U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The 10th Air Base Wing commander extended the public health emergency declaration at the Air Force Academy through Feb. 9 as the base continues to operate during the nationwide COVID-19 pandemic.
Col. Brian Hartless issued the original declaration March 23, giving public health personnel the authority to use any necessary means to identify, confirm and control the spread of the COVID-19 disease.
The declaration instructs anyone working, residing or visiting the base to follow public health guidance to mitigate risk and protect the health and safety of the workforce or face potential criminal charges.
“I cannot stress enough the importance of following all health and safety guidelines as we work together to get the coronavirus under control,” Hartless said. “The rise in positive COVID-19 cases across the U.S. and Colorado is a strong reminder of the importance of these precautions, so please continue to wear your mask, practice social distancing, wash your hands and clean your work environment. These are things that we know help stem the advance of this disease.”
A PHE declaration authorizes military commanders to make adjustments to increase security and safety across their installations, including who can and cannot access the base. These adjustments do not necessarily reflect guidelines state, county and city officials apply outside the Academy, Hartless said.
With the declaration extension, the Academy remains closed to the public through Feb. 9. Only those with Defense Department identification are allowed on the base. Hikers and bicyclists who do not live or work on base are not allowed on the installation.
Along with the declaration, Hartless authorized the Trusted Traveler Program to continue after it was curtailed in April. Instead of a 100% check for DOD identification, this program allows drivers with DOD identification to sponsor passengers in their vehicles.
Social gatherings on base are limited to no more than 10 people, even when social distancing can be maintained. This replaces the previous guidance allowing for up to 50 people.
SERVICES UPDATE
Many services are open for cadets, active duty service members, staff and beneficiaries who possess the appropriate identification.
Army and Air Force Exchange Service
Burger King, Subway and Domino’s Pizza are open with limited capacity using statewide social distancing guidelines. Call Burger King at 719-472-1211, Subway in Arnold Hall at 719-472-1321 or in Fairchild Hall at 719-472-9664.
Academy Lanes Bowling Center
Bowling lanes are available by reservation only. Lunch is served via dine-in or for curbside pick-up. Call the Academy Lanes at 719-333-4709.
Aero Club
Reservations required. Call the Aero Club at 719-333-4542.
Airmen and Family Readiness Center
By appointment only. Call the AFRC at 719-333-3444.
Arts and Crafts Center
Accepting instructional class reservations for a maximum capacity of two students. Drop-offs and pick-up-projects are allowed by appointments only. Studio access is by appointment only. Call the center at 719-333-4538.
Auto Skills Shop
Car washes are open and personal-project stalls are available by reservation. Call the Auto Skills Shop at 719-333-4752.
Civilian Personnel Office
By appointment only. Call the civilian Personnel Office at 719-333-4363.
Eisenhower Golf Course
Golf carts are available for rent and limited to one person in each cart unless the passenger is a family member. Tee times may be reserved online or via phone.
The tavern is open 1-5 p.m., Friday through Sunday, weather permitting.
The snack bar is open 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Call 719-333-2606 for more information.
Equestrian Center
Open for the care of non-appropriated funds and boarder horses. The rental office is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday through Sunday, and trail rides are available by reservation only. The center is open to Remount Foundation equine therapy.
Call 719-333-4607 for more information.
Falcon Club
A limited menu for pickup and delivery only is available. All dining areas are closed but full service catering for official functions and private events is available. Rooms at the club can be reserved for military training sessions.
Call the Falcon Club at 719-333-8189.
Farish Recreational Area
Closed for the season and scheduled to reopen the first weekend in May.
Reservations can be made 90 days in advance for active duty service members, and 60 days in advance for all other eligible users.
Call 719-687-9098 for more information.
Fitness and Sports Center
Open to active duty service members, their dependents, and activated Reserve and guardsmen, 6 a.m.-7p.m., Monday through Sunday.
-- The pool is open 9 a.m. Monday through Sunday. Swimmers must be 18 or older to use the pool. The pool is limited to lap swims only, in one of six available lanes, for no-more-than 45-minutes if other customers are waiting.
-- The weight room is available and facemasks are mandatory
-- Cardio room users may remove their facemasks while exercising but must put them back on when their workout is complete
-- The parent-child room is open to one family at a time by reservation only
-- The west gym is for prep school students only. Active-duty physical training groups may use the east gym in groups of 10 or less. Facemasks are required.
-- Saunas, racquetball courts and aerobics room are closed. -- The outdoor courts, running track, fields and par course are available for use
Call 719-333-4522 or 719-333-3531 for more information
High Country Inn Dining Facility
The inn is open to Prep School cadet candidates, commissioned and enlisted service members, and DOD civilians assigned to the Academy or on temporary duty at the base.
-- Breakfast is 6-8 a.m., Monday through Friday, and 7-8:30 a.m. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays
-- Lunch is 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m.- 1 p.m., Saturdays, Sundays and holidays
-- Dinner is 5:30-7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 5:30-6:45 p.m., Saturdays, Sundays and holidays
A Thanksgiving and Christmas lunch at A la carte prices will be served to military retirees by reservation only, 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., noon and 12:30 p.m. These holiday lunches are open to all authorized customers and limited to immediate family members via reservation.
-- Seating is limited to these four times on a first-come, first-served basis to no-more-than eight people
Contractors assigned to the Academy may use the High Country Inn during any meal period, Nov. 27 through Jan. 3.
Call the inn at 719-472-8335.
Military Personnel Flight
By appointment only. Call 719- 333-8766 for more information.
Outdoor Recreation Center
Hosting limited trips and tours by reservation only. The ITT and Retail store is open to limited capacity. Call 719-333-4475 to make a reservation. Equipment rentals and reservations must be made online or by phone.
Call 719-333-4753 for more information.
Peregrine Pines Family Camp
Campsite slots are closed for the winter. Recreational vehicles sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Winter operations include patrons using a self-registration system. Bath-house showers, restrooms and laundry facilities are open.
Call 719-333-4980 for more information.
Polaris Perk
Now open. Call Polaris Perk at 719-333-7930.
Visit www.usafasupport.com for more information.