Q. What is the local leave area?
A. Local leave and liberty areas for all units is now defined as an area not to exceed 50 miles of a member’s home and 50 miles of a member’s worksite, although commuting from home to work and back in excess of 50 miles, each way, will remain authorized. All previously approved leave to travel beyond the local area shall be revisited and approved by the first O-6 in the member’s chain of command.

Q. If I’ve requested a medical exemption or religious accommodation, am I still allowed to go on leave and/or travel outside of the local area?
A. In accordance with ALCOAST 352/21, members who are awaiting adjudication of a medical exemption or religious accommodation request must comply with prescribed risk mitigation measures. Members may request leave/travel outside the local leave area (now defined as no more than 50 miles from home or worksite) from the first O-6 in their chain of command. Commuting from home to work and back in excess of 50 miles, each way, will remain authorized.

Q. If I already have leave outside the local leave area approved and I am not vaccinated, am I required to re-submit for approval?
A. All previously approved leave to travel beyond the local area shall be revisited and approved by the first O-6 in the member’s chain of command, using the updated definition of local area.

Q: Can I travel outside the United States?
A: Vaccinated Personnel: For vaccinated personnel, policies for foreign and domestic leave and travel are returned to pre-COVID procedures, in accordance with ALCOAST 245/21 and Military Assignments and Authorized Absences, COMDTINST M1000.8. However, leave and travel approving officials should weigh individual member vaccination status (vaccinated versus unvaccinated) and site-specific COVID-19 conditions when conducting readiness risk assessment and approving leave and travel requests.

Unvaccinated Military Personnel: For unvaccinated military personnel, including Reservists on active duty, leave travel to or through foreign countries or territories is prohibited. This includes previously approved leave. Members may request a waiver, with final approval authority at the first Flag Officer/SES in their chain of command, in extenuating circumstances. For personnel stationed over-seas, follow the guidance of the cognizant DOD/CCMD or DOS/COM, as applicable.

Unvaccinated Civilian Personnel, Reservists Not on Orders, Dependents, Auxiliarists, and Non-Appropriated Fund personnel (NAF): Leave or leisure travel, to or through foreign countries or territories is highly discouraged. Consult the CDC and Department of State (DOS) travel advisory websites prior to making any decision. Personnel who travel internationally, may be screened for COVID-19 symptoms when they return to the Unites States.

Contractors: Contract personnel that have traveled (or plan to travel) to or through foreign countries or territories are required to notify their Contracting Officer’s Representative.

Q: Can I travel within the United States?
A: Vaccinated Personnel: For vaccinated personnel, policies for foreign and domestic leave and travel are returned to pre-COVID procedures, in accordance with ALCOAST 245/21 and Military Assignments and Authorized Absences, COMDTINST M1000.8. However, leave and travel approving officials should weigh individual member vaccination status (vaccinated versus unvaccinated) and site-specific COVID-19 conditions when conducting readiness risk assessment and approving leave and travel requests.

Unvaccinated Military Personnel: Unvaccinated military personnel, including Reservists on active duty, are only authorized local travel while on leave or liberty. Local leave and liberty areas for all units is now defined as an area not to exceed 50 miles of a member’s home and 50 miles of a member’s worksite, although commuting from home to work and back in excess of 50 miles, each way, will remain authorized. Members may request leave/travel outside the local leave area from the first O-6 in their chain of command. All previously approved leave to travel beyond the local area shall be revisited and approved by the first O-6 in the member’s chain of command.

Q: I’m currently stationed in a foreign country. What should I do?
A: Follow the guidance of the cognizant Department of Defense/Combatant Command or Department of State Chief of Mission, as applicable. See the Department of Defense’s Foreign Clearance Guide.

Q: I am returning to the U.S. from a foreign country, what do I need to do?
A: All personnel returning from foreign travel to a country with an active CDC travel advisory should quarantine at home for 14 days. All personnel should contact their supervisor to discuss telework or leave options during quarantine.

Unvaccinated Personnel: Unvaccinated personnel and onsite contractors returning from travel through or through foreign territories or countries, or who live with someone who is subject to self-monitoring due to travel or exposure history (as verified by a positive COVID-19 test) shall not return to a CG workspace within 14 days of completing referenced travel or without the results of a negative COVID test taken within 3 days of return to work.

Unvaccinated Civilian Personnel, Reservists Not on Orders, Dependents, Auxiliarists, and Non-Appropriated Fund personnel (NAF): Unvaccinated personnel who travel internationally, may be screened for COVID-19 symptoms when they return to the Unites States.

Q: What should I do if my spouse or someone in my household has to travel?
A:  Being in close contact with someone who has traveled does not trigger quarantine requirements unless the traveler has been tested or diagnosed with COVID-19. CG personnel should contact their supervisor to discuss telework or leave options if they have been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19.

Q: What kind of leave is available for medical care of self/dependents?
A: Military Personnel on active duty: If you are sick, sick leave or SIQ may be appropriate under the direction of medical health care professional and approved by the member’s command. All other cases would require members to request annual leave through normal unit procedures. Additionally, when supervisors observe military members exhibiting medical symptoms, the command can order members to seek medical attention. You may also telework from home under a voluntary telework agreement.

B13 (formerly C2) Q: Can I telework?

A: In order to telework, you must be in a telework-eligible position, obtain supervisor’s approval, take telework training, and complete a telework agreement. ALCOAST 166/20 provides additional guidance.

DHS is encouraging agencies to maximize their telework capacity. ALCOAST 166/20 helps commands and supervisors to balance risk to the workforce and risk to mission. Managers should ensure that there are effective processes in place for communicating with members who are teleworking.

You can find additional details in the Coast Guard’s telework IT guidance and telework policy guidance.

B14 Q: How do I equip myself for telework? *Updated 6/19/2020*

A: You have a few options. Start with number one, which has the most minimal network bandwidth, and then move down the list to access greater capability as needed:

1. Offline or “off-network” telework: No bandwidth demand. *do not use your personal email for FOUO, PII or OPSEC.
2. BlackBerry (if assigned): Low bandwidth demand. Talk to your supervisor.
3. Outlook Web Access (OWA): Low to medium bandwidth demand. Available via CAC reader. Try to avoid sending large file attachments.
4. CG Portal: Low to medium bandwidth demand. Available via CAC reader.
5. Virtual Private Network (VPN): Medium to high bandwidth demand. VPN accesses software loaded to your normal workstation (e.g. MS Visio, MS Project, etc.), and receives Windows OS patches. If your government laptop was connected to the network prior to March 15, it probably already has the new AnyConnect VPN software. Find it in the “Cisco” folder in your start menu, and click “Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.”
6. Virtual Desktop Interface (VDI): Highest bandwidth demand.

ALCOAST 166/20 provides additional guidance regarding telework priorities and options, as well as expectations of supervisors and employees. For more information, visit the Telework website.

B15 (formerly C3) Q: Are contractors allowed to telework? *Updated 6/19/2020*

A: Yes, contractors are allowed to telework if needed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. They should communicate with their Contracting Officer and Contracting Officer Representatives.

B16 Q: I need to get my CAC or USID card issued or reissued. What do I need to know? *Added 06/05/2020*

A: To minimize in-person visits to DEERS/RAPIDS offices, temporary policy changes allow certain people to either complete CAC and USID card transactions without going to DEERS/RAPIDS sites, or to hold off on renewing their card. Review the DoD’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) at www.CAC.mil/coronavirus to find the most recent guidance.

B17 Q:  My CAC is about to expire.  How do I get it renewed? *Added 06/05/2020*

A:  If your CAC expired on or after April 16, 2020, you may have the certificates updated within 30 days of the card’s expiration date by visiting the DoD ID Card Office Online (https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/self_service). This policy change is in effect through Sept. 30, 2020.  For details, see ALCOAST 190/20.

B18 Q: Where can I find the closest DEERS/RAPIDS office? *Added 06/05/2020

A: Your closest DEERS/RAPIDS site and its hours of operation can be found at https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl/. Do not show up without an appointment! Walk-ins are not allowed.  ALCOAST 139/20 provides information about qualifying for an in-person appointment. To schedule one, go to https://rapids-appointments.dmdc.osd.mil/. 

B16 (formerly R1) Q: My state (or locality) issued a Shelter in Place/Stay at Home order. Can I still commute to work?

A: Yes. If you get stopped by state/local law enforcement on the way to work, identify yourself using your Personal Identity Verification (PIV) or Common Access Card (CAC) and explain the nature of your work and travel. You may NOT show your PIV or CAC card when stopped in situations where you are not trying to access or return home from your authorized duties. When traveling to or from work, you must not deviate from your route (such as to a grocery store) under the auspice of being a federal worker performing official functions. Check the exceptions to your local Shelter in Place/Stay at Home order to understand what is allowed.