BG Patrick Frank announced today, during the Facebook Live Town Hall meeting that JRTC Fort Polk has moved from HPCON Charlie to HPCON Bravo as a result of Gov. Edwards moving the state into Phase 3.
While the mask mandate across post remains in effect, General Order #1 has been rescinded, and the 100 mile radius restriction has been replaced with the standard 250 mile radius. In addition gyms remain available to members of the Fort Polk community, Toledo Bend and Alligator Lake are open and MWR events have been placed back on the calendar.
The North Fort Safety bubble will remain in place until after the rotation that ends in November.
Regarding Hurricane Recovery, insurance adjusters are inspecting damages on post and CORVAIS has brought in additional maintenance teams to tackle the large number of work orders. Gen. Frank requested that all damages be reported.
COL Ryan Roseberry reported that the Bayou Theater is open with 50% capacity, and the CDC has increased to 75%, with 80 childcare slots.
Both Beauregard and Vernon school are in session. A lease has been signed to extend the lease on North Polk Elementary School for another 5 years, $800,000 has been received from a State of Louisiana Development Grant for air conditioning at North Polk Elementary and the Vernon Parish Schools have been awarded a $7.6 million grant supporting schools with a large number of Fort Polk Students – Vernon Middle School, Leesville Junior High School, Leesville High School, Pickering Elementary and Pickering High School.
Quality of Life improvements show work beginning on the bowling alley and the Family Activity Center in the old Showboat Lounge, as well as funding and the beginning of plans for the water park at the intersection of 467 and Exchange Road, and the Community Activity Center in the location of the old commissary. Both of these are looking at 2022 dates.
Halloween will happen on Fort Polk – Trick or Treat hours are 5-8 Saturday October 31 with masks required and families are asked to stay in their own groups.
COL. Jodi Dugai of BJACH reported that the change to Bravo means visitation regulations have eased up – patients may have multiple visitors, just not at the same time.
The pharmacy will not change due to the small amount of waiting space for the pharmacy and the lab.
The hospital DFAC is open once again for breakfast and lunch.
October 8 is a LifeShare blood drive and COVID convalescence plasma drive.
October 9 is a half day training day.
October 17 is a retiree flu vaccine clinic for those 65 and older. Tetanus and Shingles vaccines shots will also be available.