WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Whiteman Air Force Base officials have lifted the Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency status for the installation and its personnel April 28, 2021. The base also declared Health Protection Condition (HPCON) Alpha, effectively immediately.
This update also ends the restriction of off-base bars or similar establishments with the primary purpose of serving alcohol, which are now again authorized for patronage by Whiteman AFB personnel.
HPCON Alpha indicates a limited health alert and risk for installation personnel. All service members, employees and family members should maintain protective actions to include, but not limited to, routinely cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces, disciplined personal hygiene, hand washing and wear of protective masks when social distancing is not possible or where indicated by policy. Consistent with DOD policy, face coverings are still required on the installation. Members must also comply with all state, county, and/or local guidance on mask wear or COVID restrictions while local or in leave status.
The change in the HPCON level streamlines efforts that best protect Whiteman AFB personnel and the continuity of national defense missions. Unit commanders will continue to monitor and assess the situation and make changes to facilities, programs, and services as needed to defend the installation and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, while maintaining operational readiness and providing for the moral and welfare of Airmen and their families.
“We do not take this step lightly and are committed to keep our Airmen and families safe,” said Col. Jeffrey Schreiner, 509th Bomb Wing commander. “This is a very deliberate process. We are in sync with county and state postures as we move forward alongside our mission partners toward a new normal in the fight against COVID-19. This HPCON change should not lead us to lower our guard. The virus is still spreading nationwide and we need to protect the base and our vital missions. We will continue to evaluate protective measures to safeguard the health of our Airmen and families.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a COVID-19 vaccine may be the most effective way to lower your risk of contracting COVID-19, and it may help keep you from getting seriously ill if you do catch the virus. Whiteman AFB personnel are highly encouraged to take the vaccine to protect their health, their families, their community, and lower the public health risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vaccines currently authorized for emergency use (EUA) will continue to be available for DoD cardholders at the 509th Medical Group. Whiteman Air Force Base will be administering COVID vaccines this Friday, April 30, to eligible volunteer recipients 18 years of age and older. Appointments are available via online scheduling.
To schedule appointments to have a first or second dose of the COVID vaccine administered after May 1, please visit: https://informatics-stage.health.mil/COVAX/.
If you are feeling ill, have been told to quarantine or have been in contact with a confirmed carrier of coronavirus, please call the nurse advice line: 660-687-2188.
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. If you have specific questions about how local guidance affects you or your family, please use your chain of command.