Access to the Rock Island Arsenal is restricted and most employees are now working from home because of the pandemic. At the direction of the Army, only what's considered "mission essential functions" are continuing with only those who are considered "mission essential personnel."
Garrison Commander Colonel Stephen Marr says for most commands and organizations on the island, between 70 and 90 per cent of employees are working remotely.
"So each one of these commands will implement the Secretary of the Army and Chief of Staff of the Army's guidance a little bit differently. So there's no universal blanket definition for what a mission essential individual is or how commands are able to apply those guidelines across the installation."
And for those who are still reporting for work, Marr says the rules should be familiar by now - social distancing, limiting the size of groups, keeping workplaces clean, and personal hygiene.
Two of the four child care centers on Arsenal Island are open, and the commissary, P-X, and health clinic all remain open.
