ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- -- On March 17, 2020, the Mayor of Altus, Jack Smiley, issued Emergency Orders and Recommendations for the city until April 7, 2020.
In alignment with the City of Altus, the Wing Commander of Altus Air Force Base declared a Public Health Emergency March 17, 2020, for the installation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This declaration aligns the base with national, state, and local officials while providing public health officers better mechanisms to coordinate and synchronize efforts in limiting the spread of the virus.
"Our priority is protecting the Airmen and families of Altus Air Force Base," said Col. Matthew Leard, 97th AMW commander. "We are working closely with Jackson County Health Department and Oklahoma Health Departments responsible for public health and public safety to ensure our response is appropriate for the public health emergency. We will continue to keep you updated."
The President declared a national state of emergency on March 13, 2020 followed by a declaration of emergency in the state of Oklahoma by Governor Kevin Stitt on March 15, 2020. Governor Stitt additionally issued an Executive Order to protect public health on March 17, 2020.
"The Altus City Council met...and authorized a proclamation to become proactive in dealing with COVID-19 in our community. We will be working with AAFB leadership, Health Department officials, Jackson County Memorial Hospital, and others, plus recommendations from the CDC and State officials," said Smiley. "Though guidelines when established may seem inconvenient or intrusive in our daily lives, the public's health and safety is our number one concern."
Military Members should immediately contact the 97th Medical Group appointment line at 580-481-7082 (during duty hours) or the Nurse Advise Line at 1-800-874-2273, if you develop symptoms, have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or have recently traveled from an affected area. In addition to normal services, the 97th Medical Group will support walk-ins, after hours, for the flu clinic from 4:30-7:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, starting March 17, 2020.
For the most up-to-date information visit https://www.altus.af.mil/coronavirus/ or www.facebook.com/97AMW
To view the Public Health Emergency Declaration, click here.
Please direct questions to the 97th AMW Public Affairs Office at 580-481-7700 or 97amw.pa@us.af.mil
Governor Stitt's Address:
City of Altus Emergency Orders: https://www.altusok.gov/DocumentCenter/View/499/Emergency-Order-3-17-2020
COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html-30-