JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- The Anchorage Health Department released a Public Health Advisory on Wednesday based on the rapidly increasing rate of COIVD-19 cases throughout the Municipality of Anchorage. With the end of October arriving, many members of Team Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson may be asking themselves what this means for trick-or-treating and other opportunities to have fun.
Despite the continuing prevalence of COVID-19 in the community, two things are still happening: JBER’s execution of its national security mission and our safe and responsible approach of Halloween. These two realities present an important opportunity to discuss the work JBER leaders are engaged in to balance COVID-19 risk reduction with mental health resiliency and family wellness.
“As a mom, I really wanted to have something safe and responsible that my children could look forward to,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Kirsten Aguilar, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and 673d Air Base Wing commander. “Anything we could do for Halloween would help with sacrifices a lot of our families are making with virtual school, curtailed or canceled sports seasons, missed family reunions...you name it.”
JBER’s HPCON Charlie measures closely align with advice in the AHD PHA, and the 673d Force Support Squadron prioritized caution and risk mitigation in planning two fun events that will be held on base Halloween weekend: the Spooky Forest walk and Trunk or Treat.
The FSS is sponsoring a Spooky Forest event at Eagleglen Fitness Park tonight, which is a sign-up only event. It has been designed to be a safe, distanced walk that lasts about 20 minutes and follows the Spooky Forest path.
On Saturday, Oct. 31, from 3 p.m to 5 p.m., there will be a special drive through Trunk or Treat event at Warehouse Loop, near the Central Issue Facility.
One of the measures to ensure the safety of base residents is only allowing DoD ID cardholders with access to the installation to participate in these events.
“You may be asking why these events are allowed with the installation being in HPCON Charlie,” said Aguilar. “As I’ve mentioned before, HPCON Charlie is based on current conditions. As we continue to fight through the COVID pandemic, we want to ensure our families can still safely participate in activities that are fun and support family wellness. While traditional house-to-house trick-or-treating won’t take place this year on the installation, rather than cancel all activities, we’re providing these two COVID-friendly events so our JBER families can enjoy Halloween safely and responsibly.”
With the current increase of reported COVID-19 cases here in the Municipality of Anchorage, JBER leadership is standing in solidarity with the muni and urges everyone to follow the Public Health Advisory and remember to:
-Wear a mask and stay at least 6 feet from those not in your immediate household.
-If you feel sick, stay home except to get tested.
-Protect your friends and family by avoiding gatherings, especially indoors. Gatherings are not safe.
-Protect the vulnerable by minimizing contact with those at higher risk of severe illness, such as older adults or those with certain medical conditions.
Community cooperation and support is needed to get the spread of COVID-19 under control. Together, we will get through this.