Effective immediately:

• For the most updated information regarding COVID-19 and guidelines for personnel assigned to Ellsworth Air Force Base, go to our Facebook page here.
• A 28th Bomb Wing General Restriction Order, updated Sept. 21, 2020, is in effect.  View it here.
• The leave policy has been updated. Contact your leadership for more information. 
• Personnel may not dine in at restaurants (whether inside or outside) and similar establishments. Members are limited to the use of carry out, take out, or drive thru options for any restaurant and face coverings must be worn while obtaining their order.
• The 28th Medical Group requires all patients wear cloth face coverings while in the facility for the duration their time in the clinic.
• 28th Force Support Squadron services are currently limited. Check out the Ellsworth FSS Facebook page here for updated information. 
• Conservative masks that are a solid color/non-neon are required for wear in uniform at Ellsworth AFB where social distancing is not possible.
• The CDC and Youth Center are screening kids. Those exhibiting 100.4 temps or higher will not be accepted. Additionally, the CDC and Youth Center are only providing childcare to children whose parents are actively working on the installation. For more information, contact the CDC and Youth Center or your leadership.

While COVID-19 continues within the local area, the deterrence mission continues. The 28th Bomb Wing is prepared to continue to meet and exceed mission objectives, with some changes to procedures.

• Ellsworth leadership is continually monitoring the situation and working closely with the South Dakota Department of Health to coordinate prevention and response efforts in the local area. People experiencing flu-like symptoms, such as fever and coughing, should call TRICARE's 24-hour Nurse Advice Line at 1-800-874-2273.
• The 28th Medical Group has stood up a single-point entrance at the clinic, as preventative screening for COVID-19. 
• Proper hygiene procedures and preventative measures, like hand washing, are critical to preventing the spread of viruses and maintaining 100 percent mission readiness. Measures are in place to protect personnel and continue mission accomplishment. 
• Force Health Protection, HPCON, is a top priority. Installation personnel and their families will be provided with up-to-date information on appropriate measures to prevent potential spread of the virus, as well as any impact to local activities. Information can be found on Ellsworth's Facebook Page.
• All Department of Air Force personnel are encouraged to follow Force Health Protection and CDC guidance to avoid contracting or spreading respiratory illnesses. Contingency plans are in place to educate and safeguard military, civilian personnel and their family members in preventing a wide-spread outbreak.
• Inbound service members and families coming from a country with HPCON Level 2 or 3 Travel Health Notices, as determined by the CDC, must reach out to their losing unit's commander, superintendent or first sergeant prior to departure.
• Upon entry to the base, members should hold their ID card, showing the barcode on the back side to the Security Forces gate guard. The guard will scan members in before continuing on to the base. This new process will help reduce the amount of contact between persons.
• Social distancing is highly recommended by the CDC, which means maintaining a 'six-foot rule' of distance from others.
• Members may take leave, however, there are updated requirements. Contact your leadership for more information and the process to submit leave.
• PT tests are suspended
• Limiting the number of individuals in the VCC at one time and questioning visitors for foreign travel.  Some people may get turned away if they visited Level III countries in the last 14 days.
• Space A lodging is suspended. The family camp is only available to those who are PCSing in or leaving Ellsworth Air Force Base.
• The CDC and Youth Center are open for personnel actively working on the installation. Individuals who are teleworking are not authorized to drop their children off at the CDC and Youth Center.
• Limit mass gatherings to less than 14 people..
• All establishments are take-out only.

• The Bellamy Fitness Center is open.

This is an ongoing situation and Ellsworth leadership will continue to push updated information via our base website at www.ellsworth.af.mil/, the 28th Bomb Wing Air Force Connect app and Ellsworth Air Force Base's Facebook Page.

CDC Recommends

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

For more information to protect yourself, friends and family from unknowingly spreading diseases, visit the CDC website here.