On Nov. 1, 2020, the U.S. Department of Defense announced the start of rapid, on-site COVID-19 testing for passengers departing Baltimore Washington International Airport and Seattle Tacoma Airport aboard Patriot Express flights for official duty at overseas locations.

Currently all Patriot Express travelers are screened for symptoms of COVID-19 or history of close contact with persons positive for COVID-19 by completing a pre-travel questionnaire and on-site temperature check. Beginning Nov. 1, approximately 10-15 percent of those screened who are not exhibiting symptoms will now be subject to a rapid, on-site laboratory test prior to travel.

Rapid, on-site testing has been implemented to establish pre-travel commonality among service members and families arriving at an aerial port of embarkation and to provide a baseline requirement for passengers traveling to various geographic regions with differing COVID-19 mitigation requirements.

During the proof of principle period, the plan is to test 10-15 percent of screened Patriot Express passengers not exhibiting symptoms, excluding family members. Should a passenger traveling with family or dependents test positive, the entire travel party will be referred to a service liaison for additional support, including medical care and lodging during a prescribed isolation period.

Any passenger with a valid COVID test completed within 72 hours of the Patriot Express flight will not be required to complete a rapid, on-site COVID test at the APOE prior to boarding. Army personnel possessing an authorized medical clearance letter will also be exempt from testing.