Air Force update for COVID-19

By Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs / Published May 28, 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:

May 28, 2020
As the officer in charge of 15 Washington National Guardsmen, 2nd Lt. Megan E. Zurliene's natural enthusiasm is well suited for the demands of the COVID-19 testing site on the Quinault Reservation. Her team consisting of both Airmen and Soldiers, are testing more than 100 members per day, working long hours in HAZMAT suits, all the while safeguarding those they test, as well as themselves. With a goal of testing more than 2,000 people, Zurliene's team is running a walk-up testing site, which focused on testing the tribe's first responders and casino staff first, but plans to test every member of the tribe.

More than 30 Alaska National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, Alaska State Defense Force Soldiers, and other DMVA personnel volunteered to give blood at the National Guard Armory in coordination with the Blood Bank of Alaska. Donating blood products is essential to community health and the need for blood, plasma, and platelets is constant as part of our nation's critical infrastructure, according to the American Red Cross. Blood drives like this can maintain and secure adequate supplies for blood transfusions for patients throughout Alaska.

Late March 2020 was a time not to know. Members of the Texas Military Department activated in support of the COVID-19 response mission faced uncertainty with the daily awareness that we didn't know how long the pandemic would continue. When do we go home, to our families, to our jobs, to our lives? And yet, the morale was high. Soldiers, Airmen and Texas State Guardsmen who were supporting Texans by serving at food banks, distributing medical supplies and disinfecting nursing homes smiled with calm determination. They moved with enthusiasm and purpose as if life were both enjoyable and meaningful as they got their jobs done.

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.

US, Japan bomber-fighter integration demonstrates commitment, enhances readiness - https://www.pacaf.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2199435/us-japan-bomber-fighter-integration-demonstrates-commitment-enhances-readiness/

The 361st TRS swings into action to limit potential spread of COVID-19 - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2200044/361st-trs-swings-into-action-to-limit-potential-spread-of-covid-19/

Spangdahlem AB F-16s participate in large force exercise - https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2199927/spangdahlem-ab-f-16s-participate-in-large-force-exercise/

Airmen learn Tactical Combat Casualty Care - https://www.pacaf.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2199146/airmen-learn-tactical-combat-casualty-care/

Mental Health Awareness Month - https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2200053/mental-health-awareness-month/

The 309th AMXG credits wingman culture as key to success during pandemic - https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2200155/309th-amxg-credits-wingman-culture-as-key-to-success-during-pandemic/

AFIMSC analytics tool expands to help leaders prioritize investments -https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2200124/afimsc-analytics-tool-expands-to-help-leaders-prioritize-investments/

Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 9 p.m., May 27, 2020.

	CASES	HOSPITALIZED	RECOVERED	DEATHS
Military	487(+4)	7 (+1)	247 (+2)	0
Civilian	218 (+1)	6	118	1
Dependents	260	6	129	1
Contractors	116 (+3)	7	39	2
Total	1,081	26	533	4

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Air Force update for COVID-19