COVID-19 Question and Answer Round-up:

• When will the COVID-19 Vaccine arrive at Edwards AFB?
  • Edwards AFB received its first shipment of COVID-19 vaccine in mid-January for our Phase 1A population.  We recently received another shipment for our Phase 1B population and will start to administer those next week.  Appointments are available now for our Phase 1B population.
  • For more information, please visit the COVID-19 Vaccine page at https://www.edwards.af.mil/News/COVID-19-Updates/COVID-19-Vaccination/

• When will Phase 1C begin?
  • Currently we have our shipment allocation for our Phase 1B population.  Individuals in Phase 1A and 1B have priority and should make appointments now for shots.  
  • Individuals in Phase 1C will be able to book any available appointments for the next day at 1700.  
  • We do not have a date when we will get our allocation for Phase 1C, but expect it to be sometime in March.
  • For more information, please visit the COVID-19 Vaccine page at https://www.edwards.af.mil/News/COVID-19-Updates/COVID-19-Vaccination/

• How do I get the second dose?
  • You should be able to make an appointment for your second vaccine dose when you receive your first dose.  The appointment information will be provided to you.  The second dose interval for Pfizer is 21 days (3 weeks), and Moderna is 28 days (4 weeks).  If there are any questions, please send an email to the COVID-19 Vaccine workflow box at:  usaf.edwards.412-mdg.mbx.412-vaccination-team@mail.mil

• Can I get the COVID-19 Vaccine off base?
  • Yes!  If you have opportunity to get the vaccine off base, please do so.  When it is your turn, take it.  If you are a beneficiary at the 412 MDG, please send your proof of immunization to update your record.
  • Tricare Beneficiaries, including Active Duty, are able to get the COVID-19 Vaccine off-base without a referral, free of charge.
  • Los Angeles and Kern County are now vaccinating those individuals 65 and older. Please see links below:
    • https://kernpublichealth.com/covid-19-vaccine-schedule/
    • http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/vaccine/index.htm
    • https://covid19.ca.gov/vaccines/

• Do I have to wear a mask after getting vaccinated?
  • Yes, it is still important to use all the tools we have available to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community.  This includes wearing a mask, physical distancing, and performing good hand hygiene.
  • For more information on the benefits of the vaccine, please visit the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits.html

APPLICABLE TO ALL PERSONNEL ON EDWARDS AND AF PLANT 42:

• 10 Feb 2021 Counter COVID Directive is still in effect
• This ICD does not alter Leave and Pass policies or procedures for Active Duty and Civilians
• Food distribution and take-out food locations are Mission Essential and may remain open for carryout only. Meal Card Holders (only) may eat their meal in the DFAC with all other DFAC patrons as grab/go only.
• All indoor retail facilities (e.g. BX, DeCA, Shoppette) are limited to 20% of Fire Marshall capacity. Facility Owners will affirmatively track customer loads.
•  Non-mission essential indoor and outdoor gatherings are not permitted without physical barriers to COVID spread (i.e. in-car/drive-in events are exceptional C-COVID social venues)
• Mask wear required in all indoor settings; the only exceptions are for safety of test/mission/flight
• All individuals (military, civilian, and contractor) will pre-emptively track Close Contacts while on duty; all military members will track non-co-habitation Close Contacts 24/7; Other formats are acceptable and will be presented to Public Health upon request.

ALL HANDS ON DECK MENTALITY TO CONNECTEDNESS/RESILIENCY

• The Social Pillar of Comprehensive Airman Fitness continues to be significantly restricted by the realities of the Pandemic. Therefore we must all increase our attention to the remaining Three Pillars; Physical, Spiritual, Mental.
• Chaplains remain available for spiritual care & confidential counseling. During duty hours call 277-2110. After duty hours call command post at 277-3040.
• In-person chapel worship will continue in HPCON Charlie at significantly reduced capacity. Attendance will be restricted to active duty personnel and their dependents.

Notice: Child Development Center open only to dependents of mission essential personnel.

Click here to view the latest COVID-19 Directive from the 412TW Commander.

CLICK IMAGE TO EXPAND

Tests available – 412th MDG - Main Clinic – Drive Through
         Open Mon-Fri 0730-1300 (except MDG Closure Days)

Who can get tested:

•All Tricare/MTF Beneficiaries (AD, Dependents, Retirees, NATO) & DoD/NAF Civilians (Edwards/Plant 42) are eligible

When to get tested:

•IF YOU FEEL SICK (Reminder: Stay home and isolate from others)

•If you are a close contact (within 6 feet for greater than 15 minutes) of someone with COVID-19 or identified by Public Health as a close contact (Reminder: Stay home and quarantine from others)

•If you need a test for Mission Essential purposes – and have Supervisor written request or documented requirements

•If you were identified by a Trusted Agent as part of the Sentinel Surveillance System

•If you are a MTF Beneficiary and need pre-procedure/pre-travel test – with documented guidance/requirements

Where to find results:

•Online – MHS Genesis Patient Portal https://patientportal.mhsgenesis.health.mil/  (must have DS Login or CAC)

Off Base Testing Sites (may be a fee; Active Duty need referral for Urgent Care)

•Kern County: https://www.kerncounty.com/government/covid-19-testing-sites

•LA County: https://covid19.lacounty.gov/testing/

•City of Lancaster: https://www.cityoflancasterca.org/services/special-notices-warnings/city-of-lancaster-covid-19-testing

•Local Pharmacies

The 412th MDG places the highest priority on the safety of our patients, staff, and providers, while maintaining high quality clinical care at all our facilities. In an effort to protect everyone, we ask that you work with us to minimize the risk of infection and spreading of germs.

If you develop flu-like symptoms with fever and cough or shortness of breath and may have had contact with a person who has COVID-19, or had recent travel to countries considered high-risk, contact your health care provider before seeking medical care to prevent possible transmission in the health care setting.

If you are normally seen at the Edwards AFB clinic, please first call the 412th MDG appointment line at 661-277-7118 prior or the TRICARE nurse advice line at 1-800-874-2273.

Should I keep my appointment with my provider?

Yes. Please keep existing appointments, unless you are feeling unwell. If you are experiencing a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, please contact our office the medical appointment line is 661-277-7118 to reschedule your appointment. All of our clinics, remain open to serve the needs of the community.

Should I wear a facemask?

Secretary Esper issued guidance to the workforce on April 5 on the use of cloth face coverings. Effective immediately, all individuals on DoD property, installations, and facilities will wear cloth face coverings when they cannot maintain six feet of social distance in public areas or work centers. This guidance applies to all service members, DOD civilians, contractors, families (apart from residences on installations) and all other individuals on DOD property. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

For the guidance, visit https://media.defense.gov/2020/Apr/05/2002275059/-1/-1/1/DOD-GUIDANCE-ON-THE-USE-OF-CLOTH-FACE-COVERINGS.PDF. also check out the Face mask Fact Sheet.

What is the current level of risk for COVID-19?

The CDC says the immediate health risk to the general public in the U.S. is low, even as additional cases are expected. For most people, the novel coronavirus produces a mild illness, and many of those infected don’t even know they have it. As with influenza, in some cases it can lead to serious illness such as pneumonia and death. It appears that the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions are most susceptible.

What is the MDG doing to protect patients?

All exam rooms, tables, etc. are disinfected between patients.

All commonly used surfaces are disinfected multiple times per day.

Rigorous hand hygiene protocol is enforced for all providers and staff.

We are screening all patients for symptoms and travel history.

For those patients with symptoms or travel exposure risk, we will adhere to the CDC and Public health protocols designed to prevent transmission.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms of the novel coronavirus are:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath and breathing difficulties

Please contact our office the medical appointment line is 661-277-7118 if you experience these symptoms and Public health authorities will determine if you should be tested.

What can I do to protect myself and others?

Public health officials recommend the following steps to prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses, including influenza and COVID-19:

• Avoid close contact people who are sick
• Stay home if you are sick and do not travel or report to work
• Avoid touching your face
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and common use items
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available

For updates on the coronavirus, please visit:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

 https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/ncov2019.aspx

Information for DoD Civilian Personnel:

https://www.dcpas.osd.mil/OD/EmergencyPreparedness

Additional Information for TRICARE Beneficiaries:

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is a rapidly changing situation. While supporting other government agencies’ response to the COVID-19 threat, the Department of the Air Force is responding appropriately to protect the health of the force and maintain operational readiness.

The 412th Test Wing leadership is engaged on a daily basis with Air Force Materiel Command leadership, Headquarters Air Force and members of the health care community for the most current status of the virus and what precautions are required to ensure the health and readiness of our Airmen, Civilian Airmen and families.

For overall information on the Air Force response and to view a comprehensive list of resources, visit the Air Force COVID-19 feature page. For specific information pertaining to local installations, please visit your base website and follow along on social media.

GLOSSARY

Mission Essential - Those organizational activities that must be performed under all circumstances to achieve DoD component missions or responsibilities, as determined by the appropriate functional commander or civilian equivalent. Failure to perform or sustain these functions would significantly affect DoD’s ability to provide vital services or exercise authority, direction, and control.

Mission Critical - Those activities deemed by the Wing Commander to be critical to the safe and orderly operation of the base. It also includes those activities in support of an Urgent Operational Need from a Combatant Commander.

Operationally Necessary - Contract activities that, while not mission essential and do not include specific responsibilities and DFARS clauses, are activities that would cause a significant impact to the installation if an activity were halted and contract performance cannot be performed via telework. Determination of Operationally Necessary can be designated by Installation leadership and determined on a case-by-case basis.

Close Contact - (a) being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) of any person for a prolonged period of time, or (b) having direct contact with secretions of any person (e.g., being coughed on), if such contact occurs while not wearing recommended personal protective equipment or PPE.

Quarantine - Voluntary or compulsory separation and ROM of persons who are not ill but have been exposed to an infectious agent and therefore may become infectious, for the purpose of preventing or limiting the spread of disease.

Restriction of Movement (ROM) - Limiting personnel movement to prevent or limit the transmission of a communicable disease, including limiting ingress and egress to, from, or on a military installation; isolation; and/or quarantine.

Isolation - The separation of an individual or group infected or reasonably believed to be infected with a communicable disease for those who are healthy in such a place and manner to prevent the spread of the communicable disease.