Mask Mandate Goes Into Effect Friday at JBSA Rec Park at Canyon Lake

Starting Friday, Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) Rec Park at Canyon Lake will require employees and guests to wear masks indoors regardless of their vaccination status.

On Facebook, JBSA Rec Park announced the facility is now following HPCON Bravo Plus guidelines.

In a statement issued today, JBSA San Antonio’s Steve Elliott, 502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs, said JBSA Guidance Memo No. 57 requires masks when indoors on federal installations regardless of vaccination status.

The policy change aligns with a directive issued by the Office of the Secretary of Defense requiring individuals in areas of substantial or high community transmission to don masks regardless of vaccination status.

All service members, federal employees, onsite contractor employees, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask in indoor installations or other facilities owned, leased or otherwise controlled by the DoD, JBSA said.

To learn more about JBSA Recreation Park at Canyon Lake, visit their website. The 250-acre recreation park provides lodging, camping, equipment and activity options.

Authorized users include active-duty, National Guard, reservists, retired military, 0-100% DAV, Purple-Heart recipients, a former POW, veteran caregivers, DoD civilians and sponsored guests.

According to Defense.gov, the U.S. Department of Defense develops protocol for public health emergencies known as Health Protection Conditions.

HPBCON B or “Bravo” means an area is experiencing an increase in community transmission of COVID-19. The military guidelines also call for:

• Social distancing
• Avoiding unnecessary travel to COVID-19 hotspots
• Ensuring supplies of food, medication and other items needed for babies and pets for at least 13 days.
• Preparing for travel restrictions and cancellation of public gatherings.
• Observing local guidance on movement restrictions and access requirements for military installations.
• Seeking guidance from employers and unit leaders about changes to work practices and training events.
• Complying with medical orders for self-isolation or quarantine.