Installation Commander reinstates HPCON Charlie

  • Published
  • 72nd Air Base Wing

Due to a rise in COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma, surrounding counties, and Tinker Air Force Base, the Installation Commander has reinstated Health Protection Condition Charlie. Balancing the health and safety of our workforce with our national defense mission requirements is the top priority.  This decision did not come without a great deal of thought and input from our health care professionals.  Each of us has a personal responsibility in the fight against this unseen enemy and now more than ever is the time to remain vigilant. Wear your masks whenever proper distance is not possible, use the social distancing guidelines and wash your hands often.  HPCON Charlie measure details can be found at https://www.tinker.af.mil/coronavirus/.

New actions implemented include:
1. All official travel for all military and civilian members must be approved by the first O-6 or equivalent in the member’s chain, and must always include risk assessment as directed by 72 ABW Public Health (for COVID-like symptoms or contact with COVID-positive person) both prior to departure and return.

2. All Active Duty leaves outside the local area (defined as over 3-hour drive from residence) must be approved by the first O-6 or equivalent in the chain, and must always include risk assessment as directed by 72 ABW Public Health (for COVID-like symptoms or contact with COVID-positive person) both prior to departure and return.

3. All civilians are highly encouraged to remain in the local area while on leave, and reminded that if in contact with a COVID-positive person or exhibiting COVID symptoms while away and/or upon return, will be subject to 14 days of Restriction of Movement or Quarantine as appropriate—for which some form of personal leave may be used. Civilians must always be risk assessed as directed by 72 ABW Public Health (for COVID-like symptoms or contact with COVID-positive person) prior to return from leave.

4. All Commissary patrons must possess a valid ID Card, with exception of disabled veterans/retirees needing visitor assistance to shop.

5. Installation access is limited to valid ID Card holders and Official Business visitors (contract workers, mission deliveries, etc), with exceptions of Housing Resident visitors and helpers for disabled veterans/retirees.

6. Effective 23 November 2020, all indoor non-mission-essential public gatherings are limited to 10 people, and all outdoor non-mission-essential public gatherings are limited to 100 people. Whether indoors or outdoors, masks will be worn the entire duration of the assembly and CDC distancing guidelines will be observed. An aircraft hangar with its main doors open may be considered an outdoor venue. These elements for public gatherings supersede the 5 November 2020 gathering policy. A new policy memorandum will follow.