LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --
Due to a steady decrease in positive COVID-19 cases in Val Verde County, the 47th Flying Training Wing commander, Col. Craig Prather, has directed the change to Health Protection Condition Bravo on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, effective immediately.
The movement to HPCON Bravo does not alter the policies directed and implemented by the Department of the Air Force regarding mask-wear guidance on federal installations. These policies are still in full effect and enforceable on LAFB. Individuals must wear masks continuously while on LAFB except:
a. When outdoors and proper physical distancing can be maintained;
b. When an individual is alone in an office with floor to ceiling walls with a closed door;
c. When an individual is alone in a vehicle or is sharing the vehicle only with members of their household;
d. For brief periods of time when eating and drinking while maintaining distancing in accordance with CDC guidelines and instructions from commanders and supervisors;
e. When necessary to reasonably accommodate an individual with a disability;
f. When necessary to reasonably accommodate a religious belief;
g. When underlying health conditions that prohibit the wear of a face covering exist and the individual is in possession of medical documentation from a healthcare provider outlining such a condition and the restrictions the condition places on wear of a face covering;
h. When actively participating in physical fitness activities either indoors or outdoors and either proper physical distancing is maintained or additional measures are implemented to mitigate the threat of transmission;
i. When the mask substantively interferes with the proper wear and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) necessary for the accomplishment of official duties;
j. When personnel are in primary aircrew positions during critical phases of flight or emergencies, or when using flight crew oxygen equipment; and,
k. When clear or unrestricted visualization of verbal communication are essential to safe and effective operations.
l. When in the member’s on base residence alone or with only members of their immediate household present to include the front and back yard.
m. When swimming in a pool or using the locker room facilities at the Losano fitness center for personal hygiene (i.e., showering, brushing teeth, etc.)
n. During all interactions with law enforcement personnel, to include gaining access at any installation entry point, except upon request to remove or lower the mask for identification or security purposes.
In accordance with Air Education and Training Command, and Texas State guidance, all official gatherings held inside Laughlin AFB facilities will not exceed 50 individuals or 50% of the occupancy limitations of the meeting place, whichever is less. The base will continue to follow all local and state guidance and work closely with community partners in Del Rio and Val Verde County. Official gatherings held outdoors are not restricted in size, but individuals will maintain 6-foot social distancing and wear masks in accordance with DoD and AF Policy. All unofficial gatherings on base must adhere to DoD and AF Policy on mask wear and follow state of Texas guidance on gathering limits found at https://open.texas.gov/.
For further questions, contact Laughlin Public Affairs at 47ftwpa.tasker@us.af.mil or visit our site at https://www.laughlin.af.mil/COVID-19/.