Tinker Air Force Base confirms third case of COVID-19

Tinker Air Force Base has moved to Health Protection Condition (HPCON) Charlie in response to COVID-19.HPCON Charlie is implemented when there is an elevated risk of sustained community transmission and includes strict social distancing measures, including limiting meetings, socials and gatherings, and additional access restrictions to base and facilities.

To date, there are currently three confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Tinker AFB. Locations were the 38th Cyber Engineering Installation Group, the 552d Air Control Wing, and the 76th Propulsion Maintenance Group.  Base public health officials are actively tracing these members’ recent movements and contacts in conjunction with affected units and local health authorities.  Anyone with increased risk due to these three cases will be contacted directly.

From the installation commander, Col. Paul Filcek: “Through continuous monitoring of this evolving situation, implementing HPCON Charlie was the best course of action to protect the people of Tinker AFB. Elevating the HPCON level aligns with Oklahoma’s public health initiatives and adds to other safety measures we are taking in line with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance.”

The 72nd Medical Group continues to take all necessary precautions to protect personnel and their families while safeguarding their health care mission capabilities during the current global outbreak of COVID-19.  To keep up-to-date on closures, visit the Tinker Website at https://www.tinker.af.mil/coronavirus.

In an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19, please take the following actions:

• Strict hygiene (No handshaking, wipe common-use items)
• If exposed, self-isolate (Wear mask and remain home)
• Avoid contaminated water/food or risk area
• Communicate personal risk and symptoms
• Follow social distancing procedures (avoid large gatherings, keeping six feet distance from others)

For military members, official leave, normal off-duty time or pass allowances are restricted to 50 mile radius of Tinker Air Force Base and not to exceed Oklahoma borders in accordance with the 13 March memo for stop movement for all domestic travel.  Civilian and family member leave or travel is not prohibited by this restriction; however, travel outside of the local area is highly discouraged.

Everyone should remain informed regarding the symptoms of COVID-19 (see links below) and should call the Tinker Hot Line at 405-582-6297.

Oklahoma State Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline: 877-215-8336

COVID-19 – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html

DoD COVID-19 – www.defense.gov/Explore/Spotlight/Coronavirus/

Tinker Website – https://www.tinker.af.mil/coronavirus/

Oklahoma Department of Health – https://coronavirus.health.ok.gov/

CDC Health Travel Notices – https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/