Q: If the base shuts down will the Commissary and/or Base Exchange also shut down?

A: The Commissary and Base Exchange services will remain available.

There has been no disruption to supply delivery. The possibility of limiting items for purchase has been considered and begun to be implemented, such as limiting purchases of water/paper products etc.

The hours of the Commissary will be limited beginning March 25. From 8:30 a.m., the Commissary will be open to authorized handicapped patrons. From 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., the Commissary will be open to military, their dependents and eligible first responders (i.e. Tinker Fire Dept.). From 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., the Commissary will be open to 100% military ID card holders. This will be in effect until further notice.

Q: Is Tinker going to limit the number of individuals allowed on the installation?

A: The number of individuals on the installation has been limited through telework efforts.  We are not allowing individuals who have tested positive or that have recently traveled to a Level 3 country and have posted signs at our gates instructing individuals who have been  exposed to COVID-19 or traveled to a high risk location to not enter the installation and to return home and contact their Primary Care Doctor or call 405-582-6542.

Q: Are additional measures being taken to clean and sanitize common areas?

A: We are asking that everyone do their part in helping to clean and sanitize areas. We encourage you to wipe down your personal office space regularly as well as cleaning doorknobs, handles and light switches and other common areas, daily.

Q: Will postal service still run on Tinker AFB?

A: Currently, yes.

Q: Will this virus prompt leadership to enforce mission essential personnel only?

A: We are continuing to monitor the situation extremely closely. The safety and well-being of our Airmen and their families is our top priority, and we want to ensure that we are able to minimize the threat whenever and wherever possible.

Q: Are squadrons allowed the flexibility to run at a reduced or minimum manning schedule to promote social distancing and limit contact?

A: Under the 72nd Air Base Wing, squadrons are able to make those decisions to meet the needs of the mission while protecting our Airmen.

Q: If an individual is TDY, will they be permitted to return to their home station?

A: The DOD is currently under ‘Stop Movement’ guidance, which restricts military or civilians, whose travel is government-funded, from TDY or PCS movement.

Q: How can we obtain proper cleaning supplies for our work centers and our tools?

A: Any expenses incurred to address COVID-19 concerns (additional supplies, contract costs, etc.) can be executed using local funds.  Funds expended in support of COVID-19 should be tracked through ESP Code C1 and included in your OAC-18 weekly report to AFIMSC via local 72 CPTS.  Costs will be compiled for reimbursement.

Q: What is considered within the local travel restrictions?

A: The 72nd Air Base Wing has a two-hour-by-ground travel limitation. Employees from other organizations on Tinker should check with their supervisors or unit specific travel restrictions.

Q: What precautions should I be taking?

A: All Air Force personnel are encouraged to follow the guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The risk of contracting the new coronavirus is low, but CDC officials do recommend getting an influenza vaccine and taking everyday preventative actions to help preclude the spread of germs. We encourage all Air Force personnel and their families to continue to practice proper hygiene as the best way to prevent the spread of viruses. This includes washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitized that contains at least 60% alcohol. Also, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands and avoid close contact with those who are sick. Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces should also be done.

Q: Who is eligible to get tested?

A: The CDC and Oklahoma State Department of Health have strict guidance on testing. In order for us to administer testing, an individual has to be symptomatic (cough, fever of 100.4*). If you exhibit those symptoms, we can collect a sample and send it off for testing, but if you’re not symptomatic then we will not be able to test.

Q: Is there a fee to get tested?

A: No

Q: Is TRICARE coverage affected in any way regarding testing or benefits?

A: TRICARE Beneficiaries should use the TRICARE Website -- https://www.tricare.mil/coronavirus -- for questions and updated information related to COVID-ID. TRICARE benefits should be covered anywhere that accepts Tricare off base.

Q: What are long-term precautions that will be implemented to prevent further spread of the virus?

A: The long-term precautions to be implemented will be similar to those currently taken influenza and other diseases: medical surveillance and approved medical countermeasures, once created/approved by FDA and DOD.

Q: What is the plan of action if Tinker AFB has a positive result?

A: If a member tests positive, public health will report the laboratory confirmed case to the Air Force and to the local health department since it is a reportable medical event. The public health will conduct tracing and interviews. Public Health will go to the workplace and conduct a workplace survey to identify coworkers who may be considered contacts. The MDG will work in conjunction with CE to provide workplace cleaning and disinfection protocols and information.

Q: How can I self-quarantine if I become infected and live in the dorms?

A: We have designated dorm rooms for self-quarantine

Q: What are Air Force medical facilities doing to educate, prevent, screen and manage efforts?

A: Air Force medical facilities are protecting the force in accordance with Office of the Secretary of Defense Force Health Protection Guidance. Air Force medical facilities are mitigating the spread of the virus by ensuring accountability of all service members who have returned from mainland China and placing those service members under a 14-day restriction of movement. The Air Force is preparing by publishing screening and event-management guidance, training staff in CDC processes and ensuring medical personnel rehearse event-management processes. Air Force medical staff help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 by using personal protective equipment, as well as developing health-surveillance protocols, PPE requirements and tracing processes in coordination with state and local public health.

Q: What are procedures for 'directing' employees to self-quarantine?

A: Public health and your commander/supervisor should be notified ASAP. If you are instructed to quarantine, you are to stay at home unless it is an emergency. If you have other members in your home, distance yourself. Continue to follow sanitary measures (washing your hands) and stay in quarantine until you've completed the entire duration - even if you feel better. Wipe down areas in your home that you've come in contact with during your quarantine. Keep other members of your home in quarantine if you were in close contact with them. Stay hydrated.

Q: My spouse is active duty personnel who works in medical. If he is exposed, what are plans to minimize the exposure to his family?

A: The Medical Group executes its Medical Employee Health Program as mandated by OSHA. To minimize exposure family members should follow CDC's instructions on how to self-isolate or quarantine at home.

Q: I am 60 years old with Diabetes. What action is best for me?

A: For anyone that is considered a "high-risk" individual, the best action is to stay home and away from public places and large gatherings of people. If that individual needs to leave home, they should follow CDC guidelines.

Q: If someone has been sick or running a fever, do you require them to quarantine for 14 days even if they do not test positive for the coronavirus?

A: Anyone exhibiting symptoms of concern are asked to leave the work area and contact medical for further assessment.

Q: People can be contagious without being symptomatic. How will the base address interaction in the workplace to those that aren't showing typical symptoms but may have the virus?

A: The CDC and Oklahoma State Department of Health have strict guidance on testing. In order for us to administer testing, an individual has to be symptomatic (cough, fever of 100.4*). If you exhibit those symptoms, we can collect a sample and send it off for testing, but if you’re not symptomatic then we will not be able to test.

Q: Is the base equipped with sufficient COVID-19 tests to stay ahead of the outbreak and provide decision-makers with enough solid data to make operational decisions?

A: Currently Tinker AFB does not test for COVID-19. We send the tests to either the Mil Reference Lab or to OK Health Department lab.

Q: Will accessibility to the clinic be affected?

A: Anyone who walks into the clinic will be screened.

Q: How will retirees be affected?

A: Transitioning all routine appointments to virtual appointments. Pharmacy will be a drive thru to limit exposure.

Q: In order to get tested, you have to experience symptoms. But what about the people who are affected who don't experience symptoms?

A: Self-quarantine is always possible.

Q: Can you be screened and test negative?

A: Yes, absolutely.

Q: Can questionnaires be made available to civilians, dependents and retirees?

A: COVID-19 screening questionnaires are available on our website, www.tinker.af.mil/coronavirus/

Q: Can the virus live on different surfaces/materials for different amounts of time? How does that affect those that work on sheet metal or aircraft?

A: No different to any other surface. Refer to question #1.

Q: Under our current HPCON, several events have been cancelled. Have youth sports such as baseball and t-ball been cancelled or had their seasons delayed as well?

A: Currently, all sports events have been cancelled.

Q: With closures on and off base, has there been any consideration for the Youth Center to open to help with those who are mission essential personnel (i.e., Security Forces)?

A: The School Age Program is open for children who are currently enrolled in the program.  As per guidance dated March 20 from AFSVC/CC, parents are encouraged to keep their children at home to fully achieve proper social distancing.  Due to the risk associated with enrolling new children and youth in the program, the waiting list has been paused until the threat has passed. 

Q: What changes are being made within the CDC?

A: The CDCs will remain open to be able to support child care for our mission essential personnel. However, drop-in options will not be available.

Q: The 24/7 gyms are closed, but the Gerrity Gym remains open only for active duty, reservists, guard and active civilians. Why are retirees and dependents excluded?

A: This decision was based from a readiness-standpoint.  The Gerrity Gym will close on Wednesdays and Sundays for cleaning, and the gym has limited the number of individuals who can exercise and enforced the amount of time each individual can exercise (one hour).

**24-hour gyms (Bldg 216 & 3705) will be closed until May 11

Q: What training classes are being held and what classes are being cancelled?

A: All FSS training classes that are non-mission essential are cancelled. NEO has not been cancelled.

Q: Is it possible that if the base shuts down, we’d experience a government furlough?

A: No.

Q: Am I able to purchase cleaning products (sanitizer, Lysol wipes, soaps, etc) with my Government Purchase Card during this time?

A: Yes, Government Purchase Cards may be used for purchase of cleaning products for the work center. Any expenses incurred to address COVID-19 concerns (additional supplies, contract costs, etc.) can be executed using local funds.  Funds expended in support of COVID-19 should be tracked through ESP Code C1 and included in your OAC-18 weekly report to AFIMSC via local 72 CPTS.  Costs will be compiled for reimbursement.

Q: Are non-bargaining employees restricted from government or non-government funded travel, and what does that mean?

A: All employees regardless of bargaining or non-bargaining have a restriction on movement for government-funded travel, such as PCS and TDY (with few exemptions as authorized by first GO in the chain of command).

.      Q: The VPN is already at max capacity with most people still reporting to base. Will there be plans to deviate work schedules or triage those who need access?

A: Priority service for connectivity to VPN is not something currently employed for USAF users. HQ Air Force senior IT leaders are working with key cyberspace agencies to rapidly onboard and employ technologies which will increase the capabilities of our telework force.

       Q: What is being done to improve teleworking capabilities?

            A: Multiple levels of efforts are underway to improve the capacity including increasing bandwidth and licensing for VPN capabilities, remote desktop applications and enabling MS Outlook Client to connect without use of VPN. As new capabilities are employed,  information will be disseminated.

       Q:  I am considered a high-risk, vulnerable individual who is more vulnerable to contracting the virus, but I have very little success connecting to the VPN. What options do I have?

            A: Multiple improvement efforts are underway to improve telework capabilities. Until such time as these improved and new capabilities are established, you are asked to use non-VPN capabilities where possible (i.e. webmail).

Q: Will fire doors be propped open in Bldg. 3001?  These are high-touch surface areas and I think risk of infection outweighs the risk of fires.

A: CE will work with facility managers to prop open high use doors as much as possible in order to reduce contact hazards associated with high-touch surfaces.

Q: Are there facilities in place for quarantined individuals?

A: We do have up to 24 dorm rooms set aside for dorm residents that are required to be quarantined.

Q: How can I self-quarantine if I become infected and live in the dorms?

A: Please contact your PCM or Public Health for evaluation. If quarantine is necessary, Public Health will notify dorm management to make arrangements.

Q: During this COVID-19 situation, is it possible to continue construction projects? Namely the Bldg. 3001 parking lot.

A: Construction is continuing across the base to include Bldg. 3001 parking lot in particular. With reduced parking over the past week CE actually start this work a bit ahead of schedule.

Q: What is the difference between mission essential and emergency essential?

A: Mission essential is defined as those needed to ensure the continued operation of mission essential functions of an activity. Emergency essential is defined as those needed to ensure the requirement to maintain certain levels of medical, security, performance, conduct and overall fitness that make them suitable for assignment to an austere and stressful combat environment.

TRAVEL:

Q: Are civilians restricted from personal travel?

A: No. Civilian employees are not restricted from personal travel.

Q: Can a supervisor deny leave to a civilian who is traveling outside the local commuting area?

A: Depending on the type of leave, a supervisor can deny or cancel leave to a civilian who is traveling outside the local commuting area based on mission requirements. A supervisor may not deny personal leave conducted at the expense of the individual solely because an employee is traveling outside of the local commuting area or to a CDC-designated level 2 or greater area.

LEAVE:

Q: Can supervisors question the reason for which their employees are requesting annual leave?

A: Since supervisors must balance the work of the agency against the interest of the employee in using annual leave, supervisors may find it necessary from time to time to ask employees how they will use the requested annual leave so that the supervisors may make informed decisions about scheduling the leave. In such cases, employees are not required to provide the supervisor with this information, but their request for annual leave may be denied based on mission requirements. DoD Components should also be mindful of requirements under their collective bargaining agreements.

Note:  Not addressed in these Q&As, but if the employee is on WSL, then they should not be traveling outside of the commuting area. They should be on their personal leave to go outside of commuting area.