Ellsworth Air Force Base raised its Health Protection Condition (HPCON) level from Bravo to Charlie in response to the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Ellsworth AFB is declaring a public health emergency to better align with the declared national public emergency, South Dakota preventative measures, and Center for Disease Control guidance.

Ellsworth officials announced that in line with the current imposed travel ban, effective immediately all permanent changes of station are on hold, TDYs are canceled and leave for military members is restricted to a two-hour driving radius until further notice.

Base officials have coordinated with the Defense Commissary Agency to adjust the hours of service at the Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., commissary to ensure access to basic necessities for mission essential personnel, and have also announced that issuance of visitor passes to access the installation will be suspended March 23, 2020.