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Keesler enters HPCON Bravo for COVID-19

  • Published
  • By 81st Training Wing Public Affairs
  • 81st Training Wing Public Affairs
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  

Keesler Air Force Base is in Health Protection Condition (HPCON) Bravo in response to COVID-19.

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 or 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)

HPCON Bravo measures are mandatory for all Keesler service members, DoD civilian and contractor employees, and family members. These measures are required to ensure the continued health and safety for our community.

For military members, official leave, normal off-duty time or pass allowances will be restricted to 40 mile radius of Keesler Air Force Base and not to exceed Mississippi 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.

“The health and safety of the men and women of Keesler Air Force Base and ensuring our continued ability to accomplish our critical training missions are top priorities for me and the entire leadership team,” said Col. Heather Blackwell, 81st Training Wing commander. “We are actively and prudently planning response actions and force health protection measures in concert with our community and military partners.”

The Keesler Medical Center continues to take all necessary precautions to protect our forces and their families while safeguarding our healthcare mission capabilities during the current global outbreak of Corona Virus (COVID-19). Out of an abundance of caution and to help maintain the low threat level determined by the Center for Disease Control for our local region, the medical center has instituted additional safety measures.

1. Building Access: These measures include establishing only two entry points for both staff and patients:

1 – Main Hospital Entrance (by main Pharmacy)

2 – Emergency Room Entrance

Each entry point will screen visitors for symptoms of COVID-19 (to include cough, fever, and/or difficulty of breathing) and for persons who came in positive contact or has traveled from affected areas. We ask for your patience as our new operations may cause delays.
 

2. Visitation Restriction: The Medical Center is taking extra precautions to ensure the continued health and safety of our patients by implementing a visitor restriction process. The restrictions include:

1 – Inpatient Units
- No persons under 18 years of age
- No persons with colds/fevers/coughs

2 – Outpatient
- Only patients with appointments are allowed in clinics – exceptions: persons with special needs and/or receiving surgery.

These controlled access measures will allow us to safely screen for COVID-19 while minimizing the risk to others.

Everyone should remain informed regarding the symptoms of COVID-19 (see links below and should contact our Dragon Health Hotline 228-376-7132 or the Nurse Advice Hotline at 1-800-874-2273.