SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Members from the 52nd Medical Group and host-nation partners convened for a table-top exercise on the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and their preventive and reactive actions at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Feb. 26, 2020.
Ranks ranging from Airmen 1st Class to colonel attended, representing each section of the 52nd MDG while they discussed the check-in process, possible work flow challenges, understanding host-nation requirements, testing for the virus and what processes will be implemented when there is a positive result through different scenarios.
COVID-19 is a novel respiratory virus that was first detected in Wuhan City, China as reported by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. It has since spread throughout many countries including China, South Korea, Japan, Iran, Italy, Hong Kong, and Germany.
Based on the available evidence from the CDC and the Robert Koch Institute the immediate local health risk from COVID-19 is considered low.
As a reminder, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Danny Dacey, 52nd Public Health Flight commander, recommends preventive actions to help avoid the spread of respiratory viruses, including: washing your hands often with soap, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay home when you are feeling ill.
“This table-top exercise was a great opportunity for 52nd MDG personnel and the German Red Cross (Deutsche Rote Kreuz) to discuss preparedness and response activities for novel coronavirus at Spangdahlem AB,” said Dacey. “Preparedness is very important – our Medics and the German Red Cross are working on all fronts to prepare for and respond to COVID-19.”