AF Academy declares public health emergency
Staff report, March 24, 2020
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. — The U.S. Air Force Academy installation commander declared a public health emergency for the base March 23 due to the evolving threat of COVID-19. Additionally, base officials elevated the Academy’s health protection condition to HPCON-Charlie to further safeguard service members, community and the national defense missions supported here.
We will continue to put updated information on our Academy social media outlets and at https://www.usafa.af.mil/Coronavirus/ and https://www.usafa.edu/Coronavirus.
The declaration of a public health emergency allows the base commander to take certain protective measures, such as restricting base movement and limiting services. The emergency order is in place for 30 days, but can be terminated or extended as required.
“I want to thank everyone on the Academy and in the community who have responded quickly and supported our efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19, said Col. Brian Hartless, 10th Air Base Wing commander. “With the increase in COVID-19 cases in the State of Colorado, it is clear that we must do more to protect ourselves, our fellow Airmen, our customers and our families.”
The state of Colorado, Colorado Springs and various counties throughout the state are in similar states of emergency. HPCON-C indicates a substantial risk of disease being spread and further increases protective measures like social distancing and potential shelter-in-place orders, as well as restrictions on in-person meetings and official travel.
These actions will impact many in the community who live, work and receive services from the Academy, but are essential to helping maintain the overall health of our members and ensure mission readiness.
The base leadership team stands ready to assist with special or unique circumstances and will adjust additional services based on continuous health risk assessments.
Base leadership asks for patience and flexibility from all facets of the community as we all navigate through this viral pandemic.