The COVID-19 Mask Mandate is Back at Barksdale AFB in Bossier

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Just when you thought it was safe to breathe the air again, the dreaded mask mandate is back!  OK, so it's not back everywhere, but face-coverings are once again required at the Air Force's pride and joy in Bossier City: Barksdale Air Force Base.

According to a press release from the top brass at Barksdale AFB, the base has changed their HPCON (Health Protection Condition) on June 6th to "HPCON CHARLIE."  That status means the following is now active at Barksdale:

• Indoor mask wear is required for all individuals, including Service members, DoD civilian employees, onsite DoD contractor personnel, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status. Masks are not required in public outdoor areas while maintaining social distancing.
• Mask wear at BAFB indoor gymnasiums is required when transiting inside the gymnasium to include to and from exercise machines. Masks may be removed while exercising and adhering to social distancing of 6 feet.
• In-person meetings (meeting, event, or conference) will not exceed more than 50 participants.
• Less than 80% of normal occupancy in the workplace.
• High-risk individuals may telework as necessary at the discretion of their commander.
• Unvaccinated military and DoD civilian employees regardless of status of religious accommodation or exemption will continue weekly COVID-19 testing.
• Official base visitors to the installation will need to provide proof of vaccination or an FDA approved COVID-19 test completed no earlier than 72 hours prior to the meeting.

The move comes at the command of the installation commander Mark Dmytryszyn, who has decided to institute the protocols in accordance with Department of Defense guidance and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 community level assessment of surrounding parishes.