U.S. Air Force scales back fitness testing, citing COVID-19 concerns
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The shop on Historic Main Street has reopened with other selected businesses after being closed for nearly two months by an emergency state order aimed at stopping the spread of coronavirus. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License PhotoJeweler Tom Wapelhorst arranges a display in his front window at Walters Jeweler in St. Charles. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License PhotoDon (L) and Robin Piatt sit on an elevated outdoor porch, toasting each other on their wedding anniversary, at Lewis and Clark's Restaurant in St. Charles. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License PhotoCustomers have lunch inside El Toro Mexican restaurant in Clute, Texas on May 3. Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License PhotoRestaurants in Texas were allowed to reopen their diving rooms at 25 percent capacity starting on May 1 as the state began easing restrictions based on COVID-19. Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License PhotoA customer looks at merchandise inside the Boot Barn clothing store in Lake Jackson, Texas on May 3. 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Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI | License PhotoPedestrians no longer practice "social distancing" but continue to wear protective face masks while visiting a popular entertainment district in Beijing on April 26. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License PhotoFlorida has allowed some of the states beaches to reopen, including this one along the Space Coast near Cocoa Beach on April 26. Photo by Joe Marino/UPI | License PhotoA couple from Central Florida stroll along the surf near Cocoa Beach. Photo by Joe Marino/UPI | License PhotoA child wades in the ocean at Cocoa Beach. Photo by Joe Marino/UPI | License PhotoPedestrians walk closely together in Beijing on April 19. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License PhotoNewlyweds pose for wedding photos without wearing protective face masks as the government has declared the peak threat of the COVID-19 outbreak has passed in Beijing on April 19. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License PhotoA couple continues wearing protective face masks next to a police checkpoint in Beijing on April 15. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License PhotoThe U.S. Air Force announced a postponement of its fitness testing, until October 1, 2020, to reduce exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Photo courtesy of U.S. Air Force
May 27 (UPI) -- The U.S. Air Force announced a postponement of official physical fitness tests to Oct. 1 to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
A prior directive called for a resumption of the tests on June 1 after they were canceled in March. The test, officially the U.S. Air Force Basic Military Training Physical Fitness Test is a three-event physical performance test of endurance, used to measure physical strength, abilities, and cardio-respiratory fitness.
"When testing resumes, the Air Force will take a systematic approach to reintegrating official physical fitness assessments," Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly said in a memo last week. "All policies and procedures should reinforce physical distancing, use of personal protective equipment, Airmen health and personal hygiene, and cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting work spaces and common areas."
The U.S. Army said that it intends to go ahead with its new Army Combat Fitness Test, scheduled to be rolled out in June. The improved ACFT is better suited for physical distancing than the prior test, Sgt.Maj. Michael A. Grinston said last week.
"Do I think we're confident when we start the ACFT that we can do it given the conditions of a COVID-19 environment? Absolutely," Grinston said.
The Army test includes a 2-mile run, pushups and other demonstrations of fitness that can be performed individually and using social distancing protocols. The Navy Physical Readiness Test similarly consists of push-ups, curl-ups [sit-ups], and either running or swimming.
On Wednesday the Navy issued adjustments to its standard operational guidance in light of the pandemic, listing minimum actions for safe deployment. It includes at least 14 days of pre-deployment restriction of sequestered status, and adherence to preventative measures like hand washing and face coverings while underway. Screening will include a daily assessment of COVID-19 exposure history, a temperature check, a check for COVID-19 signs and symptoms, a review of any past COVID-19 testing, and a thorough evaluation of the member's high risk factors.
