COVID-19: March 23rd Virtual Town Hall
Channel: Ramstein Air Base
Date: 24/03/2020

Team Ramstein, here is the COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall from March 23rd.

Questions addressed with time stamps ⬇️

00:00 - Brig. Gen. August's introduction

05:05 - CMSgt Rendon's introduction

07:34 - Is there any way that rooms on-base can be opened up at zero cost
to the member?

08:11 - Are there plans to help geographically separated spouses join their families? If not, will we be able to get help stateside for housing and such?

09:32 - As of April 1st we will need to cover both a stateside mortgage and rent here in Germany. This is an extreme financial hardship. Will we be able to get an ETP to PCS to CONUS?

10:10 - For those who were prepared to PCS and have already shipped cars, will rental car fees be reimbursed for members who are required to go to work as opposed to Telework?

11:43 - Are deployments still going? Will the return of the currently deployed Airmen be postponed?

12:21 - Are space available opportunities to CONUS impacted?

14:10 - Any talks of relaxing hair regulations during this lockdown?

14:37 - How does the (no more than 2 rule) affect mission essential offices?

16:12 - Is it ok to run, walk or bike outdoors as long as we maintain social distance guidelines? What’s the advice for those of us living in stairwell housing on base without our own backyard?

16:53 - Will service members be allowed to help care for their sick spouse and children without using leave?

18:34 - Are there any positive cases on Ramstein Air Base?

18:47 - Is there a non-emergency number to call to report an American having a party off base?

21:03 - What's the on-base policy when it comes to social distancing?

21:20 - I heard that on the American military bases in Italy, Carbinieri are being given access to patrol and ticket people as they see fit during the lockdown. Will that happen here with our bases and the Polizei?

23:30 - If/when there is a “lockdown” will we still be able to use our fenced in backyard on base?

23:52 - Are drives for pleasure allowed, if you don’t get out of your car or go for a stroll alone or with one other family member?

25:38 - If any non-DoD affiliated family were to need emergency medical attention, where should we take them?

26:04 - If travel restrictions are kept in place for months, how will that affect their visitor status in Germany since they might be here longer than 90 days?

26:20 - If we were to mail things from the Ramstein post office, how long do you think it would take for items to be delivered to the US?

26:56 - Is there any way we can get command sponsored college students exempt from requiring an ETP to use the rotator?

29:14 - Why are some stores in the KMCC still open? Is it possible to close down the KMCC except for purchasing essential items only?

29:42 - Do not close the BX please. While preparation is key - some of us work very odd hours and are mission essential. The stores in town are closed on Sunday. Please have an option available for us.

30:25 - I would like to recommend what some stores in Korea did to minimize people in the commissary. They limit shoppers by assigning scheduled days for shopping according to family name. For example, all families with last name starting from A-E can shop Mondays, F-J Tuesdays, and so on. They also limit 1 person per family only.

32:31 - Are there any volunteer opportunities to help the commissary restock supplies or others ways to help?

33:14 - If we’ve turned in a student’s “blue SOFA” card, can we get them issued a new card so they can fly home to Germany?

34:20 - Why is the CDC still open to train and clean? Are there plans to authorize admin leave for CDC workers?

35:30 - Any news on Local National’s teleworking?

35:55 - Are there plans for the Visitor Control Center to stop sign-in’s for visitors?

36:43 - Closing comments