Edwards Air Force Base Raises Health Protection Condition Level to Charlie

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --

In compliance with Secretary of Defense direction, the 412th Test Wing commander has announced Health Protection Condition (HPCON) Charlie at Edwards Air Force Base on March 26 to combat the spread of COVID-19 across the Department of Defense and our local communities.

“Edwards AFB and AF Plant 42 are and will continue to remain open,” said 412th Test Wing Commander, Col. Matthew Higer. “Neither Installation has closed at any time due to COVID-19.  However, the installations are restricted to mission-essential personnel in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The leadership teams (military, civilian, and contractor) at Edwards AFB and AF Plant 42 have postured their respective personnel and mission sets in preparation for continued mission execution, including flying test missions, during an extended duration of time at elevated Heath Protection Condition (HPCON) levels.” 

HPCON Charlie measures include the following actions:

- Continue essential missions with required manning. Installation operations will be commensurate with federal, state and local guidelines; installation commanders will determine the installation’s essential missions and required manning in coordination with mission partners. Consider issuing documentation as proof for personnel who require movement to and from the base in support of essential missions.

- Maximize telework - only conduct in-person mission essential meetings that require the fewest personnel

- Limit access to installation for official business

- Instruct military personnel and encourage civilian employees to limit off base travel to movement to/from work, grocery, and hospital/medical needs

- Adhere to strict hygiene (no hand-shaking, frequent hand-washing, clean common-use items)

- Implement social distancing (limit in-person meetings, socials and mass gatherings)

- May include modifications to entrances/exits

If you develop flu-like symptoms with fever and cough or shortness of breath and may have had contact with a person who has COVID-19 or had recent travel to areas considered high-risk, contact your health care provider before seeking medical care to prevent possible transmission in the health care setting.

For more information, visit https://www.edwards.af.mil/coronavirus/