WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. -- Westover declared Health Protection Condition (HPCON) Delta on March 31 to combat the spread of COVID-19 across the base and our local communities. Westover is the first installation Air Force-wide to move to this level of protection.
Col. Craig C. Peters, 439th Airlift Wing commander, made the decision to increase the HPCON after consulting with members of Westover’s Emergency Management Working Group. The group’s recommendation took into account local conditions that met the requirements to increase the HPCON.
In addition, a service member assigned to the 439th Airlift Wing is in quarantine at an off-base residence after testing positive for COVID-19. The individual is undergoing evaluation and treatment in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Force Health Protections and 439th Aeromedical Squadron guidance.
Westover has determined whom the member had contact with on base and has in-turn placed those employees in self-quarantine status. “I am confident that the procedures we have followed, and the steps we have taken, will ensure the health and safety of our workforce and mitigate impact to the greater Westover community,” said Peters.
The 439th Airlift Wing is working with base and community medical, Public Health, and Emergency Management staff in a robust effort to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 using established Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Defense Department guidelines. Westover ARB officials will continue to work closely with state officials and the surrounding community to prevent the spread of the virus. Westover leadership will continually monitor the situation and provide additional information as it becomes available.
“We are committed to taking care of Americans, our Airmen and their families while executing readiness and mission essential operations” said Peters. “In addition to reminding every member of the Westover community to take actions to protect themselves and those around them, Airmen and their families are encouraged to practice physical distancing but social connecting to maintain resilience during these challenging times.”
“Proactive steps to ensure protection of our force will allow us to, in-turn, rise to the challenge of taking care of Americans and their families when called upon by the country,” Peters added.