COVID-19 UPDATE 3/25: Rear Adm. John Lemmon NAWCAD Commander discusses response to first positive case of coronavirus at Naval Air Station Patuxent River.

NAS Patuxent River will close Gate 3 until further notice due to a reduction in overall vehicle traffic at the installation. This measure will allow the Pax River Security Department to better meet other requirements throughout the base.

Pax River's Gates 1 and 2 will remain open for their normal operating hours.

Naval District Washington has directed all installations, to include NAS Pax River, within the region to elevate current Health Protection Condition to Charlie (minus).

NAS Patuxent River remains open and mission ready. By implementing HPCON measures, Pax River can reduce health risks so that the mission can continue as safely as possible. Our tenants support real time sustainment of forward deployed combat forces, and perform strategic deterrence and other national missions, and Pax River performs base services in a way that provides an operable base from which all those tenant missions can be performed.

We appreciate everyone’s flexibility and adaptability as we adjust to new ways of doing business.

Examples of actions taken during HPCON C (minus) include:

Cancel installation sponsored events.

Reduced personnel at public institutions

Direct telework plans through distributed workforce

Practice social distancing.

As individuals personnel should continue to:

Avoid unnecessary contact with others, such as shaking hands and hugging.

Avoid unnecessary travel, especially to areas known to be experiencing active disease transmission.

Ensure supplies of food, medication, and other items needed for babies and pets are available to last at least 14 days.

Prepare for travel restrictions and cancellation of public gatherings, such as school, religious, and other community activities; make alternative arrangements for childcare.

Observe local guidance on movement restrictions and access requirements for military installations.

Seek guidance from employers and unit leaders about changes to work practices (e.g., telework) and training events.

Comply with medical orders for self-isolation or quarantine.

Take everyday actions to stop the spread of germs.

As always, personnel at Pax River and its tenant commands, including NAVAIR, NAWCAD, and NTWL, should check with their supervisors and chains of command for further guidance.