The base dropped its mask mandate and has been in health protection condition ‘bravo’ since March 9, and this is the first time the base has been under HPCON alpha since June 2021.
The transition comes as the base enters a “new phase of the pandemic,” Col. Patrick Miller, commander of the base’s 88th Air Base Wing and Wright-Patterson installation commander said in a video update Monday.
“It doesn’t mean we’re in the clear though, folks” Miller said. “We still need to follow the basic health protection guidance of good hygiene, maintaining physical distancing when possible, if you’re not feeling well, get tested and stay home and continue to look out for each other.
Military bases have a “health protection condition” or HPCON ranking of conditions.
HPCON 0 is “routine,” meaning the routine maintenance of everyday actions to stop the spread of germs is expected.
The next condition, HPCON ‘alpha,’ is based on limited community spread, and workers are expected to routinely disinfect frequently touched surfaces. If they’re sick, they should call a medical provider for instructions before going to a clinic or hospital.
The Department of Defense has changed how Wright-Patterson and other installations determine their COVID response, now using the community levels determined by the Center for Disease Control, Miller said.
“We are at a great place right now with health protection condition alpha,” Miller said. “I’m thrilled to be here, and I can’t wait to see how we continue along in this journey and keep opening up operations across this installation.”
Pre-pandemic, about 30,000 military and civilian employees worked at the base on most work days.
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