Press Releases

Base Moves to HPCON Level Charlie

  • Published
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Ellsworth Air Force Base raised its Health Protection Condition (HPCON) level to Charlie in accordance with the Secretary of the Air Force’s direction in response to the spread of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

There have been no reported cases of COVID-19 on Ellsworth AFB, however, the base declared a Public Health Emergency earlier today. Raising the HPCON level to Charlie aligns Ellsworth AFB measures with existing precautionary measures, and helps educate base personnel in preventing potential widespread outbreak.

The HPCON C declaration defines base measures for a substantial disease threat to base personnel that has the potential to rapidly move into an area. Measures include social distancing, maximizing telework in accordance with Office of the Under Secretary of Defense’s civilian personnel guidance, shelter-in-place procedures, and mass distribution of medical countermeasures.

If you develop flu-like symptoms with fever and cough or shortness of breath and may have had contact with a person who has COVID-19, or had recent travel to areas considered high-risk, contact your health care provider before seeking medical care to prevent possible transmission in the health care setting.

Good hygiene practices are the best preventive measure to control the spread of viruses. Things like washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoiding contact with those who have been sick, going to the doctor when you feel ill, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.

For the latest information on COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Department of Defense Coronavirus websites at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and https://www.defense.gov/Explore/Spotlight/Coronavirus/.