Wright-Patt lifts mask mandate as COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations plummet

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE — Wright-Patterson Air Force Base has lifted its mask mandate for most areas on base after receiving new guidance from the U.S. Department of Defense.

The removal comes as the base said surrounding communities meet new thresholds for COVID-19.

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force has also lifted their mask mandate. Any visitors who would prefer to wear a mask may still do so. In addition, cleaning procedures, and sneezing guards at volunteer and cashier desks, will still remain in place, according a news release.

There are some parts of the base that will still have a mandate.

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“The Wright-Patterson Medical Center and other medical facilities are not exempt from mask wear at any level. Anyone entering a medical facility must wear a mask,” the 88th Air Base Wing said in a statement.

The move comes just days after the base moved to health situation HPCON Bravo+ amid improving COVID-19 conditions. It also comes as the CDC modified its mask guidance late last week.

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The Miami Valley region reached its lowest COVID-19 hospitalization rate since Aug. 1 on Wednesday with 83 people in the hospital with the virus. For context, just a month ago on Feb. 3 our region had 436 people in the hospital with COVID-19.

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