What HPCON D looks like for WPAFB?
According to Miller, not much will change: “We’re doing everything right on the base, as very little transmission on the base proves,” he said.
The following changes will take effect on January 10:
- Children and Youth Services and Child Development Centers: No change to services. CYS and CDC will remain open to care for the children of Airmen as they support the mission. However, if parents wish to remove their children during this time, WPAFB will not charge them for their time slot while they are in HPCON Delta.
- Many customer service functions will move to appointment only or virtual; a counter presence will be maintained for walk-in visits.
- Most seminars and training or professional development events will go virtual, downsize, or move to a hybrid model.
- Food operations will be carried out with a few exceptions. However, the catering facilities on the base will remain open for meal card holders and temporary duty staff.
- Activities of the 88th Force Support Squadron will be reduced in capacity in various locations.
- Fitness centers will be limited to military personnel only.
- Fitness assessments will be suspended during HPCON Delta.
- Chapel services will be virtual only – no in-person services.
- The commissary will remain open to DOD ID card holders only – no guests.
- Base capacity: per office of the Secretary of Defense, HPCON Delta reduces the occupancy rate to 15%. The target for meetings and in-person gatherings in HPCON Delta should be 10 people or less.
- Teleworking should be continued and maximized on the base during HPCON Delta.
Miller reiterated that he is not looking to shut down the base, as much has been learned about how to safely execute the mission over the past two years.
At this time, there will be no service limitations to Wright-Patterson Medical Center operations.
Currently, there are no restrictions on off-base travel or annual leave for active military and civilian personnel.
As of Friday, 19,563 new cases of coronavirus were reported in the state, bringing the 21-day average of cases to 15,355, the Ohio Department of Health reported.
COVID patients account for one-third of all hospitalizations across the state and represent one-third of all critical care patients.
There were 6,570 coronavirus patients in Ohio hospitals on Friday, up from 6,550 the day before. Of these, 1,327 are receiving intensive care.
In Kettering Health and Premier Health hospitals, 89% of COVID ICU patients are unvaccinated, according to the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association.
Col. Christian Lyons, the base’s 88th Medical Group commander, said Wednesday afternoon during a Facebook streaming event that the Dayton area was then recording a record 529 COVID-positive hospitalization cases, citing the data from the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association. And as of December 29, 84% of COVID patients were unvaccinated, Lyons said.
Staff restrictions and COVID care needs may lead to delays in routine medical appointments and elective surgeries at Wright-Patterson Medical Center, Lyon also warned on Wednesday. Some 60 staff at the center test positive for COVID, he said at the time.
“We ask for your patience and understanding for our people and our mission,” said Lyons.
About a thousand members of the Ohio National Guard will be deployed to hospitals in Ohio next week to help hospitals overwhelmed by staff shortages and an influx of COVID-19 patients.
