Tens of thousands of people working at Huntsville’s Redstone Arsenal complex, the home of the Army's critical missile and rocket programs, are required to wear masks at indoor worksites yet again.
Redstone media relations spokesperson Amelia Hice confirmed the renewed indoor masking protocol Thursday when contacted by 1819 News. There are currently more than 44,000 Department of Defense, NASA, and Department of Justice (FBI) personnel who pass through the sentry-guarded gates of Redstone to work inside the 38,000-acre base on workdays.
“Yes, masks are required to enter and work at the arsenal until further notice,” Hice told 1819 News.
The current military HPCON, or health protection condition at Redstone, is posted as HPCON Bravo, which means there is a moderate risk level resulting from "Increased Community Transmission" from COVID.
1819 News has confirmed at least one case of COVID at one NASA aerospace contractor facility located on the Arsenal, but federal health privacy laws do now allow the names or specific information about the employee or employees who have tested positive for the virus.
A Wednesday post on the Army’s Team Redstone Facebook page stated that “Due to the increase in cases of COVID for Madison and surrounding Counties, effective immediately, Redstone Arsenal will implement masking.”
The Army’s social media post further stated that Redstone officials will “monitor the data” and adjust their policies accordingly.
The current Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID guidelines for individuals who contract COVID is five days of isolation from others.
The Alabama Department of Public Health COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard Thursday indicated that 29.2% of reported COVID tests were positive for the viral infection. The nonprofit Covid Act Now reports that the COVID risk level is high in Madison County as well as surrounding counties, where the bulk of Redstone employees and military personnel reside.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email Jim.McDade@1819News.com.
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