COVID-19 updates for AEDC, Arnold AFB

  • Published
  • AEDC Public Affairs

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 major command (MAJCOM) 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 MAJCOM to ensure accurate information is available for our community as quickly as possible.

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  • 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
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

Effective immediately, in line with the CDC Travel Health Notice, restricts all nonessential travel to South Korea, China, Italy and Iran to reduce risks associated with COVID-19.

This travel restriction applies to all military, civilians and contractors under U.S. Air Force Materiel Command authority.
 

Mass Gatherings
Avoid non-mission essential mass gatherings, parties, speaking events, etc. at this time.

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

Defense Commissary Agency
Commissary remains open.

Dining Facilities
Dining facilities remain open.

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

Leave and Temporary Duty Locations
Restricted leave and TDY locations will be made available via MAJCOM’s updates.

PCS in or out of Arnold AFB
Personnel are still able to move back and forth. Further updates will be made via your chain of command.

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