PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE — The Peterson Air Force Base installation commander declared a public health emergency for the base at 5 p.m. Monday.
The declaration came shortly after the base announced that two people on base had tested positive for COVID-19. Peterson said the two people are an active duty service member and a dependent. The two cases are unrelated. Both people are quarantined and receiving support and medical care in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the base said.
According to a release from the base, as a result of the declaration, commanders are asked to limit in-office activities to those that are required for critical mission accomplishment as determined by unit commanders. The declaration also allows the base commander to take certain protective measures, such as restricting base movement and limiting services. The emergency order is in place for 30 days and can be terminated or extended as required.
“Declaring a public health emergency on Peterson allows us a proactive approach to protect the safety and health of our Airmen and the surrounding community,” said Col. Thomas Falzarano, 21st Space Wing and Peterson AFB installation commander. “Our top priority remains mitigating the effects and potential spread of this coronavirus.”
The base said the following precautionary measures have been enacted:
- Outdoor Recreation will temporarily be closed.
- Military Personnel Facility will remain open for appointments only.
- Promotion testing will be postponed effective March 30.
- Dental clinic services will be limited to readiness related appointments and dental emergencies.
- Base medical clinic remains open, but with limited capacity. If possible, consider booking a virtual appointment with your primary care manager rather than a face-to-face visit. All appointments can be made by calling 719-524-2273 option 1.
The base also said that following the two positive cases, military health professionals are conducting a thorough contact investigation to determine whether any other personnel may have been exposed. Those personnel will be contacted and given direction by their leadership.
There are no other known cases on Peterson AFB or Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station at this time.
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Click here for the latest update on the number of cases, the age, gender and location of presumptive positive, indeterminate and confirmed cases from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
People who have general questions about coronavirus disease 2019 can call CO HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 for answers in many languages. Email COHELP@RMPDC.org for answers in English.
