COLORADO SPRINGS — The U.S. Air Force Academy has moved into a more restrictive COVID-19 response as it sees a rise in cases on the campus.
Like the rest of El Paso County and the state, the Academy said it is seeing a rise among those in the cadet wing.
"We have all been working diligently over the last 8 months to be prepared for this likely increase, and our modeling has been very predictive in forecasting how COVID would spread once we starting to see increased numbers in the cadet wing," the Academy said in an announcement.
As a result of the spread of the virus on campus, USAFA officials said they have moved into COVID Response Phase 3 last week with the following requirements:
- Remain on USAFA installation
- Permitted to leave base for a limited duration for necessities only (take-out food, grocery store, personal necessities) (AOC approval)
- Overnight passes via ETP only (Commandant approval)
- On-base running/hiking is permitted
- Use of all on-base facilities
- Haps open (reduced capacity)
- CFC/Pool open (reduced capacity)
- Arnold Hall Food Court open
- On-base or virtual religious services
- All clubs virtual only
- No knowledge bowls
- All Intramurals, SAMIs, AMIs, PAIs, and NMF temporarily suspended
- Limited DDT/Unit PT activities (CWT/Upgrades staff will provide more specific guidance)
"Based on analysis of the current data, we expect a need to maintain this posture for roughly 3 weeks to be able to prevent further increase. As we look ahead on the calendar, we are committed to taking these necessary steps in an effort to preserve your ability to leave over winter break, but this will require each one of us doing our part to keep ourselves and each other healthy," the announcement stated.
According to the Academy's website, they are seeing approximately 1% of their Air Force Academy Cadets and Preparatory School Cadet Candidates with COVID-19.
USAFA officials continue to test 750 cadets, faculty and staff at random for the virus each week to identify and control the spread.
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