“Based on current conditions, I did not renew it,” Miller said. “I did not make this decision lightly and fully recognize the impact it has on directing telework. Our civilian personnel team is here to assist if you have any questions regarding current telework rules, establishment of telework agreements or updating position descriptions.”
There were 190 new COVID-19 cases, the state reported Tuesday, which brings the 21-day case average down to 246 from 251 reported Monday by the Ohio Department of Health. As of Tuesday, 5,598,761 people in Ohio have started the coronavirus vaccine and 5,228,438 have finished it.
Gov. Mike DeWine ended the state’s face covering mandate June 2, with most coronavirus public health orders also lifted. Ohio’s own “state of emergency” was lifted on June 18.
Early last month, Miller moved the base to health protection condition “alpha,” allowing more workers to once again populate the state’s largest single-site employer. Pre-pandemic, some 30,000 military and civilian employees typically worked at the base on any given work day.
The move to “alpha” status gave commanders the option of returning all workers to base offices, although Miller has continued to recommend a cautious pacing on that front.
The base said the decision was based on continued improvement — not only on the base itself but across Ohio and surrounding communities. The incidence rate has steadily declined and local medical treatment facilities continue to see low numbers of COVID-19-related admissions, the base said.
Miller said the base community cannot let its guard down as the new Delta variant of the virus is emerging.
“The fact we have made it here, at a point when we can terminate the public health emergency, is a tremendous accomplishment and something that we should celebrate,” Miller said. “I’m excited to see increased events across the base and teammates reconnecting.”
How to get a vaccine
Personnel and family members 12 and older can schedule a vaccination on the base by calling 937-257-SHOT or visiting https://informatics-stage.health.mil/WPAFBCOVIDApp/.
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