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Coronavirus Information for Arnold AFB

Arnold Engineering Development Complex, Arnold Air Force Base has established a web page for all decisions and directives associated with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). AEDC will continue monitoring Air Force Materiel Command and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s policy and publishing the local impact to the base.

Please avoid misinformation and refer to official CDC sources regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. Arnold AFB is working closely with AFMC to ensure accurate information is available for our community as quickly as possible.

World Health Organization (WHO) explainer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOV1aBVYKGA&feature=youtu.be

  • TRANSMISSION: Originally, cases were linked to seafood and animal markets. However, person-to-person transmission via respiratory droplets from an infected person coughing or sneezing is now suspected.
  • SIGNS/SYMPTOMS: Cough, fever, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chest tightness/pain, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, and/or diarrhea.
  • PREVENTION:
    • Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness (fever, cough, difficulty breathing)
    • Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before and after preparing food, eating, and touching your face
    • If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub with at least 60% alcohol
    • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw the tissue away immediately and wash your hands

For local questions or concerns regarding this alert, contact Public Health at DSN: 340-5351

Follow AEDC (@AEDC) on Facebook for updates via social media.

COVID 19 Links

Air Force Coronavirus website
AEDC Facebook
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
World Health Organization
Tennessee Department of Health

Global COVID-19 coronavirus cases: Interactive map by Johns Hopkins University:

Desktop version: https://www.arcgis.com

Mobile version: https://www.arcgis.com/apps

Frequently Asked Questions

Health Protection Condition (HPCON) Alpha

The health protection measures associated with HPCON Alpha are mandatory for Arnold AFB service members and highly encouraged for family members, DoD civilian employees, contractors and others who frequently visit Arnold AFB. When in doubt, seek clarification from your chain of command.

For all Arnold AFB personnel:

Routine: Alpha operations.

  • Maintain standard precautions such as routine hand washing
  • Cough on sleeve
  • Good diet
  • Exercise
  • Stay current on vaccinations
  • Prevention education
  • Routine health alerts
  • Regular preparedness activities

More information is available in DOD Instruction 6200.03, Public Health Emergency Management

COVID-19 Index
Visit the CDC website for all COVID-19 symptoms, prevention, updates, and more.

Mask Wear
The Department of Defense follows CDC guidelines which DOES NOT recommend people who are well to wear a face mask to protect themselves from Novel Coronavirus due to an increased risk of infection during improper use and disposal of masks. Improper use and disposal of masks increases the risk of COVID-19 infection to well persons. Improper user includes:

  • Using a disposable mask for prolonged use, using a disposable mask that is wet, not fully covering the nose and mouth, touching the mask while in use, improper mask removal, improper mask disposal, improper hand hygiene after disposal.

Wearing medical masks when not indicated may lead to neglecting other essential measures such as hand hygiene practices.

Do not wear the mask if you are well, mask wear is authorized if you are sick or showing symptoms.

Travel

Statement by the Department of Defense on Domestic Travel Restrictions

The Deputy Secretary of Defense David L. Norquist approved new travel restrictions for service members, DoD civilians, and their families assigned to DoD installations, facilities and surrounding areas within the United States and its territories. This restriction will halt all domestic travel, including Permanent Change of Station, and Temporary Duty. This restriction will also pause civilian hiring at DoD installations and components for persons who do not reside within the hiring entity's local commuting area. Additionally, service members will be authorized local leave only, following Service guidelines. This new guidance is effective March 16 and continues through May 11.

Mass Gatherings
Avoid non-mission essential mass gatherings, parties, speaking events, etc. at this time. All Services events cancelled through April.

Prevention and Treatment
Please view the CDC’s recommended prevention and treatment guidelines here.

Defense Commissary Agency
Commissary remains open.

Sick Leave
DOD Civilians must adhere to “sick leave” policies and coordinate with their supervisors.

Café 100
Café 100 remains open. No salad bar and to-go orders only

Mulligan's Grill
Closed

Disclaimer: Some information gathered from 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs article.