First COVID-19 Case at Robins Air Force Base
Staff Report From Middle Georgia CEO
Monday, March 23rd, 2020
A Team Robins civilian is being treated and evaluated by health care professionals following the first confirmed case of COVID-19 we have at the base.
“This is our first confirmed case of a base affiliated member,” said Col. Brian Moore, Robins Installation Commander. “The continued safety and well-being of Team Robins is my top priority. We are working with our base medical staff and off-base health care agencies to ensure we mitigate the effects of COVID-19 using established Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Defense Department guidelines.”
“Public Health teams are working together to trace previous contact/exposure and quarantine as applicable,” said Moore. “Although the member hasn’t been at work for a week for personal reasons, the unit will notify those potentially affected and follow all procedures.”
Robins declared a public health emergency on March 21 and is in Health Protection Bravo to reflect the moderate disease threat posed by COVID-19 and the risk of exposure to personnel.
Robins AFB officials are working closely with the Georgia Department of Health to coordinate prevention and response efforts in the local area. We are regularly providing installation personnel and their families with up-to-date information on appropriate measures to prevent potential spread of the virus, as well as any impact to local activities.
We encourage all Air Force personnel and their families to continue to practice social distancing and proper hygiene as the best way to prevent the spread of the virus. This includes washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. People should not shake hands, and routinely disinfect all commonly used surfaces. Also, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands and avoid close contact with those who are sick.
“We are encouraging all personnel to follow Force Health Protection guidelines to safeguard our community to prevent widespread outbreak, and adhere to travel advisories and restrictions,” Moore said.