20 JAN 2023 FM: CHDIRAUX TO: ALAUX ALAUX 004/23
Subj: AUXILIARY COVID-19 GUIDANCE – VERSION 5
1. All Auxiliarists are highly encouraged to review the latest version of the Auxiliary COVID-19 Guide which has been posted in AUXDATA II and on the Chief Director of Auxiliary (CHDIRAUX) website at: Auxiliary COVID-19 Guidance. To review the guide in AUXDATA II, login to AUXDATA II; from the AUXDATA Navigation Bar select “More,” then “Files,” and then select “Libraries.” The guide and other relevant COVID-19 information are located in the folder, “CG Auxiliary COVID-19 Guidance.” Questions regarding the content of the guide should be directed to the appropriate Auxiliary Chain of Leadership and Management (COLM).
2. The following are highlights within this revision (review the Guide for more details about each item):
a. The temporary restriction that requires all Auxiliarists to be fully vaccinated prior to volunteering for an assignment to duty (ATD), has been suspended. All Auxiliarists may request ATD in any Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 Community Level without the need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test unless otherwise requested in accordance with the “Meetings and Conferences” section of the Guide.
b. District Directors of Auxiliary (DIRAUXs) and Order Issuing Authorities (OIAs) should follow the CDC guidance and recommendations applicable to their AOR’s current CDC COVID-19 Community Level. Please review the following regarding CDC COVID-19 Community Levels: COVID-19 by County | CDC.
c. All Auxiliarists are expected to view the CDC COVID-19 page at Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) | CDC for further information on transmission, prevention, symptoms and emergency warning signs, people at higher risk for severe illness, exposure risk, preventing infection, etc.
d. Community Level mask wear guidelines follow:
(1) CDC COVID-19 Community Level of High: All Auxiliarists shall wear a high-quality mask. (An example of a high-quality mask is a cloth mask that properly fits over the nose, mouth, and chin to prevent leaks; has multiple layers of tightly woven, breathable fabric; has a nose wire; and has fabric that blocks light when help up to a bright light source. Another example of a high-quality mask is a procedure mask (aka surgical mask) with a proper fit over the nose, mouth, and chin to prevent leaks; has multiple layers of non-woven material; and a nose wire.) See CDC’s page on types of masks and respirators for further information: Masks and Respirators (cdc.gov)
(2) CDC COVID-19 Community Levels of Medium and Low: Masks are optional for all Auxiliarists unless otherwise directed by DIRAUX or the cognizant Coast Guard OIA.
e. Auxiliarists, regardless of vaccination status, may apply for and attend mission-critical Auxiliary C-schools. Full COVID-19 vaccination is still required to apply for and attend non-mission-critical C-schools. Please review ALAUX 046/22, Resumption of In-Person Auxiliary C-schools, which identifies mission-critical Auxiliary C-schools and can be found at the following: 2022 ALAUX (uscgaux.info), for further information.
f. Currency Maintenance can be found in ALAUX 048/22, Calendar Year (CY) 2023 Annual Currency Maintenance Requirement Tracking for Crewmember, Coxswain, PWC Operator, and Nighttime Certification, at 2022 ALAUX (uscgaux.info). Any questions should be directed to the servicing DIRAUX and Operations Training Officer (OTO).
g. All official Auxiliary engagement activities that entail attending other-than-Coast Guard or other-than-Auxiliary conferences, conventions, or other large gatherings are authorized in accordance with CDC guidelines, Coast Guard policy, and Auxiliarists shall follow State and local policy if more restrictive.
h. All Auxiliary gatherings (meeting, conferences, training, etc.) are authorized to be planned and executed in any CDC COVID-19 Community Level without the need for further Coast Guard or Department of Homeland Security (DHS) clearance or waiver. This is regardless of their duration, type of gathering, number of participants, or vaccination status.
i. Official travel is authorized for all Auxiliarists regardless of vaccination status. Auxiliarists must continually check the CDC COVID-19 Community Level for the areas they will be traveling to and from. In addition, Auxiliarists must review CDC’s travel notices at: Travelers’ Health | CDC and Domestic Travel During COVID-19 | CDC
3. DIRAUX offices, Coast Guard units, and OIAs are continually assessing operational risks posed by COVID-19 and developing mitigation strategies in advance of mission performance. They remain the best sources for guidance regarding Auxiliary assignments to duty within their respective areas of responsibility. All Auxiliarists are expected to help them by exercising caution and adhering to Coast Guard guidance.
4. Internet release is authorized.
If you have a question regarding this ALAUX, please seek resolution within your Chain of Leadership and Management (COLM) including up to your servicing District Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX). If your question still cannot be resolved after that, then please email CGAUX@uscg.mil.
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