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(Tribune News Service) — Fort Riley is now under stricter mask requirements whether indoors, outside or in vehicles.

According to a statement from Fort Riley Public Affairs Specialist Kirk Hutchinson, leaders within the 1st Infantry Division and the fort temporarily instituted more mask requirements on-post to comply with Department of Defense policy and new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The new rules indicate masks must be worn by all people on base, at all times, while indoors. There are exceptions for eating and for accommodating people with disabilities.

Outside, individuals are required to wear a mask if they can't maintain 6 feet of distance. Hutchinson said this includes physical training, motor pools, field training, and formations.

Masks also are required to be worn while carpooling on-post and inside all fitness centers, including those open to vaccinated personnel only.

Officials said the increase in COVID-19 rates locally, in conjunction with base personnel returning from holiday leave around the country, warranted the updated mask policy.

Hutchinson made the announcement Tuesday, adding that Army officials continue to monitor changes to mask requirements based on the most updated CDC guidelines.

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