Fort Jackson, SC - Fort Jackson leadership announces additional measures to safeguard the health and safety of soldiers, families, civilian employees and the local community while preserving the ability to produce the Army's newest soldiers.
"This is necessary as we continue to monitor the latest updates and information about the COVID-19 pandemic," said Fort Jackson Commander Brig. Gen. Milford H. Beagle, Jr. "We continue to follow our detailed plans and tiered approach in regard to our escalation measures." Beginning Mar. 19, Department of the Army Security Guards will conduct a general health and welfare assessment of all personnel entering Fort Jackson at each gate. This will include a temperature check and additional questions regarding COVID-19 symptoms. These additional measures comply with local law enforcement and HIPAA laws.
Gate 5 (Semmes & Leesburg Road) closed Mar. 18 at 6 p.m. until further notice. This change was necessary to provide adequate manning for this additional protective measure at the other gates. Gate 1 (Jackson Boulevard), Gate 2 (Forest Drive), and Gate 4 (Boyden Arbor Road) will remain open with the normal hours. After Mar. 18, 2020, Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) card holders who are in the following categories will retain access to Fort Jackson:
approved contractors
care givers
government housing residents
Department of Defense family
dependent agents caring for family
mission support personnel
Access for all other categories of DBIDS card holders will be suspended starting Mar. 19, 2020. Retirees, family members and those with other government ID cards will not be impacted.
The Army is inherently risky by nature and safety is an integral part to all aspects of daily operations. Fort Jackson leadership works to minimize hazards to the maximum extent possible. "Our public will never ask us if we are ready, they expect it," Beagle said. "We are ready and will continue to be ready for our nation and in doing so, we appreciate your understanding and patience as we take these precautions to protect ourselves and those around us."
There are currently zero confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Fort Jackson. Post officials will continue to follow guidance from The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while working with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to protect soldiers, civilians, their families and our neighboring communities from any possible outbreak.
For timely information, follow Fort Jackson social media platforms and visit our COVID-19 prevention and updates page at https://home.army.mil/jackson/index.php/about/coronavirus-2019-prevention-and-updates
