HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Installation leadership held a town hall meeting to discuss the ongoing COVID pandemic, fire safety and more during a Facebook Live session here Dec. 8.
Col. Katrina Stephens, installation commander, and Chief Master Sgt. William Hebb, installation command chief, were joined by representatives from the clinic, force support, base housing, commissary and the fire department.
Jason Carney, 66th Air Base Group strategic planner, addressed those doing business at Hanscom AFB must now attest to being fully vaccinated or produce a negative COVID test result taken within the past 72 hours.
“Some exemptions are in place for certain facilities on the installation,” he said.
66th Medical Squadron officials announced that beginning Dec. 10, the clinic will again offer the Moderna COVID vaccine and boosters. Pfizer adult and pediatric COVID vaccines remain available.
“Only the FDA [Food and Drug Administration]-approved Pfizer COVID vaccine booster is available to non-DOD beneficiaries,” said Lt. Col. Ryan Gough, MDS public health emergency officer.
He added that the clinic is increasing COVID testing to meet demand on Monday through Friday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tests can be scheduled via the clinic’s appointment line at 781-225-6789.
The Immunization Clinic is open Monday through Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. on a walk-in basis. The clinic is closed Dec. 15 for the second vaccination point of distribution at the Hanscom Middle School.
Child Development Center officials discussed home child care and more, including the AFMC-wide no hat, no salute policy.
Kelly O’Brien, Hanscom Commissary officer, announced holiday hours and reminded viewers about the ‘Click2Go’ service that began this past July.
Base fire officials provided viewers with holiday-related fire prevention tips.
“As far as holiday decorations, consider using decorations that are fire resistant,” said Glenn Haffner, 66th Civil Engineering Division assistant chief for Fire Operations. “It’s also a good time to check your smoke alarms to make sure they are functioning and review family fire escape plans with everyone in the home.”
Stephens announced that the deadline to complete the annual tenant housing satisfaction survey has been extended to Dec. 17.
With the first snow of the season anticipated, Marcos Nogueira, Hanscom Family Housing maintenance director, reminded everyone of winter weather policies for residents.