March 19, 2021
Approved Posted Restriction for CDC guidelines and Executive Order 13991
Please reference the email dated 10 March 2021 which I sent regarding the release of FRAGORD 15 to OPORD 2020-19 (USACE Operations in a COVID-19 Environment) that included Annex I - Mask Wearing and COVID protection for the Recreating Public.

Specifically, please reference paragraph 4 below regarding the development of appropriate language for a sign that can be posted to aid in educating our visitors; and, when necessary as a last resort aid in the enforcement of Title 36 in reference to CDC guidelines on masks and social distancing. We have received approval of the appropriate language for the attached sign that is now approved for use nationally. This sign may be printed for bulletin boards or procured thru your regional sign shop or local vendor. The approved sign will be posted to the Gateway under both the Sign Program page and the COVID page. CARES funding may be used for the procurement of this sign. A previous email was sent to request CARES funding through the MSC Operations Chiefs.

Most should be aware of the work to approve this sign per the email below and the virtual training that was held on 25 February. The PowerPoint used for the training, some FAQs, Public Service Announcements (PSAs) and other resources are posted to the Gateway for your use: https://corpslakes.erdc. dren.mil/covid19/index.cfm

Our stance on use of this sign and enforcement remains unchanged since the training. As a refresher:

1. Proactive Prevention: USACE has developed a strong public information campaign to include news releases, signs and postings, social media, on-site interpretive programs, and interagency and industry partnering efforts. These efforts constitute our primary strategy for compliance.
2. A "Light Touch" approach using education and other means will be used as our primary means to gain compliance.
   1. "Light Touch" includes the liberal assumption regarding small groups and families at campsites, picnic sites, etc. that can be assumed to cohabitate.
   2. "Light Touch" recognizes that 6' spacing in outdoor settings is closer that what it may appear.
3. If necessary, verbal warnings will be used as the primary tool for enforcement followed by written warnings. Citations for failure to wear a mask or to social distance will only be issued as a last resort.
4. Title 36 enforcement can only occur in areas where this sign has been clearly posted. This sign supports a ranger's action to cite someone for 327.12a, violation of a posted restriction.
5. The use of this sign is to aid in gaining compliance in areas where its use may be beneficial, such as posting on buildings to ensure masks are worn by everyone entering the building, at permitted activities, or areas where overcrowding may be expected.
6. Posting would not be required in areas where there is no expectation you would ever need to give a verbal or written warning or citation. Where there is potential for non-compliance, you should post this sign so that you will have this tool in the event it is needed.
7. As discussed during the training, it may be prudent to consider a grace period after the sign is posted before issuing written warnings and/or citations. Consideration regarding your efforts to date related to No. 1 above may effect the need or length of any grace period.
8. ALWAYS REMEMBER: The protection of facilities or the enforcement of rules shall always be secondary to the safety of Corps personnel. No one should ever put themselves in an unsafe situation.

If you have any questions please contact me or my staff, Steve Austin, or Scott Strotman.

Thank you all once again for your professionalism in a job WELL DONE!!!

Be safe!
Jeff
Jeffrey F. Krause
Chief, Natural Resources Management

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