BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Buckley AFB has raised its Health Protection Condition (HPCON) level to Bravo from Alpha in response to the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the state of Colorado.
The HPCON B declaration defines base measures for a moderate health threat to base personnel that has the potential to rapidly move into an area. Many of the precautionary measures already in place fulfill the new HPCON B status, however the installation commander has augmented these by enacting the following measures:
Effective Immediately,
· Local leave is now limited to a 200-mile driving radius.
· Honor Guard to perform Funeral Services only.
Effective March 16,
· Both Child Development Centers and the Youth Center will be open. However, children will have their temperature checked prior to entry. Please expect delays.
· Pharmacy is closed to walk-in customers and will use drive-thru prescription drop off and pick up only.
· The Dental Clinic remains open for readiness exams and emergency procedures only.
· Fitness Center will remain open for regular business hours, but it will no longer be accessible for 24-hour access. The saunas will be closed.
· The Panther Den is open for take-out only.
· The Rocky Mountain Lodge will no longer accept space-A reservations.
· Airman Leadership School and all Professional Development Course/Classes are suspended until further notice.
Effective March 17,
· The Military Personnel Flight walk-ins will be limited to mission essential personnel only. Non-mission essential can still receive support by appointment only.
· Temperature checks for Mission Essential personnel will be conducted prior to entry into the SBIRS Mission Control Station.
Additional Precautions:
· If your child is sick, stay home and discuss your situation with your supervisor or commander.
· The 460th Medical Group is increasing virtual visits and screenings at the door.
· To reduce contact exposure, avoid handshaking. Instead use alternate greeting options such as elbow bumps and waiving.
· Common Access Cards and base access identification will be visually inspected or scanned at a distance unless absolutely required for security/privacy.
· Reduce time in common use areas. If required to be in an area, supplies will be provided to wipe down and sanitize the area upon arrival and prior to leaving.
· Cancel Non-Mission Essential meetings, if possible, use teleconferencing.
These measures have been implemented in conjunction with appropriate guidance from local, state and national health agencies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing whenever possible will greatly aid in reducing the spread of this virus.
Many events and services provided by the installation have been impacted and a current list of what services and facilities have been affected can be accessed via the “Cancellations/Closures” tab at www.buckley.af.mil/COVID-19/.
“Please continue to exercise sound judgment in your day-to-day actions,” remarked Col. Devin Pepper, 460th Space Wing commander. “The measures implemented are to maintain the overall health of our members and their families and ensure mission effectiveness. I ask for your patience and understanding as we continue to respond to this unique situation.”
The 460th SW leadership is continuing to engage with its total-force partners to monitor those who are at higher risk given recent travel or exposure history, and they are taking the appropriate actions as necessary. Team Buckley is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Tri-County Public Health Department to track the ongoing COVID-19 situation.
To help with the prevention and spread of the virus, please continue to monitor Buckley AFB’s official social media page at www.facebook.com/BuckleyAirForceBase or visit www.buckley.af.mil/COVID-19/ as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention the Department of Defense Coronavirus websites at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and https://www.defense.gov/Explore/Spotlight/Coronavirus/.