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Laughlin declares state of emergency, initiates HPCON Charlie

  • Published
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas  As the situation regarding COVID-19 evolves and the possibility for exposure to the virus heightens, Laughlin leadership declares a Public Health Emergency in conjunction with a Health Protection Condition to Charlie, today, March 25. 

"This declaration is about our number one priority: protecting Team XL and the incredible city of Del Rio,” said Col Lee Gentile, 47th Flying Training Wing commander. “The best way to ensure we meet this focus is by adhering to the Department of Defense and Secretary of the Air Force’s guidance, as well as by working alongside our community partners.” 

Laughlin’s announcement aligns the base with national, state, and local officials while providing public health officials better mechanisms to coordinate and synchronize efforts in limiting the spread of the virus. 

The HPCON increase allows installations the opportunity to execute more preventative measures to combat the coronavirus’ spread. 

Additionally, hours after the City of Del Rio Mayor, Bruno Lozano, announced his revisions to the city’s public health emergency declaration, the city confirmed its first positive case of COVID-19. 

Military Members who display symptoms outlined by the Center for Disease Center and Prevention, have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, or have recently traveled from an affected area should immediately contact the 47th Medical Group appointment line at 830-298-6333 (during normal duty hours) or the Nurse Advice Line at 1-800-874-2273. 

Laughlin Air Force Base maintains a strong commitment to a mission of building combat-ready Airmen, Leaders, and Pilots while taking aggressive measures to combat the spread of COVID- 19. For further questions, please contact Laughlin Public Affairs at 47ftwpa.tasker@us.af.mil or visit our site at https://www.laughlin.af.mil/COVID-19/. 

-LAFB- 

Laughlin Air Force Base 

News Release 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs, 19th Air Force (Air Education and Training Command) 561 Liberty Drive Suite 3 | (830) 298-5854 Date: March 25, 2020 | Release Number: 03-03-20