BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- U.S. Air Force Col. Steven Kirkpatrick, 307th Bomb Wing commander, issued updated COVID-19 guidance for all unit members here today. Below is the full text of the email.
307th Bomb Wing Airmen:
As we gather for the June UTA, Barksdale and Dyess have downgraded to HPCON Level Bravo. For Barksdale this means that retirees and veterans will have full access to the commissary. Also, all Services and MWR facilities and activities are authorized to reopen at 50% capacity. The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Louisiana is dropping, except in Regions 6 and 8 (Central La. and Monroe), but we must continue to stay vigilant.
You will be with many fellow Airmen this weekend that you have not seen in months. Practice distancing (six-foot minimum), wear masks when unable to distance, practice good hygiene and limit room occupancy to no more than 50 percent.
Even though both bases have downgraded to HPCON Bravo, you will still be required to wear a face mask in all public building on base. The gyms are open, but can only have a 50% occupancy and social distancing must be maintained.
All units have been supplied face masks for members who did not bring masks. Go to your full time staff if you need a mask for the UTA.
As you know by now, fitness assessments have been pushed to October, but I encourage you to take time and make fitness a priority.
Despite the challenges, open-mindedness overcomes any artificial barriers to innovation and embodies the culture we aspire to promote. Take care of each other and we will all get through this together.
Steven Kirkpatrick, Col, USAF
307th Bomb Wing Commander