Health Protection Condition CHARLIE

COVID-19 Cases at Keesler AFB: 3 (as of 27 Mar 2020)

Concerned about your health as it relates to COVID-19?
Call the Dragon Health Hotline: 228-376-7132
Download COVID-19 Trifold Here

 

Closures/Facility Updates

Precautionary Measures

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

HPCON Charlie 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.

Starting Monday, March 23, all facilities will move to single point entry and the Meadows Ave gate will be closed until further notice.

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 KMC is limiting their services they provide in the hospital. To keep up-to-date on closures, visit the Keesler Website at https://www.keesler.af.mil/Health/.

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 or questions to Dragon Health Hotline at 228-376-7132 or the Nurse Advice Line at 1-800-874-2273
  • ​Follow social distancing procedures (avoid large gatherings, keeping six feet distance from others)
     

Drive-thru Pharmacy and Drive-up Clinic Updates
Drive-up screening for COVID-19 begins March 23 for Tricare Beneficiaries. Active Duty members please call the Dragon Hotline at 228-376-7132.
The main pharmacy will be closing and shifting all operations to the exchange drive-thru pharmacy starting March 24. For Pharmacy Factsheet, Click Here.
 


Keesler Air Force Base enacts Tier 1 Base Access Restrictions
If you currently have access to Keesler Air Force Base, you will continue to have access under these restrictions.

Active Duty, Retirees, Dependents, Veteran Health ID card holders, VA ID card and those who currently have a valid (and current) visitor pass or are on the MACL, have authorized base access still. Disabled veterans who need assistance will be allowed 1 visitor to help them as needed.

This measure ensures only those with official business on base are being granted access. We still encourage everyone to practice social distancing and avoid traveling if not essential. Help us protect our mission of training and developing premier warfighters for our Nation's defense.


Limited access to Triangle Training Area 
The only personnel authorized to enter the Triangle Training are our Joint Non-Prior Service student residents. If you do not have an operation need to be there, avoid the area. The Triangle Shoppette is only for these residents and a phase card will need to be presented to enter the building. 


Keesler Local Leave Policy
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.
 

Security Forces will no longer handle ID cards
In an effort to reduce contact between individuals entering Keesler, new gate procedures are being implemented immediately for base entry. When approaching the gate, hold onto your ID card with the back barcode visible to the Security Forces member. The defender will scan your card and allow you to enter the installation. Your safety is extremely important and this process will minimize the spread of germs between individuals while still enabling the defender to maintain a non-diminished security posture. If your government issued ID card does not have a barcode, ensure the entire face of the card is visible to the defender to include the photo on the ID and expiration date.

Travel Advisories

DoD Restricts Travel for Military, Civilian and Dependents

The Deputy Secretary of Defense David L. Norquist approved new travel restrictions for service members, Department of Defense civilians, and their families assigned to DoD installations, facilities and surrounding areas within the United States and its territories. This restriction will halt all domestic travel, including permanent change of station and temporary duty. This restriction will also pause civilian hiring at DoD installations and components for persons who do not reside within the hiring entity's local commuting area. Additionally, service members will be authorized local leave only, following service guidelines. This new guidance is effective March 16 and continues through May 11.

Similar to other travel guidance regarding COVID-19, travel exceptions may be granted for compelling cases where the travel is mission-essential, for humanitarian reasons, or warranted due to extreme hardship. Approval authority for these exceptions belongs to combatant commanders, the service secretaries, the chief management officer, or the director of the Joint Staff, but may be delegated.

Regarding personnel returning from travel in South Korea, Italy, Iran, and China, the CDC now advises: “Travelers should stay home and monitor their health during travel and for 14 days after returning to the United States.”

For more information about travel advisories, visit the CDC travel advisory page.

Recommended Actions

If you have traveled to one of the affected areas, or have come in contact with someone who has COVID-19, AND are exhibiting the above symptoms, contact the Dragon Health Line at 228-376-7132 or the Nurse Advice Line at 1-800-874-2273​

Mississippi Coronavirus Hotline (8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday): 877-978-6453​

  • Practice social distancing
    • Avoid gatherings of 10+, reduce trips to public places, like grocery stores, restaurants and entertainment venues if possible.
  • Wash your hands and use hand sanitzer often.
    • Wash for at 20 seconds using hot soapy water and use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick
  • Avoid touching face, eyes, nose, and mouth
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
    • if you don't have a tissue handy, use the inside of your elbow rather than your hands to cover a cough or sneeze
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces at work and in your household
  • Stay home if you are sick

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