

Q: What should I do if I have been advised to self-monitor?

A: Any Auxiliarist asked to self-monitor is prohibited from participating in Coast Guard/Auxiliary activities or visiting units for 14 days. You must also inform your COLM at the earliest opportunity that you asked to self-monitor. If you are symptom free after 14 days, you will be authorized to resume participation in Coast Guard/Auxiliary activities. During this 14-day period you should separate yourself from other people in your home and avoid sharing personal items. You should also practice social distancing by remaining at least six feet away from people outside the home. You should not visit public or crowded areas, use public transportation and avoid interactions with pets or other animals. Make sure to look for symptoms like fever, cough and/or difficulty breathing. If any of these symptoms develop contact your personal physician for more direction.

 

AUXILIARY OPERATIONS SUSPENDED

As of 15 March 2020 all person-to-person and public facing interactions are suspended due to the continued spread of COVID-19. You may continue to work on the computer, train at home, make phone calls and teleconferences, etc., but nothing outside the home at this time.

Official travel is suspended. Personal travel by Auxiliary members is still permitted, but "highly discouraged". Any members returning from leisure travel outside the state of Alaska are prohibited from participating in CG/AUX activities or visiting CG/AUX units until 14 days have lapsed from the return date and they are experiencing no symptoms.

As soon as this restriction is lifted we will notify all members. 

For more information please click here (downloads PDF)


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