FITNESS TESTING
Physical fitness assessments will resume for Airmen on July 1, 2021 and Airmen may determine their next fitness assessment due date by visiting the Official Physical Assessment Due Date Matrix on myPers, which will be updated and available shortly. Fitness assessment due dates will primarily depend on the date and score of the last official test. Testing was initially delayed from October 2020 to April 2021 to ensure the health and safety of Airmen during the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure social distancing practices remained in place. When assessments resume, the three-component fitness test (1.5 mile run, 1 minute of pushups and sit-ups) will be reset with scores calculated on a new three component scoring table. In addition, work is underway to separate scoring into five-year age groups as opposed to the previous ten – for example, age groups will start at <25, 25-29 years old, 30-34, years old, etc. As testing resumes, scores earned on the three-component fitness test will be redistributed. Final decisions on percentage component breakdowns will become available in June. If necessary, commanders may delay official fitness assessments beyond July 2021 based on the recommendation of local public health officials, the continuation of closed fitness centers and extended restriction of movement and gatherings. In addition to the updates above, diagnostic testing is now available for Airmen to choose when they are ready to test. If an Airman completes a diagnostic physical fitness assessment or a mock test with the Fitness Assessment Cell or Physical Training leader, and passes, he or she can decide to make the mock test an official test score.
According to AFMAN 36-2905, Air Force Physical Fitness Program, the FAC, PTL and Unit Fitness Program Manager are able to conduct the physical assessment for all Airmen, either inside or outside of their unit. Airmen can make their test official by initialing next to their total score and fitness category section, prior to leaving the testing location. If the member fails the mock test, it will not be officially counted. Future PT test updates will be released as they are available.
Are you getting ready to depart Spangdahlem and slowly chipping away at your out-processing checklist? If so, you’re in luck! Spangdahlem is starting a weekly open house to assist in out-processing. Agencies such as; Individual Protective Equipment (IPE), Passports, VAT/UTAP, Postal, Fitness, SFS, LRS, CPTS, Legal, Housing, and many more will be available to answer questions and clear members of their out-processing checklists.
When: Every Thursday from 0900-1000
Where: Normally in Bldg 103 PAX Holding Terminal
**The Mass Out processing brief will be held in different locations from August 27 - November 12
- Aug 27: Brick House
- Sept 10: Hawg Conference Room
- Sept 24: Viper Conference Room
- Oct 08: Hawg Conference Room
- Oct 22: Brick House
- Nov 12: Viper Conference Room
What to bring: IPE Gear for turn in, Restricted Area Badge, ID Card, VAT/UTAP paperwork, Any Passports and **10** copies of your orders
Additional Info: Masks and physical distancing requirements will be enforced
*Check the myPers page regarding assignment DEROS and RNLTD dates being adjusted.
MPF: https://www.52fss.com/military-personnel
TMO: General questions https://mypers.af.mil/app/answers/detail/a_id/46605
Passenger Travel Office (SATO): By Appointment Only 0800-1500 Monday-Friday, excluding U.S. Holidays and Family Days.
Customers can feel free to call 06565616661 for questions/appointments scheduling during business hours or email at 52LRS.LGRDAP.PassengerTravel@us.af.mil
For after-hour Emergency Leave Request, please contact our 24-hr stand-by personnel at +49 (0)1607136199.
Personal Property Shipping Office: By Appointment Only 0800-1530 Monday-Friday, excluding U.S. Holidays and Family Days.
Customers can feel free to call 06565616001 for questions/appointments scheduling during business hours or email at 52LRS.PersonalProperty@us.af.mil
Passports: 06565-61-4448/452-4448 or 52mss.dpmpsp@us.af.mil
Public Health: 06565-61-8308/452-8308
Medical appointments: 06565-61-8333/452-8333
Shuttle Service:
- Taking the shuttle to the Airport? Airport Shuttle Service resumed limited service on May 11. They’re currently working with Public Health concerning risk management and seating will be limited. Members who are ready to travel can go to the website (https://www.52fss.com/airport-shuttle) to submit their reservation request and confirmed flight itinerary. At the moment, their website still depicts “CLOSED” until further notice – expect updates later this week.
- Beginning May 4, the FSS Education & Training section will begin WAPS testing on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with two sessions beginning at 0745 and 1300.
- WAPS testing will max at 12 Airmen per session.
- DLPT/Language testing will take place on Tuesdays at 0800 and 1300. CDC testing will take place on Thursdays at 0800 and 1300.
- CDC and DLPT/Language testing will max at 5 Airmen per session.
- Masks, social distancing, and sanitization are key priorities and will be enforced.
- Dependent on the local situation, testing operations may cease with a little notice.
- For WAPS Testing, the Installation Test Center Manager will work directly with each Unit WAPS Monitor for scheduling and assignment of test dates.
- For CDC Testing, supervisors will contact their Unit Training Managers for scheduling.
- For DLPT/Language Testing, Airmen self-schedule through the Air Force Virtual Education Center.
For DODEA COVID-19 Operational Guidelines and Protocols for School, click here.
52nd Fighter Wing leaders understand the additional stress this places on our community and we are working to accommodate alternative shifts and other measures to mitigate these challenges. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to your unit leadership.
For the most recent information on travel restrictions relating to COVID-19, you go can go to:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
-or-
https://reopen.europa.eu/en
COVID-19 information can be found at the links below, and you can check the Spangdahlem website, which will be updated with information most relevant to the 52 FW.
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html
General Information: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list/
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control Prevention: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers
CAC-Enabled users can go to the USAFE COVID SharePoint page for USAFE-wide travel restrictions.
Important factors to keep in mind:
1) You cannot transit through red countries at this time.
2) Each country has its own restrictions that must be adhered to.
For more information on how the border closures work, click here.
For current info on the status of border closures, click here.
The CDC updated its Level 3 Travel Health Notices (THN) to include 29 countries. CDC Travel Health Notices can be found at: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices for all countries, restrictions for Europe can be found here, and restrictions for the UK can be found here.
The Department of State has updated the Travel Advisory for mainland China, Iran, the South Korean city of Daegu, and the Italian regions of Lombardy and Vento to Level 4: Do Not Travel due to COVID-19.
The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to reconsider travel abroad due to the global impact of COVID-19. Many areas throughout the world are now experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and taking action that may limit traveler mobility, including quarantines and border restrictions. Even countries, jurisdictions, or areas where cases have not been reported may restrict travel without notice.
Effective until further notice, all non-essential travel throughout designated locations will cease, beginning March 23, until June 30, 2020. This is what is known as a Stop Movement. Exceptions to the Stop Movement guidance can be granted in writing by the 3rd Air Force commander if deemed mission essential, necessary for humanitarian reasons, or extreme hardship. This includes most of Europe; a full list can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/. For more detailed guidance on how this may affect your travel and what is considered the local area, speak to your unit leadership.
- myPers Stop Movement (as of April 21, 2020)
- Stop Movement Dashboard (Military)
FOREIGN CLEARANCE GUIDE - Those approved to travel outside of Italy must comply with directives listed in the DoD Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG), which can be found at: https://www.fcg.pentagon.mil/fcg.cfm
Since 2/20/2020, several countries have updated their FCGs; members should review the FCG for changes prior to traveling.
The FCG provides necessary information for aircraft international mission planning and execution, personnel travel to foreign countries, as well as general information on foreign locations. The FCG main page also has information regarding Coronavirus 2019 travel considerations.
PCS guidance to or from Level 3 countries:
◾Airmen currently assigned to a CONUS base with a projected PCS to one of the Level 3 countries and Airmen who have out-processed, but not departed the local area for one of the Level 3 countries will remain in place until Stop Movement is terminated.
◾Airmen currently assigned to an overseas base in a Level 3 country with a projected PCS and March 2020 Date Estimated Return from Overseas who have not departed will remain in place until Stop Movement is terminated.
◾Airmen who are PCSing to or from an installation in a Level 3 country, have departed their last duty installation and are enroute to their gaining base must contact their losing chain of command and MPF/FSS by whatever means available. Airmen will not proceed until Stop Movement is lifted. Airmen who do not desire to take leave enroute will receive further instructions. Airmen are authorized to be placed in a TDY hold status by their losing FSS/MPF, instructions to amend PCS orders will be provided after Stop Movement is terminated. Airmen placed on TDY hold are not entitled to a rental vehicle, but are authorized TDY per diem.
TDY or Leave to or from Level 3 countries:
◾Airmen projected TDY to a Stop Movement location will not proceed on TDY. Airmen enroute or currently at a TDY location impacted by Stop Movement will remain in-place until further guidance or Stop Movement is terminated. Airmen currently on leave in an impacted Stop Movement country are encouraged to contact their chain of command and MPF/FSS; their chain of command must be in contact with these members to provide further guidance. Leave dates will be adjusted accordingly upon the member returning to home station.
Report no later than date and date of estimated return overseas extensions:
◾Airmen impacted by this guidance with a projected PCS to a country designated as Level 3 will have their DEROS extended 60 days.
◾Airmen impacted by this guidance requiring a RNLTD extension will be worked on a case by case basis.
If you have any of the symptoms listed below AND had close contact with a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19 within 5 days of symptom onset, please contact the Appointment Line immediately at 06565-61-8333 to be screened over the phone. The Public Health Hotline is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. For screenings outside of this time, please call Nurse Advice line at 0800-071-3516.
For specifics on the testing methods of COVID-19 and guidelines for person’s under investigation, refer to the CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/testing.html for more information.
OFF-BASE SCREENING
Off-base screening is currently the only option for asymptomatic testing and available to Airmen and their families. Increased travel opportunities has increased demand for testing beyond the 52 Medical Group's capacity.
Non-urgent/Non-emergent Care
Monday – Friday, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., please contact the 52 MDG Public Health team (DSN-452-8308, 06565-61-8308).
Monday – Friday, between the hours of 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., please contact the German Local Health Authority line (+49 6571-14-2434) to reach an on-call physician (English-speaking).
24/7: Please contact the Nurse Advice Line (DSN 452-8333, Option #3/06565-61-8333, Option #3).
Urgent Care
For urgent healthcare needs, defined as an injury or illness that is not life-threatening but cannot wait until the following duty day, prior to reporting to a local hospital, please contact the information desk assistant (English-speaking) at the following Host Nation Facilities:
BITBURG (Marienhausklinik) Information Desk (24/7): 06561-640
WITTLICH (St. Elisabeth Krankenhaus) Information Desk (24/7): 06571-150
TRIER (Bruderkrankenhaus) Information Desk (24/7): 0651-2080
TRIER (Mutterhaus) Information Desk (24/7): 0651-9470
Emergent Care
As always, patients experiencing an emergent medical need, jeopardizing their life, limb, or eyesight, should immediately dial (06565-61-0911 on-base or 1-1-2 off-base) and DRK will respond and get the individual immediately to the appropriate medical facility.
Hotlines zum Coronavirus: Wenden Sie sich telefonisch an Ihren Hausarzt oder wählen Sie die 116117 - die Nummer des ärztlichen Bereitschaftsdienstes-, wenn Sie die Sorge haben, sich mit dem Coronavirus infiziert zu haben. (Hotline for Coronavirus: If you are concerned you are infected with Coronavirus, call your doctor (PCM) or call 116117 – phone number of the medic on-call service.)
Tagesaktuelle Information zum Coronavirus finden Sie hier: https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/coronavirus.html#c17529 (Information on Coronavirus/updated daily from the German Ministry of Health)
Aktuelle Nachrichten aus dem Gesundheitsministerium Rheinland-Pfalz: https://msagd.rlp.de/de/startseite/ (News from the Rheinland-Pfalz ministry of Health)
Informationen zum neuartigen Coronavirus https://www.infektionsschutz.de/coronavirus-sars-cov-2.html (Information on the novel Coronavirus)
Antworten auf häufig gestellte Fragen zum Coronavirus https://www.rki.de/SharedDocs/FAQ/NCOV2019/FAQ_Liste.html (FAQ Coronavirus)
Informationen und Hilfestellungen für Personen mit einem höheren Risiko für einen schweren COVID-19-Krankheitsverlauf https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Risikogruppen.html?nn=13490888 (Information and support for people at higher risk for a severe COVID-19 disease course)
Was sollten Personen mit einem höheren Risiko für einen schweren Krankheitsverlauf beachten
(What should people with a higher risk of developing a serious illness consider:)
CAO March 24, 2022
Context- We are currently in the midst of a COVID surge with positive case numbers exceeding previous record levels both at the national German level as well as the local level including on Spangdahlem AB. We are seeing positive cases diffusely spread throughout our population, with most cases associated with contacts occurring outside our gates and within family units. The spread in work places has been very limited in large part due to our high vaccination rate and close adherence to mask, distancing, and hygienic recommendations.
As we learn more about COVID, the recommendations and guidelines continue to evolve and be updated. Below are current recommendations and actions to take in regards to many of the frequently asked questions.
What do I do if I have symptoms?
First, please stay home and isolate. This means don’t go to work, don’t go to the store, and don’t go out in the community. At earliest opportunity, call the MDG appointment line (452-8333 or 06565618333) during business hours. A telephone consult will be placed to your PCM, who will call you within 1 duty day to ask about symptoms and determine whether a test is needed. They will walk you through the next steps as necessary.
What do I do if I use at home test and it is positive?
First, please stay home and isolate. This means don’t go to work, don’t go to the store, and don’t go out in the community. At earliest opportunity, call the MDG appointment line (452-8333 or 06565618333) during business hours. A telephone consult will be placed to your PCM, who will call you within 1 duty day to ask about symptoms and determine whether any additional testing is needed. They will walk you through the next steps as necessary.
What if I test positive?
Everyone who tests positive is required to isolate for at least 7 days. This means staying at home and avoiding contact with other individuals to the greatest extent possible. If you no longer have symptoms after 7 days, you will be released from isolation by Public Health.
What if my friend, co-worker, or family member tests positive?
See COVID-19-Positive information here.
What does ‘up-to-date’ vaccination status mean?
For the purposes of close contacts and quarantining the DoD/CDC use the following guidelines.
If you fall outside of the guidelines you will not be considered ‘up-to-date’ and will need to quarantine if identified as a close contact.
The MDG continues to offer vaccinations Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on a walk-in basis. Making it very easy to receive the booster.
Please note that different countries have different variations on this, however on Spangdahlem we are following the above guidance.
What if I have symptoms and self-test is negative?
Self-tests are notorious for false negatives (saying you are negative when in fact positive). So please don’t take a negative at home test as freedom to go out and about. Please continue to isolate and call MDG appointment line (452-8333 or 06565618333) as soon as able.
What is the Nurse Advice line (NAL)?
The NAL is a 24/7 central medical phone line for non-emergent medical advice when the Medical Group is not open. It can be used by any beneficiary, anywhere, anytime. It is always accessible as an option when you call the appointment line (452-8333 or 06565618333).
The NAL is owned by the Defense Health Agency. All calls are answered by Registered Nurses; however, these nurses are not in Europe and will not be able to provide specific country COVID guidance.
Their role is to speak with the patient, follow the standardized triage protocol for the patient’s chief complaint and give care recommendations to the patient. This could be home care, emergency care or to follow up with the patients PCM within a certain timeframe.
Each call to the NAL generates a note for the PCMs which the Spangdahlem and Geilenkirchen nurses review within 24-72 hours.
The NAL cannot perform COVID testing nor will they be able to recommend testing locations in our area.
To see if your question is covered in our FAQ, click here. If not, we host our virtual town halls on Spangdahlem AB Facebook the 1st and 3rd Wednesday, each month, at 2:30 p.m. You can ask 52nd FW leadership what you want to know.