TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- In an abundance of caution, Tinker Air Force Base is taking precautionary steps in accordance with the Department of Defense and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Service members and family members arriving from, or returning from high-risk areas, will be placed under a 14-day self-quarantine either at home or in the dorms to monitor their health and ensure they are clear of any symptoms. The same procedures apply to foreign military students arriving to Tinker.
We continue to conduct initial screenings for those who are in-processing. These individuals will be questioned about recent visits to locations where the coronavirus has been discovered in large numbers, such as China, South Korea and Italy and other Level 3 countries. If new arrivals have been in contact with anyone who had the virus, and/or if they have had any of the symptoms the command will act appropriately to protect the health of the unit and maintain operational training readiness.
The Oklahoma City community can take routine steps to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19. Practice good hygiene like washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoiding contact with those who have been sick, maintaining six feet of separation from other people, covering your coughs and sneezes, calling the doctor when you feel ill, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces can help prevent cases from developing.
If Airmen, installation civilian employees, retirees, and their families manifest symptoms or have recently traveled or have/been in direct contact with a person known to be infected with the virus, before seeking medical care, contact the 72nd Medical Group Public Health Office at 405-582-6542 and ask for the Community Health section or go to our COVID-19 webpage at https://www.tinker.af.mil/coronavirus/. For any official travel recommendations, visit the CDC at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list/. Also refer to the U.S. Air Force COVID-19 site: https://www.af.mil/News/Coronavirus-Disease-2019/
Tinker continues to place the health and safety of our Airmen, civilians, their families, and our entire Oklahoma City community as our highest priority. We will continue to closely monitor any developments that may impact our personnel and mission. We will maximize the use of our social media/online platforms to keep our workforce and their families informed of any changes and announcements concerning travel restrictions and health advisories. Continue to monitor and check for updates via government email and on the Tinker Facebook page. (https://www.facebook.com/TinkerAirForceBase)