MARINE CORPS GUIDANCE ON USE OF MASKS AND OTHER CONTAINMENT MEASURES FOR 2019 NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
Date Signed: 7/9/2021 | MARADMINS Number: 354/21
MARADMINS : 354/21

R 072340Z JUL 21
MARADMIN 354/21
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC PPO//
SUBJ/MARINE CORPS GUIDANCE ON USE OF MASKS AND OTHER CONTAINMENT MEASURES FOR 2019 NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)//
REF/A/MSGID: MEMO: SECDEF: 20210204//
REF/B/MSGID: MEMO: SECNAV: 20210205//
REF/C/MSGID: DOC/YMD: 20210217//
REF/D/MSGID: MEMO: DEPSECDEF: 20210513//
REF/E/MSGID: MEMO: ASN: 20210514//
REF/F/LTR/USD/22JUN2021//
NARR/REF A IS A SECDEF MEMORANDUM ON THE USE OF MASKS AND OTHER PUBLIC HEALTH MEASURES. REF B IS A SECNAV MEMORANDUM ON THE USE OF MASKS AND OTHER PUBLIC HEALTH MEASURES. REF C IS MARADMIN 075/21 MARINE CORPS GUIDANCE ON USE OF MASKS AND OTHER CONTAINMENT MEASURES FOR 2019 NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19). REF D IS A DEPSECDEF MEMORANDUM ON UPDATED MASK GUIDELINES FOR VACCINATED PERSONS. REF E IS THE ASN MRA MEMORANDUM ON DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE GUIDANCE ON MASK GUIDELINES FOR VACCINATED PERSONS. REF F IS FORCE HEALTH PROTECTION GUIDANCE (SUPPLEMENT 17) REVISION 1- DOD GUIDANCE FOR THE USE OF MASKS, PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT, AND NON-PHARMACEUTICAL INVENTIONS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.// 
POC1/HQMC MCCC/UNIT: PP&O POC/F/TEL: (703) 604-5307/NIPR EMAIL: SMB_HQMC_MCCAT@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  This MARADMIN provides guidance on the use of masks and other public health measures and rescinds previous service guidance contained in reference (c).
1.  Background.  The Marine Corps will implement measures necessary to mitigate risks to the force and our mission; and to counter the spread of the disease.  
2.  Mission.  The Marine Corps will implement the guidance provided in references (a), (d), and (f) to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 while continuing the mission of the Corps.
3.  Execution.
3.A.  Commander’s Intent.
3.A.1.  Purpose.  Promulgate guidance to the force for the use of masks and other public health measures.
3.A.2.  Method.  The Marine Corps will take measured steps to protect all Marines, Sailors, dependents, government civilians, and contract worker personnel.  
3.A.3.  End State.  The Marine Corps complies with mask and other public health guidance.
3.B.  Tasks.
3.B.1.  FULLY VACCINATED INDIVIDUALS.
3.B.1.a.  Outdoor spaces:  In accordance with reference (f), fully vaccinated individuals may participate in outdoor activities and recreation without a mask with both fully vaccinated and non-fully vaccinated individuals.
3.B.1.b.  Indoor spaces:  Fully vaccinated individuals do not have to wear a mask in DoD indoor spaces or facilities, except in facilities where mask wearing is required.
3.B.2.  NON-FULLY VACCINATED INDIVIDUALS.
3.B.2.a.  Outdoor spaces:  In accordance with reference (f), unvaccinated or non-fully vaccinated individuals must continue to wear a mask.
3.B.2.b.  Indoor spaces:  Non-fully vaccinated individuals must continue to wear masks.  This guidance applies to individuals living together in congregate settings ashore such as in barracks, etc., and extends to the common spaces occupied by these cohabitating personnel (i.e., shared kitchens, bathrooms, break rooms).
3.B.2.c.  Non-fully vaccinated individuals shall wear masks continuously except: 
3.B.2.c.1.  When an individual is alone in an office with floor-to ceiling walls with a closed door; 
3.B.2.c.2.  For brief periods when eating or drinking (while maintaining appropriate distancing); 
3.B.2.c.3.  When the mask is required to be lowered briefly for identification for security purposes; 
3.B.2.c.4.  When conducting physical activities outside by themselves; and
3.B.2.c.5.  When necessary to reasonably accommodate an individual with a disability.
3.C.  Additional Guidance.
3.C.1.  In accordance with reference (f), Commanders have the authority to verify vaccination status of Service members.
3.C.2.  Unmasked Service members must be prepared to show proof of vaccination status (CDC vaccination card or other medical documentation).
3.C.3.  Supervisors may not inquire about or verify the vaccination status of civilian employees unless there is a reasonable basis to believe the unmasked employee has not been fully vaccinated, based on reliable evidence such as firsthand knowledge of voluntary employee statements.
3.C.4.  Service members and civilian employees who misrepresent their vaccination status may be subject to appropriate adverse administrative or punitive actions.
3.C.5.  Commanders and supervisors may enforce a more restrictive mask policy than this MARADMIN to ensure a safe workforce, to respect host nation or local jurisdiction guidelines, or to ensure mission accomplishment. 
3.D.  Safe Practices.
3.D.1.  Masks and personal protective equipment are part of a larger strategy to limit transmission of COVID-19.  It is important to practice safety measures, including but not limited to:
3.D.1.a.  Masks must cover the nose and mouth and comply with all current guidance from the CDC and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).  Masks should extend above the nose without interfering with eyewear, and below the chin to completely cover the mouth and nostrils.  Masks should fit snugly, but comfortably, against the sides of the face and be secured (i.e., by tying or ear-loops).  Masks should be laundered regularly to maintain good hygiene.  Masks for wear in uniform should be conservative in appearance.  Masks should not be placed on young children under the age of two, or anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. 
3.D.1.b.  Physical distancing (6 feet or more) for settings where it is prudent for health and safety; 
3.D.1.c.  Washing hands frequently for at least 20 seconds using soap and water, or frequent use of hand sanitizer when hand-washing facilities are not available;
3.D.1.d.  Properly covering coughs and sneezes;
3.D.1.e.  Staying at home when sick ("not feeling right," or "start of a cold or allergies," etc.);
3.D.1.f.  Use of telecommunications in place of face-to-face interactions as much as possible;
3.D.1.g.  Frequently cleaning and disinfecting common touch points, including gym equipment, keyboards, laptops, door handles, etc.  Disinfection is recommended in indoor community settings where there has been a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 within the last 24 hours.
4.  Administration and Logistics.
4.A.  Administration.
4.A.1.  Exceptions.
4.A.1.a.  In accordance with reference (f), the CDC requires that all individuals regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask in these circumstances:
4.A.1.a.1.  On public conveyances (i.e., planes, water transport, buses, trains, taxis, ride-shares) traveling into, within, or out of the U.S., and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations.  This requirement is extended to all DoD assets (including governmental vehicles) and hubs, including those outside the U.S., excluding ships, submarines, and aircraft in their operational environment.  
4.A.1.a.2.  In correctional and healthcare settings, including DoD military medicine, dental, and veterinary treatment facilities.
4.A.1.b.  Additional categorical or case-by-case exceptions to mask requirements for all situations outside of office settings when temporary unmasking for non-fully vaccinated individuals is necessary for mission requirements may be granted (for areas outside the Pentagon Reservation, consistent with reference (a), in writing, by no lower than General/Flag officers or Senior Executive Service members or their equivalent.  Exceptions should be granted via the operational chain of command and tracked and maintained by the exception-granting authority.
4.A.1.c.  The following individuals and groups are exempted from this guidance, regardless of vaccination status, but must take all practicable precautions and preventive measures to reduce the risk of exposure and, if the exemption is for a specific activity, only unmask for the minimum duration necessary: 
4.A.1.c.1.  Children under the age of two and anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
4.A.1.c.2.  Personnel conducting official Marine Corps physical testing events (i.e. initial strength test, physical fitness test, combat fitness test, and military occupational specialty specific physical tests).  During warm-up periods, event marshalling, and event transitions, test takers are required to wear masks if non-fully vaccinated.  Test monitors and other support personnel are required to wear masks throughout the conduct of the event(s) if non-fully vaccinated.
4.A.1.c.3.  Personnel conducting training in which mask wearing is not feasible, such as swim qualification, amphibious, or aquatic training events; or where mask wearing impedes safety, such as live-fire, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) or other high-risk training events where masks create a hazard.
4.A.1.c.4.  Personnel conducting outdoor physical fitness activities during which appropriate physical distancing can be maintained.
4.A.1.c.5.  Personnel operating machinery, tools and/or other items during the use of which a mask would present a safety hazard.
4.A.1.c.6.  Personnel conducting flight-line activities or operations where masks would present a safety hazard.
4.A.1.c.7.  Individuals alone (or with members of their household) in their housing, barracks room, private outdoor space or personally owned vehicle.
4.A.2.  Security personnel may require the lowering of masks to verify identification.
4.A.3.  Novelty or non–protective masks, masks with ventilation valves, or face shields do not suffice for compliance with this guidance.  Masks with demeaning or derogatory logos; profanity, racist, sexist, or offensive script; or which advocate drug abuse or dissident, extremist or protest activity, are not authorized.  Full masks (field protective masks, ski masks) are not authorized.  Masks with eccentric designs are not authorized for use while in uniform.  Marines may fashion their own masks so long as they comply with applicable guidance.
4.A.4.  If this guidance conflicts with applicable host nation requirements, follow host nation requirements.
4.B.  Logistics.
4.B.1.  Definitions (for the purpose of this guidance):
4.B.1.a.  Military facility or installation:  A DoD base, camp, post, station, yard, center, homeport facility for any ship, or other activity under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of a Military Department (MILDEP) or the SecDef, including any leased facility, which is located within any State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or Guam.  In the case of an activity in a foreign country, a military installation is any area under the operational control of the Secretary of a MILDEP or the SecDef, without regard to the duration of operational control.
4.B.1.b.  Outdoor Shared Space:  An outdoor area where physical distancing cannot be maintained due to foot traffic or co-use.
4.B.1.c.  Physical Distancing:  Maintaining at least six feet (about two arm lengths) from others who are not a part of their household.
4.B.1.d.  Fully vaccinated:  Individuals are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series, or two weeks after administration of a single-dose vaccine.  
4.B.1.e.  Non-fully vaccinated:  Individuals are considered non-fully vaccinated against COVID-19 if:
4.B.1.e.1.  They have received only one-dose of a two-dose series;
4.B.1.e.2.  They have received two-doses in a two-dose series, or one-dose in a single-dose vaccine, but have not yet satisfied the two week time requirement for full vaccination status; or
4.B.1.e.3.  They have not received any COVID-19 vaccine.
4.B.2.  Specific CDC guidelines on how to wear a mask correctly and different types of masks for different circumstances may be found at https:(slash)(slash)www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncv/your-health/effective-masks.html 
4.B.3.  DoD policies can be found at https:(slash)(slash)www.defense.gov/Explore/Spotlight/Coronavirus/Latest-DOD-Guidance/
5.  Command and Signal.
5.A.  Command.  This MARADMIN applies to the Total Force.
5.B.  Signal.  This MARADMIN is effective upon release.  Ensure widest dissemination.
5.C.  This message is approved for release by MajGen D. J. Furness, Deputy Commandant, Plans, Policies, and Operations.//