Edwards AFB COVID 19 Updates

COVID-19 Updates

ICD 033 – HPCON 0

1. (U) This Installation Command Directive (ICD) applies to all Edwards AFB and AF Plant 42 personnel, effective 1500hrs Pacific, 12 May 2023.

2. (U) As announced in the 412 TW Town Hall on Friday, Edwards AFB and AF Plant 42 are in HPCON 0.

3. (U) Hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID will continue to be reported to Edwards AFB Public Health.

4. (U) The current Force Health Protection Guidance can be found on https://www.defense.gov/Spotlights/Coronavirus-DOD-Response/Latest-DOD-Guidance/#fhpglistis. The current guidance, Rev 5, dated 24 Mar 2023, is attached.

5. (U) All previous ICDs are rescinded.

Updated Consolidated DoD Guidance on Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Other Infectious Respiratory Diseases

1. (U) New DoD Force Health Protection Guidance was published on 26 July 2023 (see attached). Major changes are highlighted in the attached document and listed below:

No actions required for those who are exposed.
“Individuals who are exhibiting symptoms of an infectious respiratory disease, including colds, influenza, and COVID-19, should not come to the workplace or conduct official travel until symptoms have begun to resolve.”
“Negative test results are not required for individuals who have recently recovered from a respiratory infection to return to the workplace or to conduct official travel.”
“Individuals who have recently recovered from a respiratory infection should consider wearing a mask in the workplace for 10 full days following initial symptoms.”

2. (U) Hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID will continue to be reported to Edwards AFB Public Health.

3. (U) The current DoD Force Health Protection Guidance can be found on the DoD Website: https://www.defense.gov/Spotlights/Coronavirus-DOD-Response/Latest-DOD-Guidance/

References:

a. Force Health Protection Guidance -Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Other Infectious Respiratory Diseases

Where do I find more information about COVID-19?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has great resources regarding COVID-19. Please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

For current COVID-19 trends in the US, State, and County, please visit CDC Data Tracker: https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home

Please talk to your medical provider if you have any specific questions.
Where do I find more information about the COVID-19 Vaccine?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated information about the COVID-19 vaccine. Link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html

For more specific information, please talk to your medical provider. For general questions, you can call the CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).

To get a COVID-19 Vaccine, visit your local pharmacy or text your zip code to 438829 (GETVAX) for a list of locations.

All COVID-19 vaccines are available at the 412th MDG Immunizations Clinic on a walk-in basis during regular duty hours.
Where do I find D.O.D guidance on COVID-19?
The US Dept of Defense has a “Spotlight for the DoD Response to COVID-19” with the latest guidelines. Link: https://www.defense.gov/Spotlights/Coronavirus-DOD-Response/

There may be additional guidance based on Agency, Service, MAJCOM, base and state/local government policy. Please talk to your supervisor for specific information.
What are the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Just like all other vaccines that have been developed since 1798, the COVID-19 vaccine teaches your immune system how to create proteins (called antibodies) that will recognize and fight the disease, in this case the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The COVID-19 vaccine significantly protects you from severe illness and death from COVID-19, but also decreases your risk of getting infected and transmitting disease. The research has consistently proven that COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective and safe.

For more information, please visit the CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits.html

For up to date science information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/covid19_vaccine_safety.html
How do I know I am up to date on the COVID-19 vaccine?
Please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html for the latest recommendations for the COVID-19 vaccine. You can also check out the CDC Recommended Vaccination Schedule for all vaccines including COVID-19, by visiting https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/index.html.
Where can I get a COVID-19 test?
COVID-19 tests may be available through local pharmacies, your primary care provider, community or health departments. For more information on COVID-19 Testing, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html. For Test to Treat locator and information, please visit https://aspr.hhs.gov/TestToTreat/Pages/default.aspx. Please contact your health care provider and/or health care insurance for more options.
Is there a treatment for COVID-19?
Treatments and Medications are available for COVID-19. Please contact your medical provider if you suspect or have COVID-19, even if you have a mild illness. For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/treatments-for-severe-illness.html