U.S. Army raises health protection across all installations

By U.S. Army Public AffairsMarch 24, 2020

WASHINGTON – In order to maintain operational readiness around the world and to protect the force, the U.S. Army will raise the Health Protection Condition level to Charlie across all installations to align with the National Capital Region. Additionally, extra measures are being implemented to protect immediate contingency response forces to prevent exposure to COVID-19 should they need to deploy. These actions will ensure the Army’s ability to quickly deploy contingency response forces across the globe.

The Army is increasing all installations to HPCON level Charlie. Installations will limit all access to essential personnel only and will limit the numbers of access points. All unit personnel are expected to follow all social distancing guidance to continue protecting our force.

The Army maintains forces ready to deploy worldwide within 18 hours to support national security requirements, and has the capability to rapidly put boots and equipment on the ground in great numbers. The capabilities and flexibility of these Soldiers allow them to support global requirements and answer the nation’s call at any time.

“To further protect our contingency response forces from exposure to the COVID-19 virus, we are taking extra precautions and placing them under an HPCON Delta status,” said Gen. James C. McConville, Chief of Staff of the Army. “We are committed to maintaining the Army's fighting strength by reducing the spread of this virus while simultaneously maintaining dynamic force employment capabilities.”

Under HPCON Delta, the highest and most protective level, Soldiers are expected to remain at home for extended periods of time as movement in the community may be restricted. Home quarantine may be directed in order to protect the health and safety of Soldiers and their families.

As personnel from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army North, U.S. Army Medical Command the Army National Guard support other national agencies in their efforts to contain COVID-19, the Army’s immediate contingency response force will continue to stand ready to deploy should the need arise.

For more information, please contact usarmy.pentagon.hqda-ocpa.mbx.mrd-press-desk@mail.mil.

###