Team USAFA,
To facilitate coordination with El Paso County in support of their proclamation of a local emergency, as well as civilian authorities, and all local military installations, I am declaring a public health emergency. In addition we have made the decision to move to Health Protection Condition Charlie (HPCON C) and there are measures we must now all take (see attached and below) to further ensure the health and safety of our population.
The COVID-19 situation is evolving rapidly and we are taking immediate steps to preserve the mission-critical functions at USAFA. Force health protection is our top priority which enables all units and bases to maintain the highest readiness level possible. To help prevent the spread of disease, and in consultation with our public health and medical professionals, we have implemented HPCON C. We must now enact the following measures:
- Follow all HPCON A and B measures
- Follow the rules of your unit under HPCON C
- Following directions on signs at entryways that will redirect you to designated entry control points
- Official Business Only (OBO) rules
- Supervisors will encourage and implement telework and min-manning for all personnel wherever duties and mission allow
- All personnel will practice social distancing on and off duty; avoid large close contact gatherings to the max extent
- If you are conducting a meeting ensure proper social distancing is observed in the room
- No handshaking. Use alternate greeting options such as elbow bumps, waive or other methods that reduce contact exposure
- Keep doors open/cracked unless necessary for security/privacy. This helps reduce frequency of contact with hard surfaces such as door handles
- CACs will be visually inspected or scanned at a distance unless absolutely required for security/privacy
- Entry/Exit of buildings and work centers requires hand-washing with soap and water or use of hand sanitizer
- Reduce time in common use areas. If required to be in an area, supplies should be provided to wipe down and sanitize the area upon arrival and prior to leaving
- No work center potlucks. Individual meals should be brought from home or purchased. This reduces multiple contacts with serving utensils
Our public health and medical experts continuously monitor the situation which is constantly evolving. We are actively engaged with the El Paso County Public Health Department, state and local government officials, NORTHCOM, and other Front Range military bases. Additionally, we continue to monitor for the most up to date guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of the Air Force, and the Department of Defense.
Thank you for your patience and partnership. The above changes to our normal routine are essential in helping maintain the overall health of our members and their families and to ensure mission accomplishment. Please let us know what other areas of concern we can address realizing there will be many questions.
We humbly thank you and your families for your support and strength as we respond to this unprecedented situation. Stay safe by limiting your interaction outside your home…stay in touch by reaching out virtually and contacting friends, family and each other to combat any feeling of isolation…and stay flexible as we find our “new normal” in the coming days and weeks.
VR,
Col Hartless
BRIAN S. HARTLESS, Colonel, USAF
Commander, 10th Air Base Wing
USAF Academy