DAYTON, Ohio — Wright-Patterson Air Force Base announced Friday that it's upgrading to its highest health protection level as COVID-19 ravages surrounding communities. 

What You Need To Know

  • The highest level is Health Protection Condition Delta, which could result in pausing fitness assessments and other changes

  • Before Friday, the base sat at Charlie status, which has facilities at 25% capacity

  • Wright-Patt plans to announce more details about upcoming changes, but with the new declaration, it's possible capacity will be reduced further
  • The decision was made in response to rising COVID cases and hospitalizations

The highest level, which is called Health Protection Condition Delta, means the base has declared a public health emergency and has already begun following many of the HPCON Delta measures, such as wearing facial coverings, social distancing and screening for symptoms. 

“Our goal is to provide a safe, healthy environment for our Airmen and their families,” said Col. Patrick Miller, 88th Air Base Wing and Installation commander. “Here at Wright-Patt, we are doing all the right things on base by our lack of any significant transmission hot spots."

Up until Friday, the base was at Charlie status, which set workplace occupancy at 25% or less. With the new declaration, it's possible the base will reduce capacity even more and have people work from home, as well as pause fitness assessments temporarily. 

The announcement didn't entail specific details of the changes that would be made, but Miller said he will provide further information soon.

Across the state, COVID-19 cases increased more than 240% in two weeks, according to Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff. There are currently 6,540 hospitalized with COVID, according to the Ohio Hospital Association. 

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