Test Wing hosts COVID-19 townhall

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The 96th Test Wing leadership hosted a town hall March 11.

The purpose was to educate Team Eglin on COVID-19, coronavirus. A team of experts from legal, personnel, infectious disease and medical emergency management were on hand to answer any questions.

“As a general rule, if you’re sick, then call your leadership, then stay at home and call your health care provider before seeking care,” said Col Matthew Hanson, the 96th Medical Group commander.

Hanson also addressed what happens to Team Eglin members returning from health alert nations.

“These individuals will stay home for 14 days upon return and undergo a self-monitoring period,” he said. “If any symptoms are noted, the service member is to contact the Medical Group and will be tested for the coronavirus as needed.  All tests we have done on Eglin have been negative.”

Finally, Col. Timothy Beers, 96th TW vice commander, closed the town hall with a message from the wing.

“Our goal here today was to let you know first and foremost that your health and wellness is at the forefront of all of our decision making,” he said. “This is on all of us as a community. Second to that is to try and make you less fearful.”

There are several actions the CDC recommends to prevent infection:

-Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

-Close contact is defined as within six feet for 10 minutes.

-Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

-Notify supervisors and consider staying home when you are sick.

-Cover a cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

-Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

-Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

-If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

For more information about the Air Force response visit their site. For more information on COVID-19, visit the CDC site.