WPAFB downgrades health protection level; What it means

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE — Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is dropping its COVID-19 situation to HPCON Bravo, which is a step below HPCON Bravo+.

The base has been in HPCON Bravo+ since February 25, after hospitalizations across the state continued to drop following the previous surge of COVID-19 omicron cases.

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In a video announcing the change, Col. Pat Miller, 88th ABW Commander, said the base was able to make the change to HPCON Bravo due to the continued decline in cases, test positivity rates and hospitalizations. As of Wednesday, Ohio reported 829 new cases and 51 new hospitalizations. Both numbers were below the 21-day average.

The new health protection level allows the base to have up to 50 percent occupancy, Miller announced. Previously, only 40 percent occupancy was authorized under HPCON Bravo+.

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The move came days after the WPAFB lifted its mask mandate for most areas on the base.

Miller said the Public Health Emergency declaration at the base will remain in effect.

We’ll update this story as we learn more.

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