Fairchild's Health Protection Condition Level: ALPHA 

FAFB will transition to HPCON Alpha, effective immediately, due to the CDC Community level for Spokane and Eastern Washington decreasing to “low-level risk” and local case hospitalization rates steadily decreasing in the area. While in HPCON Alpha, occupancies of buildings are authorized up to 100% with telework as appropriate. Everyone should continue to monitor for symptoms, stay home if they feel ill and seek care for potential influenza-like illness.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency ended on May 11, 2023. However, COVID-19 continues to circulate globally, and will likely remain a leading cause of respiratory illness for the next several years. Utilizing mitigation strategies, such as vaccination, masking, and staying home when you are sick, will continue to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other seasonal respiratory illnesses in the future.

Masks are currently not required to be worn indoors. Per CDC guidance, individuals who have recently recovered from COVID-19 should wear a mask in the workplace for 10 full days following initial symptoms. Individuals who have been recently exposed to someone with COVID-19 should also wear a mask in the workplace for 10 days following last exposure. Individuals may consider wearing masks based on their personal health risks or concerns (e.g., immunocompromised individuals), or if they wish to reduce their risk of contracting or transmitting a respiratory virus.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention- Use and Care of Masks

The Installation Commander may direct that masks be worn when the transmission risk is increased and/or if the local hospital admission level is high. If masks are required, masks should be worn properly, by fitting snugly against the sides of your face, and must cover your nose and mouth. Exceptions: Masks may be taken off indoors when an individual is alone in an office with floor-to-ceiling walls with a closed door; for brief periods of time when eating and drinking; and when the mask is required to be lowered briefly for identification or security purposes. Masks are not required during active utilization of the fitness center pool, while showering in the locker rooms, and while actively performing fitness testing under the guidance of the fitness assessment cell.

Updated Return to Work Policy. Individuals who are exhibiting symptoms of an infectious respiratory disease, including colds, influenza, and COVID-19, should not come to the workplace or conduct official travel until symptoms have begun to resolve. Symptoms of an infectious respiratory disease may include fever, body aches, cough, runny nose, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhea. Commanders and supervisors should permit symptomatic individuals to utilize situational telework when possible. Individuals should follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for guidance on what to do if you have been exposed to COVID-19, or if you are sick with COVID-19.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention- What to do if you were exposed to COVID-19

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention- Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19

Universal masking is currently not required for staff and patients at the 92nd Medical Group. Masks covering the nose and mouth should be worn in the following instances to limit disease transmission except when otherwise exempt due to age (< 2 yo), safety, or health requirement:

• Patients experiencing any respiratory symptoms should wear a mask. Symptoms of an infectious respiratory disease may include fever, body aches, cough, runny nose, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Individual who have recently recovered from COVID-19 should wear a mask for 10 full days following initial symptoms.
• Individuals who have recently been exposed to someone with COVID-19 should also wear a mask in the workplace for 10 days following last exposure.
• Individuals may consider wearing masks based on their personal health risks or concerns (e.g., immunocompromised individuals), or if they wish to reduce their risk of contracting or transmitting a respiratory virus.