TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- For 10 April, Tinker AFB remains in HPCON Charlie due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest COVID-19 confirmed case was a member of 76 PMXG in building 3703 who has been away from work since 20 March and developed symptoms while away. Public Health officials are actively tracing all recent movements and contacts in conjunction with affected units and local health authorities. Anyone considered to have been exposed to increased risk will be contacted directly.
Effective today from the Defense Commissary Agency, anyone entering the Commissary MUST wear a face covering. The installation also mandates face covering for those shopping in the Base Exchange and its shoppettes. The Commissary and Exchange remain open, although like civilian stores they may experience shortages of items at varying times. The hours remain the same for the commissary: handicapped patrons have access at 8:30 am, military, their dependents and eligible first responders from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 100% military ID card holders and veterans from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visitors are not allowed at any time.
Effective Monday, April 13, Tinker Main Gate, Gott Gate, and Lancer Gate will be open 24-hours and the Truck Gate will retain its current hours. All other gates will be CLOSED until further notice.
For clarification, several counties require the wearing of masks in public. These include Altus, El Reno, Guthrie and Yukon. While on Tinker AFB, face coverings are required at the Commissary, AAFES facilities, and any 72 ABW customer service facility.
With members recovering from COVID-19, the Oklahoma Blood Institute has begun collecting convalescent plasma from donors who have recovered from COVID-19 as an experimental initiative to use the product to treat seriously ill patients. Donors are encouraged to sign up for Oklahoma’s registry at www.my.bio-linked.org . This allows Oklahomans to help other Oklahoman’s have the best possible chance at fighting the illness.
Don't forget that COVID-19 is not stopping the 2020 U.S. Census. For the first time, you can fill out the U.S. Census online at https://my2020census.gov/ The federal government uses census data to allocate billions of dollars for programs like Medicare/Medicaid, transportation funding, federal research and more. The census also determines Oklahoma's representation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
As we approach Easter this weekend, please remember that we are still “safer at home” and travel restrictions still apply. Gatherings should not be more than 10 people, and social distancing should still be practiced. However you choose to enjoy the weekend, remember to keep you, your family and people surrounding you safe.
REMINDER: Violations of OPSEC endanger national security! Never discuss mission capabilities or details on social media. Also, please refrain from mentioning names of potentially ill individuals for privacy.
If you have been exposed to the coronavirus, do NOT come to the base. Return home and contact your Primary Care Doctor or the hotline. The Straight Talk Center for non-medical related COVID-19 concerns is available from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday thru Friday. It can be reached at 405-734-2567.