ALCOAST 468/21 - DEC 2021 COVID-19: HOLIDAY SAFETY MESSAGE

R 222136Z DEC 21
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 468/21
SSIC 6230
SUBJ: COVID-19: HOLIDAY SAFETY MESSAGE
A. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 291634Z OCT 21/ACN 115/21
B. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 061949Z AUG 21/ALCOAST 285/21
C. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 151158 MAY 20/ALCOAST 174/20
1. Situation. The new and much more transmissible Omicron variant
of the virus causing COVID-19 is now the dominant variant in the
United States. Early reports show a booster dose (available to all
persons age 16 and over, six months after receiving a second dose
of an mRNA vaccine) provides a very high level of protection
against serious illness and death caused by the Omicron variant of
COVID-19. The emergence of the Omicron variant comes at a time when
the U.S. is experiencing a fifth wave of the pandemic and during
the holiday season when more indoor gatherings will occur.
2. This ALCOAST provides COs/OICs with operation and mission
support guidance during the continued COVID-19 national public
health emergency. It also provides general guidance on pandemic
holiday safety to the Coast Guard Total Workforce. All members of
the Coast Guard Total Workforce are eligible and highly encouraged
to get a booster vaccine dose. Members must understand that getting
a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine is the most effective tool
there is for preventing infection and transmission of COVID-19,
particularly the Omicron variant. REF (A) provides details of
booster dose eligibility and availability. Personnel should have
their booster dose recorded on their CDC vaccine card and ensure
this information is also recorded by their servicing clinic
(military members) or nearest CG clinic (civilian).
3. All force health protection measures outlined in REF (B) remain
in effect. To reiterate, consistent with CDC guidance and REF (B),
in areas of high or substantial transmission, all personnel
(Military, Civilian, Non-Appropriated Fund employees, and
Auxiliary), on-site Contractors, and visitors must wear a mask
inside USCG operated buildings, regardless of the ability to
maintain social distancing and regardless of vaccination status.
Additionally, regardless of local transmission rates, mask wearing
is recommended as a prudent protection measure in all indoor and
crowded settings.
4. All members of the Coast Guard Total Workforce must remain
vigilant during the holidays when gathering with friends and family.
The following steps have been shown to reduce virus transmission:
   a. When not at home, wear a tightly fitting mask when indoors in
places like stores, shopping malls, schools, and offices. Even
those who are fully vaccinated and boosted will benefit from
wearing masks indoors.
   b. Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces. If weather
permits, outdoor spaces are much safer than indoor spaces for
larger gatherings.
   c. In accordance with CDC guidance, wash hands for 20 seconds
with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not
available.
   d. This ALCOAST reissues and renews the policy contained in
REF (C). If you are feeling sick or having symptoms, refrain from
hosting or attending a gathering. Get tested and stay at home to
avoid exposing others. Members are reminded to continue to report
their status in CGPAAS IAW REF (C).
   e. Encourage family and friends to be vaccinated or boosted
especially before traveling.
5. POC: CAPT Shane C. Steiner, Chief of Operational Medicine,
COMDT (CG-1121), Shane.C.Steiner@uscg.mil.
6. RADM Dana Thomas, Director of Health, Safety, and Work-Life
(CG-11), sends.
7. Internet release is authorized.