Air Force update for COVID-19

  • Published
  • By Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

In an effort to minimize the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 and to prioritize the health and safety of Department of the Air Force personnel, the following modifications have been made:

April 13, 2020
Air Mobility Command aircrew and medical personnel conducted the first operational use of the Transport Isolation System (TIS) to perform an aeromedical evacuation of three U.S. government contractors who tested positive for coronavirus, from Afghanistan to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, April 10. Upon arrival at Ramstein AB, the patients were transferred to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center for medical treatment.

You can read more about this mission here: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2146688/amc-airmen-conduct-historic-first-aeromedical-evacuation-mission-using-transpor/
Links to b-roll: 



The 4th Space Operations Squadron at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado, operates both the Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellite communications system and the Wideband Global SATCOM satellite communications system, both of which play a vital role in the nation’s COVID-19 relief efforts on the USNS Comfort and Mercy.  

Read more about their efforts here: https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2146442/space-force-aids-usns-mercy-usns-comforts-covid-19-relief-efforts


The Air Force is providing additional support to Airmen with exceptional family members during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Exceptional Family Member Program instituted new support to minimize the impact caused by department COVID-19 policies, and beginning April 15, EFMP families can initiate their Family Member Travel Screening package online.

Learn more about this new process here: https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2145157/air-force-implements-options-for-exceptional-family-members-during-pandemic/


The 103rd Medical Group commander (CTANG), Col. Sean Brennan, is one of many medical professionals in the Guard helping their community’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic in their civilian healthcare professions.  Brennan works full time as a physician assistant-certified with Hartford HealthCare, and is now Hartford Hospital’s operations manager for alternative care sites. 

You can read more about his efforts here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/367182/guard-commander-leads-covid-19-response-civilian-role


Airmen and Soldiers from the Massachusetts National Guard have been working together to complete mobile COVID-19 testing on patients at nursing homes throughout the commonwealth for over a week.

Read the story here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/367192/testing-teamwork-mass-soldiers-and-airmen-conduct-covid-19-testing-nursing-homes


Air Mobility Command has designated Joint Base Charleston as the sole Transport Isolation System (TIS) training hub for aeromedical evacuation Airmen in response to the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic.

Read more about this new designation here: https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2146243/air-force-establishes-training-hub-at-jb-charleston-for-covid-19-aeromedical-ev/


Essential missions throughout the Air Force still continue even during this pandemic.  Below are some links to stories on how these units have adapted to make sure they can continue to execute these missions despite COVID-19.

Newlyweds graduate Basic Military Training together
https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2146598/newlyweds-graduate-basic-military-training-together/

ASAB Airmen execute the mission; Adhere to DoD guidelines

Dobbins JAG office helps Marines deploy on short notice to assist in the battle against COVID-19 https://www.dobbins.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2145693/dobbins-jag-office-helps-marines-deploy-on-short-notice/

Moody TACP keep current during pandemic
https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2147235/moody-tacp-keep-current-during-pandemic/

559th Flying Training Squadron pilots take precautions while training https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2146603/559th-flying-training-squadron-pilots-take-precautions-while-training/

One team; one fight at Holloman AFB
https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2146162/one-team-one-fight-at-holloman-afb/


Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 9 p.m., April 12, 2020.

USAF TOTAL STATS*
  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
MIL** 288 (+32) 9 (-7)  43 (-29) 0
CIV 150 (+21) 9 22 (+9) 0
DEP 142 (+26) 33 (+13) 0
CTR 60 (+12) 6 (+2) 1
Total 640 27 104 1

 

 

 




* These numbers include all of the cases that were reported since our last update on April 10th.

**MIL numbers include Active Duty and Air Force Reserves. This caused a change in the numbers of hospitalized and recovered stats reported today. The Air National Guard COVID-19 positive cases are being reported by National Guard Bureau.

April 10, 2020
Tomorrow, April 11, 2020, the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” will fly over Las Vegas in honor of front-line COVID-19 responders. The flyover will feature eight F-16 Fighting Falcons, soaring throughout Las Vegas starting at 2:30 PST and will last approximately 25 minutes.

Read their press release about tomorrow’s event here: http://afthunderbirds.com/site/2020/04/09/thunderbirds-honor-front-line-covid-19-responders-with-las-vegas-flyover/


Yesterday, members of the Maryland Air National Guard’s 175th Logistics Readiness Squadron assisted the Maryland Office of Preparedness and Response at their warehouse in receiving and processing a shipment of 50 ventilators sent from the state of California.

You can find b-roll of their efforts here:  


Total Force medics completed all pre-deployment medical requirements for the more than 120 Air Force reserve medical personnel from across the nation at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, to help combat the COVID-19 outbreak in New York City earlier this week. For 72 hours, the joint-base medics provided public health screenings, immunizations, labs, deployment-related health assessments and pharmacy services to more than 40 doctors, 70 nurses and 13 respiratory technicians.

You can read the story here: https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2145274/joint-base-mdl-airmen-support-air-force-reserves-mobilization-mission-against-c/


Essential missions throughout the Air Force still continue even during this pandemic.  Below are some links to stories on how these units have adapted to make sure they can continue to execute these missions despite COVID-19.

The 14th Flying Training Wing continues to advance force development during COVID-19 outbreak - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2144348/14th-ftws-continues-to-advance-force-development-during-covid-19-outbreak/

United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa Airmen continue to protect the force and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. They are approaching this fight like we would against any adversary - with our allies and partners. -

The 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron maintains readiness during COVID19 -

Pilots from the 115th Fighter Wing (WIANG) maintain flying hours during the pandemic- https://www.dvidshub.net/news/366978/pilots-maintain-flying-hours-during-pandemic

The 19th Air Wing Chapel supports Airmen, families during COVID-19 - https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2145146/19th-aw-chapel-supports-tlr-airmen-families-during-covid-19/

Joint Base McGuire-Dix Lakehurst comes together to support those in quarantine and isolation - https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2145285/joint-base-team-comes-together-to-support-those-in-quarantine-and-isolation/

 


 


Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 9 p.m., April 9, 2020.

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 256* 16  72 (+11) 0
Civilian 129 (+5) 9 (+2) 13 (+2) 0
Dependents 116 (+5) 20 (+5) 0
Contractors 48 (+1) 4 1
Total 549 34 109 1

 

 

 



*Numbers have changed based on changes to the reporting procedures

 

April 9, 2020
The BMT proof of concept began at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi this week. Sixty trainees arrived to the proof of concept Basic Military Training detachment, marking a historic moment for the Air Force’s training program. This shift is in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which will allow the training pipeline to continue and help ensure the health and safety of trainees and instructors while also providing relief to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas’ training infrastructure.

Read more about this new BMT proof of concept here: https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2143480/bmt-proof-of-concept-begins-at-keesler-afb/

Find additional imagery here:



Last night, two C-130H Hercules aircraft assigned to the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, delivered 250 medical isolation pods to Chicago Midway International Airport, Chicago, April 8, 2020. The two 182nd Airlift Wing C-130 aircraft and aircrews flew the pods cross-country in a homeland defense mission for use at the McCormick Place COVID-19 alternate care facility.

See photos of their efforts here:


 



Airmen from the 146th Airlift Wing of the California Air National Guard in Oxnard, California, delivered 200 ventilators to the New York Air National Guard's 105th Airlift wing on April 7, 2020, at Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburgh, New York. The use of the C-130J Super Hercules, along with the help of New York Army National Guard Sodliers from the 369th Sustainment Brigade, facilitated the shipment of medical equipment, which will support the ongoing COVID-19 medical response being conducted in the New York and New Jersey areas. Each state will receive 100 of the ventilators.

See photos of these efforts here:


 



The Air Force has deployed Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officers across the nation to state emergency operations centers. Assigned to the 1st Air Force National Security Emergency Preparedness Directorate (NSEP), EPLOs focus on building relationships within the disaster response enterprise, and informing key stakeholders about their role in the Defense Support of Civil Authorities mission and preparing for disasters.

You can learn more about their roles here: https://www.1af.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2136074/emergency-preparedness-liaison-officers-activated-across-the-nation-to-support/
 


Essential missions throughout the Air Force still continue even during this pandemic. Below are some links to stories on how these units have adapted to make sure they can continue to execute these missions despite COVID-19.

The 167th Airlift Wing (WVANG) continues their federal and state missions with a dispersed workforce through COVID-19 pandemic - https://www.dvidshub.net/news/366921/wing-sustaining-operations-through-covid-19-pandemic

480th FS trains with German Eurofighters - https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2143328/480th-fs-trains-with-german-eurofighters/

23rd Fighter Group finds new normal -https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2143514/23d-fg-finds-new-normal/

452nd FLTS work to keep Global Vigilance mission on track - https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2143711/452nd-flts-work-to-keep-global-vigilance-mission-on-track/



Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 5:30 p.m., April 8, 2020.

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 367 (+16) 16  61 (+11) 0
Civilian 124 (-5) 7 11 (-4) 0
Dependents 111 (+12) 15 (+5) 0
Contractors 47 (+4) 4 (+1) 1
Total 649 32 91 1

 

 

 



*Removed 2 duplicate CIV cases and 1 unconfirmed CIV case from tracker

 

April 7, 2020
Last night, Robins Air Force Base announced that contractor affiliated with Robins AFB passed away from suspected medical complications related to COVID-19 April 3, 2020.

You can read the release here: https://www.robins.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2139578/robins-air-force-base-announces-death-of-a-contractor-from-covid-19/


Today, Basic Military Training announced that in order to fully maximize training effectiveness and space utilization to mitigate COVID-19, the U.S. Air Force Basic Military Training will accelerate BMT from eight and a half weeks to seven weeks of training.  This will allow BMT to restructure and enhance social-distancing requirements across the training campus to ensure the safety and security not just for the trainees, but for the Military Training Instructors, other active-duty members, civilians and contractors that support the mission.

Read the full release here: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2140255/update-air-force-bmt-graduation-and-schedule/


Over the weekend, Airmen and Soldiers from the Vermont National Guard construct a 400-bed medical health facility at the Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction, Vt., April 4-6, 2020.  The Vermont National Guard is working with the state of Vermont and emergency response partners in a whole-of-government effort to flatten the curve during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here are links to imagery:
Video (b-roll):



Photos:


In light of the April 5th Department of Defense guidance to wear regarding the wear of face masks, Airmen from the 62nd Operations Support Squadron’s aircrew flight equipment section at Joint Base Lewis-McChord quickly stepped up and began quickly producing cloth face masks for mission-essential personnel who are continuously working throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

You can read more about their efforts here: https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2140096/62nd-oss-produces-masks-to-reduce-spread-of-covid-19/


Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 7:30 p.m., April 6, 2020.

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 322 (+41) 16 (-1) 43 (+3) 0
Civilian 122 (-5) 8 (-2) 13 (+1) 0
Dependents 98 (-8) 8 (+1) 0
Contractors 40 (+1) 3 1 (+1)
Total 577 33 67 1

 

 

 

 


*Numbers have changed based on changes to reporting procedures

 

April 6, 2020
Over the weekend, Air Force Reserve Command units mobilized over 40 doctors, over 70 nurses and approximately 13 respiratory technicians within 48 hours to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, for further inprocessing with the U.S. Northern Command’s Joint Forces Land Component Command, based out of New Jersey. The medical personnel are slated for follow on movement to New York City’s Javits Center.  

You can read more about their mobilization here: https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article/2137781/air-force-reserve-mobilizes-medics-to-new-york-for-covid-19-response/ 


Today the Air Force has released information that supplements Department of Defense guidance on the use of cloth face coverings to help combat COVID-19, effective immediately.

You can read the Air Force supplemental guidance here:  https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2138804/air-force-releases-guidance-on-use-of-cloth-face-covers/

Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 5:30 p.m., April 5, 2020.

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 290** 17 (+1) 40 (+15) 0
Civilian 127 (+45) 10 (+2) 12 (+3) 0
Dependents 100 (+28) 5 (+1) 7 (+2) 0
Contractors 39 (+18) 4 (+1) 3 (+3) 0
Total 547 36 62 0

 

 

 



*These numbers include all of the cases that were reported since our last update on April 3rd.
** Adjustment due to Air National Guard numbers being reported via the National Guard Bureau.

 

April 3, 2020
This morning, Lt. Gen. Jon T. Thomas, Deputy Commander for Air Mobility Command announced during a press conference that the seventh mission of Total Force Airmen flying C-17 Globemaster IIIs transporting testing swabs from Aviano Air Base, Italy, to Memphis Air National Guard Base, Tennessee, was executed last night.  These testing swabs were then turned over to FedEx for dissemination to medical facilities across the nation.  Since March 16 through April 2, AMC C-17s have delivered 3.5M COVID-19 testing swabs to meet nationwide demand.  Additional missions are scheduled in the next couple of days. 

You can find imagery of previous missions here:


Lt. Gen. Thomas also highlighted that AMC recently transported 86 Americans from Columbia and Panama to the United States.  These missions bring the total number of Americans returned by AMC Aircraft to more than 350 since March 19th.  These missions are done in support of USTRANSCOM as it continues to support to Department of State led efforts to return American citizens and lawful permanent residents stranded abroad during the Coronavirus pandemic.


The United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine’s epidemiology laboratory is the Air Force’s sole clinical reference laboratory, and as such, is testing and processing samples of COVID-19 sent from military treatment facilities around the world. The lab was authorized by the Defense Health Agency to test samples from Department of Defense beneficiaries for COVID-19 in early March, and received its test kit from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention shortly after.


You can read more about what the lab is doing here:  https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2133728/air-force-lab-testing-samples-of-covid-19/


Instructors at the Special Instruments Training course at Goodfellow Air Force Base have begun using their skills to 3D print prototypes to supply the medical facilities in the area with N95 face masks and face shields. SPINSTRA has an innovation lab containing four 3D printers as well as 3D modeling software. Although they are unsure of the needs of the 17th Medical Group and surrounding hospitals, they plan to continue to create these medical supplies in case they are needed in the future.


You can read more about what 312th Training Squadron Special Instruments Training course is doing here: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2135493/special-instruments-training-course-instructors-3d-print-medical-supplies/


Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 1:30 p.m., April 2, 2020.
 

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 290(+26) 16 (-3) 25 (+2) 0
Civilian 82 (+2) 8 (-1) 9 (+2) 0
Dependents 72 (+7) 4 (-2) 5 0
Contractors 21 (+1) 3 (-1) 0 0
Total 465 31 39 0

 

 

 



Numbers in parenthesis are updated cases.
 

April 2, 2020
Medical professionals from the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine are training medics down at Joint Base Charleston on the use of a Transport Isolation System if a request came to move patients affected by COVID-19 aboard a cargo military aircraft. The TIS is an infectious disease containment unit designed to minimize risk to aircrew and medical attendants, while allowing in-flight medical care for patients afflicted by contagions like COVID-19.

You can read more about this training here: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2134559/school-of-aerospace-medicine-trains-teams-to-treat-transport-covid-19-patients/


The Department of the Air Force released guidance allowing installation commanders to make deviations to grooming and fitness standards, as COVID-19 health protection conditions and physical distancing guidelines inhibit access to barber shops, hair salons and fitness centers across the Air Force

You can read the announcement here: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2133961/air-force-releases-grooming-fitness-guidance-during-covid-19/


Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 5:30 p.m., April 1, 2020.

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 264 (+50) 19 (+6) 23 (+8) 0
Civilian 80 (+18) 9 (+4) 7 (+2) 0
Dependents 65 (+13) 6 (+2) 5 (+1) 0
Contractors 20 (+4) 4 (+1) 0 0
Total 429 38 35 0

 

 

 



Numbers in parenthesis are updated cases.
*These numbers include all of the cases that were reported since our last update on April 1.


April 1, 2020
The United States Air Force Academy announced today that they would move graduation for the Class of 2020 up to April 18, 2020.  Family, friends, and the public will be able to live stream the entirety of the event, although they will not be able to attend in person due to health and safety concerns.

You can read the announcement here:
https://www.usafa.af.mil/News/News-Display/Article/2132843/af-academy-class-of-2020-graduation-date-moves-up/


Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 6 p.m., March 31, 2020.

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 214 (+32) 13 (+1) 15 (+4) 0
Civilian 62 (+2) 0
Dependents 52 (+1) 4 0
Contractors 16  3 0 0
Total 344 25 24 0

 

 

 

 


Numbers in parenthesis are updated cases.
*These numbers include all of the cases that were reported since our last update on March 31.


March 31, 2020
Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 3 p.m., March 30, 2020.

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 182 (+18) 12 (+1) 11 (+4) 0
Civilian 60 (+3) 5 (+1) 5 (+2) 0
Dependents 51 (+10) 4 4 (+2) 0
Contractors 16  (+1) 3 0 0
Total 309 23 20 0

 

 

 



Numbers in parenthesis are updated cases.
*These numbers include all of the cases that were reported since our last update on March 30.


March 30, 2020
Updates on Air Force actions from over the weekend:

Air Force Reserve Command provided additional guidance to reservists on the March 27th Executive Order authorizing mobilization of the Reserve Component in response to COVID-19 operations.

You can read more about the guidance that was provided here:

https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article/2129708/president-signs-executive-order-calling-up-air-force-reserve-medics-other-speci/


The Department of Defense posted a release letting service members and their families know that Military OneSource, and other family and spouse programs are still available.

You can read more as to how these programs are continuing to support service members and their families here:

https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2128239/onesource-family-and-spouse-programs-still-available/


Wings from the Civil Air Patrol have been assisting their local communities with emergency preparedness. 

Recently the CAP Wings in Missouri and Illinois assisted with Protective Equipment Transport, Warehousing.  Read about their efforts here:

https://www.cap.news/mo-members-assist-with-protective-equipment-transport-warehousing/

In addition, the CAP Wing in California had 39 Members serve at six sites, where they and served 49,874 meals to the kids of Los Angeles. Since they began their efforts a little over a week and a half ago, more than 1.5 Million meals have been served with the help of CAP.

Read more about their efforts here:


Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 1 p.m., March 29, 2020:  

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 164 (+59) 11 (+2) 7 (+3) 0
Civilian 57 (+21) 4 (-1) 3 (+2) 0
Dependents 41 (+10) 4 (+2) 2 0
Contractors 15 (+4) 3 (+1) 0 0
Total 277 22 12 0


 

 

 


Numbers in parenthesis are updated cases.
*These numbers include all of the cases that were reported since our last update on March 27th.


March 27, 2020
Department of the Air Force Senior Leaders have released the following updates on COVID-19 operations.  You can view/download the following videos here.

Secretary of the Air Force Barbara M. Barrett -

Air Force Chief of Staff General David L. Goldfein -

Chief of Space Operations Gen John W. “Jay” Raymond -


On March 26, Air Education and Training Command announced that basic military training will adjust schedules and locations in order to sustain mission readiness. In order to ensure the health and safety of trainees and instructors and to preserve dorm capacity, new recruits will be brought in based on a four-week repeating cycle that includes stringent restricted movement guidelines, dedicated time for deep cleaning between rotations, resetting the instructor cadre and the testing of an alternate BMT location at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi.

You can read the full article on this new revised approach here: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2127647/air-force-bmt-adjusts-schedules-locations-to-sustain-mission-readiness/


The Air Force has adjusted how we report the total number of COVID-19 Positive Cases in order to align with DoD reporting.

Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 9 p.m., March 26, 2020.  

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 105 (+13) 9 (+2) 4 (+1) 0
Civilian 36 (+6) 5 (+2) 1 0
Dependents 31 (+4) 2 (+1) 2 (+2) 0
Contractors 11 (+1) 2 (+1) 0 0
Total 183 18 7 0


 

 

 


Numbers in parenthesis are updated cases.

 

March 26, 2020
Today, Gen. Arnold W. Bunch, Jr., Air Force Materiel Command commander, provided an COVID-19 mission update.  You can read his statement here:

https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2126538/afmc-commander-provides-covid-19-mission-update/


All Department of the Air Force installations have been directed to move to and implement HPCON Charlie measures by the Secretary of Defense. You can read the transcript of the press conference where that was announced here: https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/2125842/department-of-defense-press-briefing-by-deputy-assistant-to-the-secretary-for-m/


Yesterday, at the request of the U.S. Department of State and at the direction of U.S. Southern Command, a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules transported 78 U.S. citizens from Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, who were previously unable to return home, to Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia. The C-130J is part of a regular resupply mission to Soto Cano AB. The return flight also included mission-critical U.S. service members.

Here is the link to the release: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2126650/jtf-bravo-facilitates-repatriation-of-us-citizens-from-honduras/

Link to additional imagery: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/365896/jtf-bravo-facilitates-repatriation-us-citizens-honduras


Yesterday, Air Force officials are announced the first restriction of movement or ROM trainee in the Air Force’s basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland tested positive for COVID-19.  The trainee reported to BMT March 18 and was immediately put into the ROM location, along with about 40 other new trainees.  Once the trainee showed symptoms, the trainee was isolated from other ROM trainees in order to protect the health and safety of all Airmen in the training pipeline.

You can read Air Education and Training Command’s statement here:  https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2125674/air-force-restriction-of-movement-trainee-tests-positive-for-covid-19/


The Air Force has adjusted how we report the total number of COVID-19 Positive Cases in order to align with DOD reporting.

Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 11 p.m., March 25, 2020.  

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 92 (+37) 7 (+1) 3 (+2) 0
Civilian 30 (+9) 3 (+1) 1 0
Dependents 27 (+11) 1 0 0
Contractors 10 1 0 0
Total 159 12 4 0


 

 

 


Numbers in parenthesis are updated cases.
 

March 25, 2020

The Air Force has adjusted how we report the total number of COVID-19 Positive Cases in order to align with DOD reporting.

Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 7 p.m., March 24, 2020.

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 55 (+12) 6 (+1) 1 0
Civilian 21 (+8) 2 (+1) 1 0
Dependents 16 (-2)* 1 (-1)** 0 0
Contractors 5 1 0 0
Total 97 10 2 0


 

 

 


Numbers in parenthesis are updated cases.
* Changes due to erroneous previous reporting of retiree dependent and other service dependent
** Changes due to Air Force no longer reporting retiree dependents.

 

March 24, 2020

In response to COVID-19, Dr. William Roper, assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, technology and logistics, has released the following statement to publicly recognize the challenges, and confirm our ongoing efforts to overcome new challenges. 

You can read his full statement here: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2123182/a-statement-from-dr-roper-on-covid-19/


The Air Force has adjusted how we report the total number of COVID-19 Positive Cases in order to align with DOD reporting.

Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 7 p.m., March 23, 2020.  

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 43 (+9) 5 (+1) 1 (+1) 0
Civilian 13 1 (+1) 1 0
Dependents 18 (+6) 2 (+1) 0 0
Contractors 5 4 0 0
Total 79 9 2 0


 

 

 


Numbers in parenthesis are updated cases.

 

March 23, 2020
On March 22nd Air Mobility Command announced that it had temporarily suspended most Space-Available travel aboard AMC and contracted aircraft, except for certain Category I, IV, and VI travel, effective March 21, in order to limit COVID-19’s spread and its impact on the force. The temporary suspension remains in effect through May 11.

Read the full announcement here: https://www.robins.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2121665/air-mobility-command-temporarily-suspends-most-space-a-travel-due-to-covid-19/


On March 22, an 86th Airlift Wing C-130J Super Hercules out of Ramstein Air Base, Germany, transported an En-Route Patient Staging System (ERPSS) to Aviano Air Base, Italy, for delivery to the Italian Ministry of Defense. This mobile, or fixed system, provides 10 patient holding/staging beds and can support a maximum throughput of 40 patients in a 24-hour period. This was done in close coordination with the Department of State and at the request of the Italian government to assist with Italy’s COVID-19 response efforts.

AFPIMS:   https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Press-Releases/Article/2121078/usafe-supports-italy-covid-19-response/

DVIDS:     https://www.dvidshub.net/news/365653/usafe-supports-italy-covid-19-response

For additional questions please reach out to USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs at +49 (0) 6371-47-6558.


On Friday Evening, March 20, Maj. Mark Graff at Air Mobility Command released the following statement regarding the their participation in transporting members of the U.S. women’s football team from Honduras.

“This morning, in coordination with U.S. Southern Command and the U.S. Embassy Tegucigalpa, a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III returned to the United States from Honduras’ Soto Cano Air Base with about half of the members of the U.S. women’s football team. Tonight, the remaining members of the women’s football team will arrive at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina on a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules. Through its active, Reserve, and Air National Guard components, Air Mobility Command stands ready to do everything possible to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 and ensure we continue executing rapid global mobility operations in support of the DHHS-led whole-of-government effort to combat the Coronavirus outbreak.” 

You can find imagery here:

Video


The Air Force will be adjusting how we report the total number of COVID-19 Positive Cases in order to align with DOD reporting. 

Air Force totals as of 9 p.m., March 22.

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 34 (+16) 4 (-1) 0 0
Civilian 13 (+8) 0 (-1) 1 0
Dependents 12 1 (-1) 0 0
Contractors 5 (+1) 1 0 0
Total 64 6 1 0


 

 

 


Numbers in parenthesis are updated cases.

 

March 20, 2020
An active duty member who works for Defense Health Agency, Falls Church, Virginia, tested positive for COVID-19. Although his duty station was in Falls Church, the individual was last in the Pentagon on March 16 for less than an hour and has since received medical treatment and self-quarantined at home.

Military public health and local civilian public health officials have notified those in which the individual came in contact. All have been asked to adhere to Centers for Disease Control guidance.

We continue to ask our personnel to take actions to protect themselves and those around them by employing protective measures including practicing good hygiene, social distancing and taking appropriate actions if experiencing symptoms of an illness. These measures can dramatically decrease the risk of infection and slow COVID-19’s spread.


A defense contractor who works for the Air Force in the Pentagon has tested positive for COVID-19. The last time the infected member was in the Pentagon was March 2. The individual has received medical treatment and has been self-quarantined at home since March 7.

Air Force leadership has notified the contractor’s fellow workers and they are being asked to adhere to Centers for Disease Control guidance, maximize telework and social distancing, and practice good hygiene.

Recently, the contractor worked at the Total Force Integration Symposium at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, March 3-6. The individual did not have symptoms during the event. The Air Force sent an email to attendees informing them of the positive test.

The Virginia Department of Health has provided a “low risk rating” based on the individual being asymptomatic at the symposium.

We continue to ask our personnel to take actions to protect themselves and those around them by employing protective measures including practicing good hand washing, social distancing, and taking appropriate actions if feeling sick. These can dramatically decrease the risk of infection and slow COVID-19’s spread.


On March 19, Air Mobility Command transported the second shipment of 15 short tons of approximately 500,000 testing swabs, again aboard a C-17 Globemaster II from Aviano Air Base to Memphis, where it was turned over to Fed Ex for further dissemination across the United States. Additional missions are projected to meet Department of Health and Human Services requirements.

Photos can be found here:

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Videos are available here: https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/AMCPA?fbclid=IwAR1hkKnWUaG79QDIClp9nazeOKNc9kukU2_3gskbMr7O_f6A_iIZSfulOn

For additional questions please reach out to Air Mobility Command Public Affairs at 618-229-7804.


The Air Force will be adjusting how we report the total number of COVID-19 Positive Cases in order to align with DOD reporting. 

Air Force Totals as of 4:30 a.m., March 20, 2020.  

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 16 5 0 0
Civilian 5 1 0 0
Dependents 12 2 0 0
Contractors 4 1 1 0
Total 37 9 1 0


 

 

 

 

 

March 16, 2020

Since March 13th, the following bases are monitoring the following based on positive COVID-19 cases.

  • Travis Air Force Base, California is currently monitoring two positive cases of COVID-19 – one for an active-duty Airman, and one for a dependent of a service member.
     
  • Moody Air Force Base, Georgia has an active-duty member undergoing evaluation and treatment following a presumptive positive COVID-19 test.
     
  • Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, Alabama has a civilian employee who undergoing evaluation and treatment following a confirmed result for COVID-19.

In an effort to minimize the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 and to prioritize the health and safety of Department of the Air Force personnel, the following modifications have been made:

  • Department of Air Force personnel who work on the Pentagon Reservation have been authorized to telework when the mission allows in order to disperse the workforce during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. The Department of the Air Force will continue to do our part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 as we protect the health of our personnel while ensuring complete readiness to defend our nation.
     
  • Headquarters Air Mobility Command to adjust operations to address COVID-19 concerns - https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2113368/headquarters-amc-adjusts-operations-to-address-covid-19-concerns/
     
  • Based on the March 13th Department of Defense Guidance Memo, Air University has asked all students attending Squadron Officer School and Senior Non-Commissions Officer Academy to return to their home stations.

For additional Air Force related information concerning the new coronavirus please reference the following website: https://www.af.mil/News/Coronavirus-Disease-2019/


March 15, 2020
On March 14, 2020, the White House announced that Proclamation 9993 (Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus) will now include the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. As of March 13, 2020, the World Health Organization reported that the United Kingdom had 594 cases of COVID-19, five times more cases than there were 7 days prior.

The presidential proclamations regarding novel coronavirus restrict certain travel and entry to and from China, Iran, South Korea, United Kingdom, Ireland, and the European Schengen area.

According to the White House, an effective date, to begin implementation of certain travel restrictions, limitations, and exceptions, for the United Kingdom and Ireland is March 16, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The CDC has raised England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland (Ireland) to Level 3. More info here: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/warning/coronavirus-united-kingdom-ireland.

The travel restrictions that apply to CDC Travel Health Notices Level 3 (COVID-19) designated locations from the SecDef memorandum dated 11 March 2020, Travel Restrictions for DOD Components in Response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 now apply to England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland (Ireland). More personnel travel guidance along with FAQ will be released as they become available. For further questions please contact your chain of command or local Military Personnel Flight. In addition, the Total Force Service Center can be reached at 800-525-0102. A TFSC technician is available 24/7 to take your call.

For additional Air Force related information concerning the new coronavirus please reference the following website: https://www.af.mil/News/Coronavirus-Disease-2019/

March 13, 2020
In an effort to minimize the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 and to prioritize the health and safety of Department of the Air Force personnel, the following modifications have been made:

• The Air Force finalized their guidance for personnel movements based off of Secretary Esper’s guidance dated March 11. You can find more information here: https://www.afpc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2111282/dod-directs-stop-movement-in-response-to-covid-19/
• Department of the Air Force is suspending all outreach activities and support to community events through May 15. This includes, but is not limited to, on-base and civilian sponsored air shows, band performances and community engagements and meetings. This decision does not preclude our leaders from meeting or coordinating with local and community officials.
• The United States Air Force Academy made the decision to begin orderly dismissal of a large segment of their Cadet population. The goal of this action is to maximize  the chances of graduating their senior class on time.
• The United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine Epidemiology Laboratory has begun receiving potential COVID-19 samples from military treatment facilities (MTFs) around the world. MTFs collect samples per CDC guidelines and send them to the Epi Reference Lab or local public health lab to conduct the CDC-approved test. Any presumptive positive test is then confirmed by the CDC per guidelines. The USAFSAM Epi Lab enters all information from the tested samples into the appropriate medical system for medical decision making, and the also sends daily updates to DHA for oversight.

For additional Air Force related information concerning coronavirus please reference the following website: https://www.af.mil/News/Coronavirus-Disease-2019/

March 12, 2020
An active-duty Airman assigned to Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, is currently undergoing evaluation and treatment following a presumptive positive novel coronavirus test. The Airman recently traveled to Seattle. Additionally, a contractor at Moody Air Force Base tested positive for the virus.

In an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19  and to prioritize the health and safety of Department of the Air Force personnel, the following modifications have been made:
• The March Air Reserve Base air show scheduled for March 28-29 has been cancelled.
Air University’s Officer Training School has suspended guest presence at the awards ceremony and graduation parade; individual commissioning ceremonies will continue
• No spectators will be allowed at United States Air Force Academy home games; the academy is closed to visitors.

Download Air Force COVID-19 Information Handout

March 10, 2020
• At the United States Air Force Academy, official travel outside of the United States has been restricted for cadets, cadet candidates and permanent party. Personal/leisure travel to countries with a CDC Level 2 or higher rating is also prohibited. As of now, restrictions will remain in place through the end of March.
Air Force Basic Military Training has suspended family members from attending graduation until further notice.
• Since South by Southwest events in Austin, Texas, was cancelled, the Air Force’s Spark Collider and Pitch Bowl will now take place virtually, March 12.
• The Buckley Air Force Base, Colorado Child Development Center has been closed for cleaning since a parent (family member) tested positive by the state for coronavirus.
• All Department of the Air Force personnel have been directed to follow Center for Disease Control levels for travel guidance.

Additionally, the following bases are currently housing passengers from the Grand Princess cruise ship: Travis Air Force Base, California Joint Base San Antonio, Texas and Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia.