COVID-19

What's your why? Who's your who?

What's your why? Who's your who?

Please monitor our Facebook page for up-to-date information.

DoD Instructions

Personnel traveling for PCS, TDY or deployments who travel through Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) or Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA-TAC) Patriot Express terminals may be selected for random, rapid COVID-19 testing. A negative test at this location does fulfill international requirements to provide documentation of a test within 48-72 hours of arrival in country.

For the latest DoD guidance regarding travel restrictions, click here.

56th Fighter Wing Leave Policy

Unit commander approval is no longer required for vaccinated military personnel taking leave or passes (to include weekend or other non-duty day regular passes) outside of the State of Arizona. Leave approval is delegated to the supervisor. The 56th Fighter Wing is aligned with DoD guidance regarding travel. A Travel Risk Assessment tool is available via the Wing SharePoint site (accessible on DoD network computers).

For civilian employees, the guidance of no mask indoors, with the exception of the 56th Medical Group, applies to non-bargaining employees. All other civilian employees should follow the standing mask policy as negotiated with the Union.

Per DoD policy, commanders and supervisors may not ask about an employee’s vaccination status in most circumstances. Supervisors may ask about an employee’s vaccination status only in very limited circumstances; please contact the Civilian Personnel Office or Judge Advocate to discuss further. Employees retain the option of voluntarily providing this information.

The 56th Medical Group offers Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines to all TRICARE beneficiaries aged 5 and older, by appointment only. Appointments will be available in the Immunizations Clinic Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please schedule by calling the appointment line at 623-856-2273.

The 56th Medical Group will continue to have the COVID-19 testing line open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-10 a.m.

If you get a positive at home test, you need to come get tested at the clinic as we do not accept at home test results yet.

If you get an off base positive test, you need to send your provider team a message through the patient portal or call the apt line x2273 so they can put it in your records and place you on appropriate quarters.

Please note, masks must still be worn by ALL INDIVIDUALS inside 56th Medical Group facilities.

Individuals concerned about COVID-19 who are experiencing a fever of >100.4, cough, or shortness of breath are asked to call Central Appointments at 623-856-2273. If after duty hours, you may contact the Nurse Advice Line at 1-800-874-2273.

Pharmacy: Satellite Pharmacy available for drive thru only from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For the latest medical-related information updates to COVID-19 specific to Luke Air Force Base, follow the 56th Medical Group Facebook page.

As of Feb. 27, 2022, the indoor mask mandate for all individuals throughout Luke AFB and its facilities has been lifted with the exception of the 56th Medical Group (masks still required). For civilian employees, this guidance applies to non-bargaining employees.

Maricopa County is currently at the “medium” Level of Community Spread. In the past seven days, as of Feb 27, 2022, the new case rate is below 200 new cases per 100,000 and the new COVID-19 hospital admission rate is below 20 per 100,000. Additionally, Maricopa County’s new COVID-19 case rate is 154 new cases per 100,000 and the new COVID-19 hospital admission rate is 16.9 per 100,000.

At this Medium Level, the CDC recommends the following:

If you are at high risk for severe illness, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions
Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines
Get tested if you have symptoms

Data on levels of community transmission can be found using the CDC COVID Data Tracker.

What is the Wing's goal during COVID-19?
What is the 56th Fighter Wing’s goal during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The 56th FW has a continuing mission to train the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat ready Airmen. Executing this mission comes with obstacles we must overcome together to ensure the safety of the nation. Our goal has, and always will be, to provide a fully-trained fighting force to protect our nation’s interests. We remain committed to continuing efforts to mitigate the spread and effects of COVID-19.
Is it safe to continue flying?
Is it safe for the 56th FW to continue flying during the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Yes. Physical distancing measures and frequent cleaning of common work areas along with the use of face masks have shown to be effective at reducing the risk of infection in the workplace. Similar preventive measures are being used throughout the Air Force to preserve our combat capabilities.
When will it be safe to go back to normal?
When will we be able to get back to normal?

Although Luke AFB has not set a timeline to return to operations as they were prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, we have made tremendous strides in protecting our community during this pandemic. Now that vaccines are widely available, we encourage all eligible members of our community to get vaccinated so we can eliminate this threat and gradually wind down protection measures.
How can I prevent getting and spreading COVID-19?
How can I prevent getting and spreading COVID 19?

Current recommendations to avoid being exposed to the COVID-19 virus include physical distancing, frequent hand-washing, covering your mouth and nose whenever you’re within six feet of others, practicing proper cough etiquette, cleaning and disinfecting frequently-touched areas, and seeking medical help if you develop any symptoms associated with COVID-19. For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with any of these symptoms may have contracted COVID-19:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms. Please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for the most current updates about COVID-19. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/index.html
What does being on quarters or quarantine mean?
What does being on quarters and/or quarantine mean?

Asymptomatic individuals are directed to remain isolated from others for the duration of their quarantine dates, asked to monitor themselves for symptoms and contact Central Appointments at (623) 856-2273 if symptoms develop. Food and essential items can be supplied by unit leadership, friends, family, and squadron mates while maintaining physical distancing measures.

Symptomatic members are directed to remain isolated from others for the duration of their quarantine dates and asked to monitor themselves for worsening or improving symptoms. Food and essential items can be supplied by unit leadership, friends, family, squadron mates while maintaining physical distancing measures.
What are our options for after hours care and testing?
What are the member’s options for after-hours care and testing?

The member’s best option is to call (623) 856-2273 and follow the nurse advice line option. They will direct the member to the nearest emergency room or urgent care. CAVEAT: Emergency room records are more easily captured by military medical records. Use of an urgent care will require the member to provide the location used to their primary care provider team. However, we recommend all non-emergent testing be done at the 56th MDG during the work week in order to better track the results.
Where can I get more information?
Where can I find out information about who is considered high-risk and additional COVID related questions?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website provides information and resources for COVID. Individuals can access the website at the following link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html.
My co-worker had COVID-19 and is back at work, is that ok?
My co-worker had COVID-19 and just came back to work but he’s still coughing. Is that OK?

Yes. Research has shown that with mild or moderate cases of COVID-19 not requiring hospitalization, there are no cases of people being potentially infectious after 10 days of symptoms. They may still have some coughing or fatigue, but they will not be infectious.
Can a respirator with an exhalation valve be used as source control?
Can a respirator with an exhalation valve be used as source control?

Respirators with exhalation valves protect the wearer from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, but may not prevent the virus spreading from the wearer to others (that is, they may not be effective for source control). Until data are available to describe how effective respirators with exhalation valves are in preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 from the wearer to others:

- Wear a respirator without an exhalation valve when both source control and respiratory protection are required.

- If only a respirator with an exhalation valve is available and source control is needed, cover the exhalation valve with a surgical mask, procedure mask, or a cloth face covering that does not interfere with the respirator fit.

Click here to see which cities require a mask in public spaces.

Click here to read the regulations requiring face coverings in Maricopa County.

Click here to see the compiled list of key community actions on face coverings.

Luke AFB Central Appt Line:  
623-856-2273 

Nurse Advice Line: 
1-800-874-2273 

Website Links: 

What the U.S. Govt is Doing

CDC COVID-19

DOD COVID-19

USAF COVID-19

AZ Dept of Health Services

Maricopa County COVID-19

Travel Guidance

Guidance for Civilian Personnel

56th Medical Group

Use of Face Coverings Guidance

Questions and Answers

COVID Positive Information

Local Mask Policies

Resources

Travel Decision Flowchart