The Navy issued COVID-19 Standardized Operational Guidance Version 2.1 to combat the coronavirus pandemic with NAVADMIN 217/20 Aug 4.

This guidance builds on previously issued COVID-19 framework documents and is intended to protect the health of individuals and units while preserving operational readiness. Although based on the shipboard environment, this guidance applies to all uniformed Navy personnel and units deploying to and from homeport.

This update incorporates updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) return to work guidance based on an increased understanding of the COVID-19 threat. While it provides a standard framework for deploying units commanders may provide more specific guidance if required.

“The Navy answers the call to defend the nation, protect sea lanes, and assist those in need, while continuing to make the health and safety of our Fleet a top priority” said Vice Adm. Phil Sawyer, the Navy’s operations chief in charge of coordinating the service’s response to COVID-19. “The Navy will continue to update guidance based on lessons learned and CDC recommendations to increase the probability of a COVID-free mission ready crew.”

New to this guidance, a test-based strategy is no longer needed to determine return to work status because in a majority of cases it identifies those who continue to shed detectable SAR-COV-2 RNA, but are no longer infectious.

For operational units, COVID-19 cases must meet all of the following criteria to return to work:

(1) At least 24 hours have passed since resolution of fever without the use of fever reducing medication,

(2) Progressive improvement in other COVID-19 symptoms as determined by a medical provider, and

(3) At least 14 days have elapsed since the symptoms first appeared or since the date of the first positive RT-PCR test if asymptomatic.

For all other units and staffs, COVID-19 cases must meet all of the following criteria to return to work:

(1) At least 24 hours have passed since resolution of fever without the use of fever reducing medication,

(2) Improvement in other COVID-19 symptoms, and

(3) At least 10 days have elapsed since the symptoms first appeared or since the date of the first positive RT-PCR test if asymptomatic.

For severe cases that required hospitalization, 20 days must pass since the onset of symptoms before Sailors can return to work.

Pre-deployment screening will consist of an assessment of COVID-19 exposure history, a temperature check, a check for COVID-19 signs and symptoms, a review of any past COVID-19 testing, and a thorough evaluation of high risk factors. Additionally, Sailors will conduct a minimum, 14-day ROM-sequester and COVID-19 test prior to deployment.

Post-deployment, all service members returning to home port via ship or military air transport that come from units with no active COVID-19 cases in the last 14 days, may count transit time (beginning on the day of departure from the last port or airfield) toward their ROM requirement.

Based on new CDC guidance, Sailors are exempt from any required testing protocols for three months following any positive tests, as Sailors may continue to test positive during that time period due to the presence of persistent non-viral fragments. Individuals who do have new or persistent symptoms during that three month period should be evaluated by a medical provider.

For more information, visit the U.S. Navy COVID-19 feature page.