WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Team Whiteman has directed Health Protection Condition (HPCON) Charlie, March 25, 2020, to combat the spread of COVID-19 across the Department of the Air Force and our local Missouri communities. The enhanced protection measures were also implemented at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base in St. Louis.
Further restrictions and guidance may be issued to best protect the installation and mission and ensure the health of base personnel, families, and local communities. Installation commanders will continually assess the situation and make changes to facilities, programs, and services as needed to defend the installation and mitigate the spread of Coronavirus.
All 131st members and their families are urged to continue practicing good social distancing and personal hygiene. These simple measures are highly effective at fighting the spread of viruses and helps our wing protect its people and its mission capabilities. Additionally, Airmen and their families should avoid unnecessary risk by limiting travel outside the home. The B-2 Spirit stealth bomber is a vital pillar of the national strategic enterprise and the Airmen and employees of Whiteman AFB are instrumental in our national defense; these measures will safeguard their health and wellbeing.
HPCON Charlie indicates an epidemic with widespread contamination or a high morbidity rate. Measures to take include the following:
- Continue essential missions with required manning. Installation operations will be commensurate with federal, state and local guidelines; installation commanders will determine the installation’s essential missions and required manning in coordination with mission partners. Consider issuing documentation as proof for personnel who require movement to and from the base in support of essential missions.
- Maximize telework. Only conduct in-person mission essential meetings that require the fewest personnel
- Limit access to installation for official business
- Instruct military personnel and encourage civilian employees to limit off base travel to movement to/from work, grocery, and hospital/medical needs
- Adhere to strict hygiene measures. Wash your hands frequently, do not shake hands with others. Clean and disinfect doorknobs, common-use and other "high-touch" items.
- Implement social distancing (limit in-person meetings, socials and mass gatherings)
Airmen assigned to Whiteman AFB who are feeling ill, have been told to quarantine, have traveled out of the local area, or been in contact with a confirmed carrier of Coronavirus must call the Public Health Hotline at 660-687-4305 and notify their chain of command. Those assigned to Jefferson Barracks should contact their healthcare provider and notify their chain of command.
Whiteman AFB's 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs will continue to provide up-to-date information at https://www.whiteman.af.mil/Coronavirus and www.facebook.com/WhitemanAirForceBase. 131st Bomb Wing Public Affairs provides current information on its website at https://www.131bw.anf.af.mil/coronavirus and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/131BW. If you have specific questions about how local guidance affects you or your family, please use your chain of command.