Coronavirus Updates | Military Times

VA move to curb remote work puts all federal workers on notice

Decisions on new federal policies for off-site work could upend the pandemic adjustments made by millions of workers.

2 days ago

VA to scale back remote work rules, require more in-office time

The changes will begin with workers in the Washington, D.C. headquarters starting this fall.

3 days ago

Veterans

Should VA keep spending leftover COVID funds or give them back?

When the national COVID-19 emergency ended earlier this month, about $2.1 billion in extra money for veterans support remained unused.

Support services for homeless veterans set to expire

Aid programs for homeless vets will end unless Congress speeds through new legislation.

3 weeks ago

Veterans Affairs drops mask requirement for all agency medical offices

Masks will still be mandated for some high-risk areas or facilities with rising virus numbers.

3 months ago

Troops who refused COVID vaccines still could face punishment

Individuals could face discipline or dismissal for failing to follow orders.

3 months ago

VA needs COVID accommodations extended before emergency status ends

Officials say telehealth prescription services that benefit nearly 50,000 veterans will end if lawmakers don't extend special authorities.

4 months ago

Troops booted over COVID vaccines would get jobs back under GOP plan

The legislation would also upgrade the discharge status of some individuals.

4 months ago

VA to get new authority over education benefits for future emergencies

The move comes in response to problems that surfaced at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in America.

5 months ago

Defense policy bill with COVID vaccine repeal heads to Biden’s desk

The measure includes plans for $817 billion in military spending in fiscal 2023 and a 4.6% pay raise for troops starting next month.

5 months ago

A vial of the Phase 3 Novavax coronavirus vaccine prepared for use in a trial at St. George's University hospital in London, Oct. 7, 2020. The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine that could soon win federal approval may offer a boost for the U.S. military: an opportunity to get shots into some of the thousands of service members who have refused the vaccine for religious reasons. (Alastair Grant/AP)

Surgeon general urges vets to get updated COVID vaccine now

Aging and infirm veterans are particularly vulnerable to complications from the virus, officials warn.

5 months ago

Pentagon worries repealing COVID vaccine mandate will affect readiness

Democratic House leaders now support the change, which has been a priority for congressional Republicans for months.

6 months ago

Military COVID-19 vaccine mandate repealed in defense bill compromise

The $858 billion measure also includes a 4.6% pay raise for troops next year and plans to backfill munition stockpiles depleted by the war in Ukraine.

6 months ago

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Gregzon Fontanilla, from Guam, prepares a COVID-19 vaccine aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), May 10, 2022. (Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Malcolm Kelley/Navy)

VA, HHS urge veterans to get COVID shots before holiday season

More than 23,000 veterans have died from complications related to COVID-19 infections.

6 months ago

A health care worker fills a syringe with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Oct. 5, 2021, in Miami. (Lynne Sladky/AP)

Keep COVID-19 military vaccine mandate, defense secretary says

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is making clear he wants to keep the military’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate in place to protect the health of the troops.

6 months ago

GOP senators threaten to block NDAA over COVID-19 vaccine mandate

They want troops dismissed for refusing the vaccine to get their jobs back and be awarded back pay.

6 months ago

VA study finds Paxlovid may help prevent long COVID-19 problems

The medication helped reduce the chance of long-term health complications by 25%.

7 months ago

1st Lt. Colton Fisher, a 33rd Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot, prepares for flight at Vance Air Force Base, Okla. Oct. 26, 2022. Fisher conducted preflight inspections in a T-6A Texan II, checking the aircraft’s interior for safety discrepancies. (Airman 1st Class Ashley Crist/Air Force)

Air Force’s unvaccinated instructor pilots allowed to resume flying

It is “in the best interest of the Air Force” for instructors to resume their regular flight duties, Maj. Gen. Phillip Stewart said in an Oct. 25 memo.

7 months ago

VA officials confident they’re ready for the next COVID surge

Coronavirus cases among VA patients are up slightly from October 2021.

7 months ago

Coronavirus | COVID-19 Updates

Updates and coverage about COVID-19, the novel coronavirus.

Decisions on new federal policies for off-site work could upend the pandemic adjustments made by millions of workers.

The changes will begin with workers in the Washington, D.C. headquarters starting this fall.

When the national COVID-19 emergency ended earlier this month, about $2.1 billion in extra money for veterans support remained unused.

Aid programs for homeless vets will end unless Congress speeds through new legislation.

Masks will still be mandated for some high-risk areas or facilities with rising virus numbers.

Individuals could face discipline or dismissal for failing to follow orders.

Officials say telehealth prescription services that benefit nearly 50,000 veterans will end if lawmakers don't extend special authorities.

The legislation would also upgrade the discharge status of some individuals.

The move comes in response to problems that surfaced at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in America.

The measure includes plans for $817 billion in military spending in fiscal 2023 and a 4.6% pay raise for troops starting next month.

Aging and infirm veterans are particularly vulnerable to complications from the virus, officials warn.

Democratic House leaders now support the change, which has been a priority for congressional Republicans for months.

The $858 billion measure also includes a 4.6% pay raise for troops next year and plans to backfill munition stockpiles depleted by the war in Ukraine.

More than 23,000 veterans have died from complications related to COVID-19 infections.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is making clear he wants to keep the military’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate in place to protect the health of the troops.

They want troops dismissed for refusing the vaccine to get their jobs back and be awarded back pay.

The medication helped reduce the chance of long-term health complications by 25%.

It is “in the best interest of the Air Force” for instructors to resume their regular flight duties, Maj. Gen. Phillip Stewart said in an Oct. 25 memo.

Coronavirus cases among VA patients are up slightly from October 2021.