Air Force update for COVID-19

By Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs / Published April 15, 2020

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- 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 15, 2020

Approximately 800 Airmen and Soldiers are supporting Nevada in the fight against COVID-19 in the largest state activation in Nevada National Guard history. The Nevada Guardsmen most recently called into service will provide medical support, food bank and warehouse logistics, transportation of supplies and set up of alternate care facilities.

Approximately 10 Reserve Airmen from the 315th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron were mobilized this week in support of COVID-19 relief efforts. The Airmen will participate in the COVID-19 Aeromedical Evacuation hub that has been established at Joint Base Charleston and will deploy around the globe as needed.

Airmen assigned to the 8th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment section are taking the fight to the coronavirus, as they embrace innovation and their technical training to manufacture cloth masks for the more than 2,500 service members assigned to Kunsan Air Base. The mask materials available to the 8th OSS AFE flight are limited to what the base exchange provides, which is limited to bedding, including bedsheets and fleece and wool blankets.

Read more about their efforts here: https://www.kunsan.af.mil/News/Article/2148589/8th-oss-afe-combats-covid-19/

The Connecticut National Guard assisted the Connecticut Department of Public Health in distributing masks, gloves, and face shields to local residential care homes, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

See photos of their efforts here: https://www.dvidshub.net/image/6172922/connecticut-national-guard-assists-ppe-distribution-north-haven

The National Museum of the United States Air Force continues to share the Air Force story with online visitors from around the world, while being closed as a public health precaution in relation to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). The museum has expanded its digital museum experience through a virtual tour, that includes a 360-degree gallery tours, educational content, virtual reality and STEM applications, and social media connections.

Read more about their virtual tour and how to link to it here: https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2149988/national-museum-of-the-us-air-force-expands-virtual-experience/

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.

Andersen AFB Remains Ready - https://www.dvidshub.net/image/6171325/andersen-remains-ready

https://www.dvidshub.net/image/6171337/andersen-remains-ready

EMEDS maintains readiness posture - https://www.airforcemedicine.af.mil/News/Display/Article/2149632/emeds-maintains-readiness-posture/

Counselors at Travis AFB provide services online during COVID-19 outbreak - https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2150671/counselors-provide-services-online-during-covid-19-outbreak/

52nd LRS POL stay mission ready - https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2150308/52nd-lrs-pol-stay-mission-ready/

Command Surgeon team leading AFGSC's fight against COVID-19 - https://www.afgsc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2149150/command-surgeon-team-leading-afgscs-fight-against-covid-19/

Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 9 p.m., April 14, 2020.

	CASES	HOSPITALIZED	RECOVERED	DEATHS
Military	299 (+5)	9	54 (+3)	0
Civilian	158 (+5)	12 (+1)	27 (+11)	0
Dependents	154 (+4)	5	32	0
Contractors	62	4	7	1
Total	673	30	120	1

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Air Force update for COVID-19