Health Protection Protocols: Update to Mask Wearing Guidance (July 13 2021)

Dear vendors,

USTC released PP Advisory #21-0075A, revising the Health Protection Protocols – specifically the mask wearing guidance. The most significant changes are highlighted below, but please take the time to read the advisory in its entirety.

Mask requirements inside a customer’s residence remain in place regardless of vaccination status.
Fully vaccinated personnel may remove their mask while outside the customer’s residence in accordance with state or local guidelines.
Non-fully vaccinated individuals must continue to wear a mask while working outside the customer’s residence.
Unmasked, fully vaccinated personnel should be prepared to show proof of vaccination (CDC vaccination card or other medical documentation, hard copy or digital).

Health protection protocol violations are currently the second-leading reason Transportation Offices are issuing letters of warning and suspensions, with reweigh violations taking the first spot. Please make sure your crew members are wearing face coverings at all times when inside the customer’s residence and the Certification of Health Protection Protocols document is completed and provided to the customer BEFORE beginning any work in the residence, including but not limited to: pre-move survey, packing, loading, delivery, third-party services and claim repairs. These protocols are mandatory when servicing all DOD shipments and will be for the foreseeable future.

DOD created the TSP Certification of Health Protection Protocols document for use on all DP3 shipments where there will be interaction with DOD customers. The purpose of the form is to assure DOD customers that industry personnel working in their homes have been screened for illness in accordance with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and equipped to follow basic health protection protocols.

The Certification of Health Protection Protocols document outlines the following requirements:

Crew members entering the residence have been screened—consistent with Centers for Disease Controls (CDC) guidelines—for COVID-19.
- You can find the most up-to-date guidance here.
Crew members will adhere to all guidelines issued by U.S. Transportation Command. Specifically, the crew:
- Is equipped with and will wear face coverings.
- Is equipped and prepared to clean surfaces touched in the customer’s residence (though they will seek permission before using any cleaning products on the customer’s property.) This includes wiping down highly touched services like door knobs, handrails, light switches and counter tops.
- Represents the smallest crew required to service the customer’s move, and will adhere to social distancing guidelines.
- Has been instructed and equipped to maintain good hand-hygiene.

A DOD representative will be contacting each customer during their relocation process to verify that service providers are following all safety protocols. DOD representatives will also be making more frequent inspections to review these documents and ensure all service providers are adhering to USTC’s guidelines. Subsequently, we will only be working with vendors who are able to follow these guidelines. If you need assistance complying with USTC’s health protection protocols, please reach out to your business development representative.

Your safety is also a priority. We are screening all customers before scheduled services to ensure the safety of your crews. We appreciate your assistance in taking the necessary precautions to keep all parties safe

Below you will find the full list of Health Protection Protocols advisories for your reference.

Sincerely,

Suddath Government Services