The Department of Defense sign, before Incoming Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III arrives at the Pentagon after being confirmed as secretary of defense, Washington, D.C., Jan. 22, 2021. (DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando)

By Gary Raynaldo     DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Thursday signed a memo that, effective immediately, directs all individuals on military installations and to wear masks in accordance with the most current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, the Department of Defense announced.   The memo also directs all individuals performing official duties on behalf of the Department from any location other than the individual’s home, including outdoor shared spaces, to wear masks.  The new directive means masks have to be on even when outside or socially distanced.

“We must defeat the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and defend the force against COVID-19 ,while protecting our Nation. COVID-19 is one of the deadliest threats our Nation has ever faced. As we have done throughout our history, the military will rise to this challenge. It is imperative that we do all we can to ensure the health and safety of our force, our families, and our communities so we can prevail in this fight. “

-U.S. Defense Secretary Gen. Austin stated in DOD memo 

According to the  DOD memo,  individuals must wear masks continuously while on military installations except:  

(1) when an individual is alone in an office with floor-to-ceiling walls with a closed door

(2) for brief periods of time when eating and drinking while maintaining distancing in accordance with CDC guidelines and instructions from commanders and supervisors

(3) when the mask is required to be lowered briefly for identification or security purposes

(4) when necessary to reasonably accommodate an individual with a disability. Individuals must consistently wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth and that comports with all current guidance from the CDC and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

U.S. Military’s COVID-19  Cases  Top 100,000 

The U.S. military’s coronavirus cases topped 100,000,  10 months after the first case was announced in a service member in late February last year, according to data released  in December 2020 by the Defense Department.