The move is part of a broader response to the surge in cases of the Omicron varinant in recent weeks. The last 100,000 coronavirus cases in the VA system have come in just four months. Five soldiers assigned to Alaska-based units have died off-duty since mid-October. Pandemic protections for GI Bill students were set to expire on Dec. 21. After a fall surge, deaths feel to five in November, with three so far in December. No final decision has been made on whether to make the third shot required for all service members. The jobless rate among younger veterans saw an increase from October to November. The deadline for some VA workers to get vaccinated passed two months ago. Guardsmen who refuse vaccination will not be able to participate in any drills or federal training, which could jeopardize their ability to stay in the military. A recent policy change affects passengers age 2 and older. Load More