Please monitor our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Luke56thFW/) for up-to-date information.
DoD Instructions
A DoD stop movement order has been issued for all DoD personnel, both international and domestic. All DoD civilian personnel, and dependents of DoD Service members and DoD civilian personnel, whose travel is government-funded will stop movement, while this order is in effect.
This stop movement applies to all official travel, including temporary duty (TDY) travel; Government-funded leave travel; permanent duty travel, including Permanent Change of Station (PCS) travel; and travel related to Authorized and Ordered Departures issued by the Department of State.
For the latest DoD guidance regarding travel restrictions, reference the following website: https://www.defense.gov/Explore/Spotlight/Coronavirus/Latest-DOD-Guidance/
56th Fighter Wing Leave Policy
As we continue to fight through COVID-19, unit commander approval is required for military personnel taking leave or passes (to include weekend or other non-duty day regular passes) outside of the State of Arizona. 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): https://usaf.dps.mil/sites/aetc-luk/lukecovid/SitePages/Home.aspx
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 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 we be able to get back to normal?
There is no timeline established right now, but the hope is that once there is a widely available vaccine that we will be able to decrease or eliminate the current physical distancing and mask use mandates.
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
Is there any consideration of trying to get herd immunity as a method of getting back to normal prior to a vaccine being released?
While there is the potential for us to develop herd immunity through high levels of infection, it’s not a good plan for getting back to life as normal. As we’re seeing the large spike in cases throughout the Phoenix area, we also saw a very large increase in hospitalizations and a shortage of available hospital and ICU beds. Unfortunately, even as most infections took place in younger people between 20-30 years of age, we couldn’t prevent older or high risk people from also getting sick at an increased rate. As we now know that masks, physical distance, and hand hygiene are effective at minimizing the spread, it will be better to continue with these methods until we have a vaccine.
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:
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 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 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 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 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?
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: 623-856-2773 Nurse Advice Line: 1-800-874-2273 Website Links: What the U.S. Govt is Doing Coronavirus.gov CDC COVID-19 DOD COVID-19 USAF COVID-19 AZ Dept of Health Services Maricopa County COVID-19 Luke AFB COVID-19
MyPers COVID LINK
Facemasks and social distancing will be required in the Commissary and Base Exchange, including the barber and beauty shops.
Personnel with base access are still able to access the base but may experience delays. GATE CLOSURES: - North Gate and Lightning Gate are closed until further notice. - South Gate, Kachina Gate and Ocotillo Gate remain open for normal operating hours. - All gates have No-Touch ID review, but 56 SFS reserves the right to handle IDs as necessary.
The Child Development Center will be closed effective July 7, 2020 due to impending staffing shortages that will drive care ratios out of safe limits.
Base leadership is continuing to monitor CDC operations. The CDC and wing leadership will continue to keep impacted parents informed as this matter develops.
Please contact the CDC at (623) 856-6338 for additional information.
The main Bryant Fitness Center is open for Active Duty and Reserve Military personnel. Bryant Fitness center hours will be adjusted and advertised as follows:
Mon - Fri (6 a.m. – 6 p.m.; 24/7 Access After Hours)
Sat - Sun (8 a.m. – 6 p.m.; 24/7 Access After Hours)
Family/Down Days (8 a.m. – 6 p.m., 24/7 Access After Hours)
Holidays (24/7 Access)
Mask wear is mandatory in the weight room. The Physical Therapy (Crossfit Tent) is currently closed and will remain closed along with the East Annex Fitness Center.
The child-parent room is closed until further notice.
All fitness assessment testing through May 2020 is pushed back until 1 October 2020.
The FOIA Office is closed until further notice.
Facemasks and social distancing will be required in all FSS facilities.
Online
FSS and ALS classes are being taught via online learning platforms
Closed
Fitness Assessment testing suspended until October 2020
Information, Tickets and Travel Office
Open with reduced manning or hours
Arts & Crafts: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for trophy, award and plaque deliveries. Offering limited events and programming. For more information, visit @lukeartscrafts on Facebook
Auto Hobby Shop: Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (carwash open, Auto Doctors by appointment only 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Club Five Six: Monday-Friday grab & go breakfast at Community Commons 0630-0900, lunchtime dine-in and carry out available inside club 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Curbside pickup, will continue to be available for dinner on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Community Commons: Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., game room limited to 10 or fewer people, grab & go breakfast available via Club Five Six 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Offering limited events and programming. For more information, visit @lukeartscrafts on Facebook
Community Commons Barber Shop: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday by appointment only (623) 935-5742
Education Office: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. by appointment only (623) 856-7722
Falcon Dunes Golf Course: open daily 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., tee times start at 6 a.m. and continue every 10 minutes with on-course food and beverages available, club house grab & go food available 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., maintain social distancing at driving range, leave flags in the hole when putting
First-Term Airman Course: will be held in Base Theater until further notice
Fort Tuthill: open daily 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., 48 hour gap between reservations to allow for sanitation, no in-room services available, lobby bathrooms, bathhouse, yurts and common areas will remain closed
Human Resources Office/Civilian Personnel Office: Available by appointment only, call (623) 856-2120
Library: open Monday 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday-Friday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., computer lab remains closed
Manpower and Personnel Flight: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment only (sign up online here)
NAF HR: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. by appointment only
Post Office: Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
T-Bolt Café: Monday-Friday lunch 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., dinner 5 to 7 p.m., midnight meal 11:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., all grab & go only
Unite: virtual programming available
Woodshop: Friday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Open normal hours
Airman & Family Readiness Center: available by appointment only, call (623) 856-6550
Air Force Aid Assistance
Casualty Assistance/Survivor Benefits
Family Life Counselor
Honor Guard
Lodging: no space-available rooms or guests, limited cleaning services available
Marketing: available by appointment only, call (623) 856-3245
Mortuary Affairs
Outdoor Recreation: allow for 48 hour gap between equipment rental for sanitation
Silver Wings Pool: Friday-Sunday 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Pool occupancy will be limited to 30 patrons, and patrons can request reservations for swim windows. Walk-ins will be accepted until 30-patron occupancy limit is reached.
Veterinary services are limited to military working dogs only. All others need to visit off-base veterinarians.