COVID-19 discussed during 52nd MDG table-top exercise

Photo By Staff Sgt. Branden Rae | U.S. Air Force Maj. Jason Mitchell, 52nd Mental Health Flight commander, discusses various topics through each scenario during the 52nd Medical Group table-top exercise at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Feb. 26, 2020. The topics examined where 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. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Branden Rae)  

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, RP, GERMANY

03.04.2020

Story by Airman 1st Class Branden Rae 

52nd Fighter Wing

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 workflow 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.”
Please continue to observe the disease prevention measures, and if you have any questions or concerns, contact Public Health at Commercial: 0656561-8308/DSN: 452-8308.

Additional resources include:

CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html
General Information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control Prevention: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers
Spangdahlem Air Base General Information: https://www.spangdahlem.af.mil/Coronavirus/

• Date Taken: 03.04.2020
• Date Posted: 03.04.2020 02:03
• Story ID: 364420
• Location: SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, RP, DE