As confirmed coronavirus cases rise throughout the state, Dover Air Force Base has declared a public health emergency.
The base’s Installation Commander Col. Matthew Jones issued the emergency order to protect the personnel and families on the base.
There are currently no COVID-19 cases on the base, but Technical Sergeant Charles Broadway with 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs says Col. Jones wants to respond to the outbreak proactively.
"He's doing this to help mitigate the spread and effects of COVID-19 or coronavirus declaring the state of public emergency on the base gives him more authority necessary to protect those airmen and their families and try to help limit the spread of the virus," said Tech Sgt.Broadway.
The public health emergency includes restricting the movement of personnel and access to the installation, and if necessary, implement quarantine and isolation procedures for any infected individuals.
The base also raised its Health Protection Condition (HPCON) level from Alpha to Bravo. It’s the midpoint on the 5 level scale and indicates an outbreak or heightened exposure risk exists.
The base is home to nearly 9,000 Airmen and joint service members, civilians and families.
State health officials announced the first confirmed COVID-19 case in Kent County Wednesday.
