GREAT FALLS — Malmstrom Air Force Base on Monday announced changes to its indoor dining policy, effective immediately, allowing military members to dine indoors at off-base restaurants which meet certain risk mitigation standards.
Military members may only dine at restaurants which have tables at least six feet apart, and must leave the restaurant before 8 p.m.
Colonel Anita Feugate Opperman, the commander of the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom, said in a news release, “I’m happy to announce that we are implementing new guidance, starting today, that seeks to maintain balance while allowing our airmen more latitude. Nine months is a long time under these unique and challenging conditions, but I am proud of the way in which we’ve upheld our values while maintaining readiness to execute the mission.”
She added that the decision was based on the number of COVID-19 cases in the community, confidence that airmen will continue to follow health guidelines, and the fact that outdoor dining isn’t really an option in the winter.
"Eating is a very social opportunity. We wanted our airmen to have an additional way to be social during winter months,” she said.
Visiting casinos, bars, and movie theaters is still prohibited for active duty military personnel.
