In an effort to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, McDonald Army Health Center offers virtual appointments. Virtual appointments are typically over the telephone with your assigned primary care provider and nursing team. This type of appointment will be conducted by phone and will allow the provider to assess your condition and make treatment decisions without the need for a face-to-face visit. This will also comply with the need for social distancing as there will be no need for a check-in process and time spent in the waiting room.  Any patient that desire to have a face-to-face appointment will be offered one.  Patients with upper respiratory illness (URI) symptoms may first be asked to conduct a drive-thru COVID test at the MCAHC Shield, the testing center in front of the building.

Please continue to use the Hampton Roads Appointment Center line at 1-866-645-4584 or TRICARE Online to book appointments.

Pharmacy:

*MCAHC main pharmacy is permitting guests into the main pharmacy lobby utilizing a pager system.

*Please note that some of our processes have changed to sustain pharmacy services and ensure safety during HPCON Bravo.

Main Pharmacy Paging Process:

*MCAHC pharmacy will limit guests waiting in the lobby by having a pharmacy team member manage guests waiting for prescriptions at a reception desk located in the main pharmacy lobby.

*Guests exceeding the amount permitted in the lobby will receive a ticket and pager. Pagers allow guests to be in the queue, but not physically waiting in the lobby.

*Guests in possession of a pager must wait elsewhere outside of the lobby. The pager will notify you when to return to the main pharmacy lobby upon activation of the pager.

Pagers work within a mile radius of MCAHC. *Guests may leave with their ticket and pager to visit Fort Eustis services such as the commissary or Exchange, however, initial tests demonstrated that they might not always activate if they are within some buildings to include the commissary and Exchange.

*Additional parking is reserved in the eastern MCACH parking lot to accommodate guest overflow.

*Tickets are only valid on the same duty day.

Complying with CDC guidance to prevent the spread of COVID is very important:

*Wear a mask that completely covers the nose and mouth.

*Please social distance at least 6 feet.

*Do not cluster or linger around entrances.

*Comply with MCACH COVID-19 visitor policies.

VISITING LANGLEY HOSPITAL OR OTHER MEDICAL FACILITIES FOR CONCERNS ABOUT COVID-19

633 Medical Group is doing everything possible to take care of your medical needs without you having to come into the hospital.  With the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we are looking at ways to decrease the infection risk.

Here are a couple of options for you to get care without coming into the Medical Treatment Facility;

1. For COVID-19 Information

► Call (757)764-0018 • 0730 -1630 | Monday - Friday

2. Utilize your Telephone Secure Messaging options:   Go to TOL website, https://app.tolsecuremessaging.com/ and use the username and password or a CAC enabled system to gain access from home, here you can send and receive messages with your Primary Care Team

3. Nurse Advice Line 24/7 | Medical Advice 1-800-TRICARE Option 1

4. Prescriptions: TRICARE's prescriptions are managed through the pharmacy contractor, Express Scripts. https://militaryrx.express-scripts.com/

Call (877) 363-1303 – Please be aware there is a small co-pay.

• Save money compared to a retail pharmacy with up to a 90-day supply of your medication
• FREE standard shipping is included in your benefits

DO VISIT THE HOSPITAL IF:

• You have a medical emergency such as severe difficulty breathing.  Be sure to alert the hospital ahead of time that you will be arriving and that you are concerned about potential exposure to COVID-19. If you dial 911, notify the dispatcher of your symptoms and that you are concerns about possible COVID-19 exposure.

VISIT TO THE HOSPITAL IS NOT RECOMMEND CURRENTLY FOR;

• Routine medical concerns that may be addressed over the phone or through Secure Messaging.
• Consider the health of your family members, if children/spouse/relatives are not being seen please do not bring them with you into the MTF if possible.
• If you have any concerns related to COVID-19, the 633 MDG COVID-19 Hotline is available for consultation at 757-764-0018, 0730-1630, M-F.

TRICARE INFORMATION:

https://www.tricare.mil/HealthWellness/HealthyLiving/Coronavirus/Coronavirus-FAQs

For more information about COVID-19 go to the CDC website at www.cdc.gov or the Virginia Department of Health at vdh.virginia.gov.

To continue care for our service members and their families, the following information is an update to operational guidelines and considerations amidst the COVID-19 situation.

LAFB Child Development Center:
- If parents wish to keep their children at home for social distancing, or if parents are unable to use child care due to circumstances related to COVID-19, children will NOT lose their child care space and they will NOT be charged fees.
- Child care credit (no cash transactions) will be applied for the billing cycle starting on 15 March for anyone who meets the above criteria. Any member impacted prior to this date should call their respective program.
• CDC – 757-764-3585
• SAC – 757-225-2606

Mental Resiliency is important for our Soldiers and Airmen, families and the community.

Telehealth Service – To continue providing resiliency support for our JBLE community, a new virtual counseling initiative is now available to deliver non-medical counseling in many areas (deployment/reintegration; marriage/relationship; parenting/family; communication; stress/anxiety; sadness, grief, loss, etc).  These services are for both adults and children and can be pursued through telephonic and video platforms to ensure continuity of care for our military community.  To access these services, please call any of the following numbers:  757-755-5511; 757-902-5142; 757-477-2499; and, 804-517-1340. Below are some resources to help during this time of need.

Support Resources ROM Telework

Helping Homebound Children during COVID-19 Outbreak

Sustaining Well Being of Healthcare Personnel

The Fort Eustis Behavioral Health clinic is operating under normal business hours 0745-1630 appointments only.

For more information on resources available to you, contact your Langley Mental Health Clinic at 764-6840.

Guidance: Running essential errands

CDC Recommends

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including: 

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
• CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
• Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Despite the current stop movement, the Langley AFB Traffic Management Office (TMO) Personal Property (PPTY) Section continues to process all personal property move applications as they are received.  Although the TMO PPTY section will not be conducting face-to-face counseling, they can be reached at DSN 764-7868/7869.  For all after-hours emergency support, members can contact 757-506-5705. To start the counseling process, members are still required to Self-Counsel within the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) module at https://www.move.mil.  Once Self Counseling is completed, please send an email to TMO.HOUSEGOODS@US.AF.MIL notifying the TMO PPTY section

3/23/2020 

The Army command team at Ft. Eustis determined "local area" jurisdiction for Soldiers at this time is 100 miles from their place of current residence or Fort Eustis, Virginia. 

3/14/2020

This guidance has been coordinated and approved by the Wing Commanders of the 1FW, 363 ISRW, 480 ISRW, 633 ABW and the Director of ACC Staff.

Team JBLE:

We know there are a lot of questions about the DoD announcement regarding domestic travel restrictions and what that means for you and your family.

Per Department guidance, travel restrictions halt all domestic travel, including PCSing, TDYs, and effective March 16th, only local area leave is authorized. The VCSAF has approved Secretary of Defense ordered deployment movements for pre-deployment and deployment training travel. Travel exceptions may be granted for compelling cases where the travel is mission-essential, for humanitarian reasons, or warranted due to extreme hardship. Approval authority for these exceptions belongs to the Combatant Commander, the Service Secretaries, the Chief Management Officer, or the Director of the Joint Staff, but may be further delegated. Further guidance regarding those returning from deployment will be provided as received.

Again, effective 16 March, Air Force members will be restricted to the local area for leave/pass travel, meaning a one hour driving radius surrounding their place of residence and/or duty station.* Unit commanders can restrict local travel further based on mission needs. For example: mission essential personnel providing replacements for individuals placed in restriction of movement. While the local area guidance still applies, exceptions to the one hour radius must be approved by the first O-6 in your chain of command. We are also encouraging members and families to avoid large public gatherings where potential spread increases. We understand this may have impacted plans but need to take precautionary measures to avoid COVID-19 impacts to our local communities.

*The Army command team at Ft. Eustis determined "local area" jurisdiction for Soldiers at this time is 100 miles from their place of current residence or Fort Eustis, Virginia. 

We will continue to follow risk-based measures consistent with guidance from the Department of Defense and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including applicable travel advisories and disease-mitigation actions.
Force health protection is our top priority, and we will make every effort to ensure that members across Joint Base Langley Eustis have the most up-to-date information on appropriate measures to prevent potential spread of the virus. Leadership across JBLE is committed to preserving the ability of our servicemen and women to provide for national defense and current worldwide military missions.

Please contact your chain of command for further questions.

DoD Domestic Travel Restrictions:
Domestic STOP MOVEMENT Memo issued 3/13
https://media.defense.gov/…/STOP-MOVEMENT-FOR-ALL-DOMESTIC-…

DOD FAQs on Travel Restriction Guidance:
https://media.defense.gov/…/…/1/FAQ_TRAVEL_RESTRICTIONS.PDF…

Statement by DoD on Domestic Travel Restrictions:
https://www.defense.gov/…/statement-by-…/source/GovDelivery/

3/12/2020

The Secretary of Defense recently released “Travel Restrictions for DoD Components in Response to Coronavirus Disease 2019.” The following are highlighted key points. Additional information can be found within the memorandum linked below.

Effective Mar. 13, 2020

1.  All DoD uniformed personnel, civilian personnel and family members travelling to, from or through CDC Level 3 countries have a 60 day STOP MOVEMENT NOTICE to include:

•  All forms of official travel

•  PCS

•  TDY

•  Government Funded Leave

•   For uniformed personnel, personal leave and other non-official travel, DoD travelers should carefully plan travel and ensure flights do not transit through or originate in Level 3 locations. Authorized Departures are delayed until appropriate transportation and reception procedures are in place as prescribed by MFR.

2. Concurrent official travel for family members of DoD uniformed personnel and civilian personnel is denied to CDC Travel Health Notices Level 2 countries for 60 days. Additionally, until the above travel restrictions are lifted, civilian hiring actions for positions in non-essential civilian slots at Level 2 and Level 3 locations are postponed for those who have not yet begun travel.

3. DoD Components must determine whether official travel by DoD personnel to locations other than Level 3 locations is mission essential and MUST defer non-mission essential travel.

Exceptions may be granted in writing to the guidance of this MFR for compelling cases where travel is (1) determined to be mission essential; (2) necessary for humanitarian reasons; (3) warranted due to extreme hardship.

See MFR for who the granting authority is for various instances, instances of retirements or separation, and the prescribed screening processes for those traveling on a waiver.

Visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/ to find updated lists of Level 3 and Level 2 countries.

Service members and dependents effected by the changes in travel restrictions should coordinate their questions with the following:

AIR FORCE

• PCS Travel – Service members or beneficiaries, contact your servicing Travel Management Office at (757) 764-7868

• TDY travel – Service members, work with your authorizing official or Commander.

• Deployment travel – Service members work with your Unit Deployment Manager.

ARMY

• PCS Travel – Service members or beneficiaries, contact the Army Transportation Office at (757) 878-4664.

• TDY travel – Service members should contact the Wingate Travel Office at (757) 878-5577.

• Deployment travel – Service members work with your chain of command. 

The CDC has indicated that there are higher risk demographics associated with COVID-19.  These include older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease.  If you have regular, close contact with these higher risk individuals and you have concerns about upcoming official travel, please notify your supervisor. 

Travel Restrictions for DoD Components in Response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 Memorandum -https://media.defense.gov/2020/Mar/11/2002263242/-1/-1/1/TRAVEL-RESTRICTIONS-FOR-DOD-COMPONENTS-IN-RESPONSE-TO-CORONAVIRUS-DISEASE-2019.PDF

JBLE announces confirmed positive COVID-19 case - Release Number: 03-01--20

Changes made to JBLE access - Release Number: 03-02-20

JBLE renews restrictions to base access

Updated changes made to JBLE access - Release Number 03-03-20

Q: What causes individuals to fall into the “monitoring” category?

A: Monitored individuals include personnel who are at elevated risk of getting COVID-19 due to possible contact with an individual confirmed to have COVID-19, and/or individuals with symptoms and possible travel history to an area of elevated risk.

Q: What are Air Force medical facilities doing to educate, prevent, screen and manage efforts?

A: Air Force medical facilities are protecting the force in accordance with Office of the Secretary of Defense Force Health Protection Guidance.

- Air Force medical facilities are mitigating the spread of the virus by ensuring accountability of all service members who have returned from mainland China and placing those service members under a 14-day restriction of movement.

- The Air Force is preparing by publishing screening and event-management guidance, training staff in CDC processes and ensuring medical personnel rehearse event-management processes.

- Air Force medical staff help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 by using personal protective equipment, as well as developing health-surveillance protocols, PPE requirements and tracing processes in coordination with state and local public health organizations.

- Air Force medical facilities will respond to the COVID-19 threat by identification, monitoring and management of possible cases and positive tests for the virus, protecting staff and beneficiaries within hospitals and the local community.

- Air Force medical facilities will educate and reassure beneficiaries by providing information directly and in concert with installation leadership and state and local public health organizations.

Q: What are Air Force medical facilities doing if someone tests positive for COVID-19?

A: The safety and health of our Airmen and Space professionals is paramount to mission readiness. In the event that an Air Force member or dependent tests positive for COVID-19, each medical facility has plans in place for treatment, and will take appropriate measures to mitigate the spread of the virus. The patient will be isolated appropriately in a private room with a door and its own bathroom, if available. The appropriate personal protective equipment will be available to the patient and the staff consistent with CDC guidelines. Actions to protect patients and staff include education and future contact tracing if required. Air Force officials at all levels are working closely with the local/regional health departments and the CDC to validate our preparedness for public health emergencies.

Q: What about military members and units either deploying to regions affected by the virus or returning from regions where the virus is present?

A: Senior leaders in each region evaluate the potential safety for travel and military operations by Airmen and Space professionals. As a matter of precaution, members returning from overseas duties from affected regions are being monitored before they leave the region, during their travel back, and upon arrival at their destination. Airmen and Space professionals deployed to affected regions are complying with commanders’ directives regarding travel and military duties associated with current operations.

Q: Is the Air Force going to cancel or delay any TDY missions, leaves or PCS moves?

A: We are complying with any DOD travel restrictions and clearance processes. Currently, INDOPACOM has restricted all non-essential travel (including leave, liberty, etc) in the Republic of Korea, China and Mongolia. EUCOM has restricted all non-official travel in and out of the Lombardy and Milan regions of Italy. The U.S. and South Korean militaries have made the decision to postpone joint military exercises. U.S. Central Command has suspended leave and liberty for service members and DOD civilians within its area of responsibility.

Q: Are any exercises or operations being canceled as a result of the spread of COVID-19?

A: The Air Force has not postponed, redirected or canceled any exercises at this time. Department of Air Force units or individual members participating in regional command joint exercises may have unique impacts. However, we are continually assessing the current environment and are working with our host nations in the regions to ensure the health and safety of our members as operations continue.

Q: How is the Air Force screening people at Basic Military Training?

A: The safety and security of all of our recruits is of the utmost importance to us and we are taking steps to ensure their safety and well-being. All members entering basic military training are required to process military entrance processing stations on the day of or the day before departing for basic military training. Members at MEPS have virus protocol procedures to observe and take temperatures of all individuals entering MEPS facilities. Air Force recruiters also complete a medical prescreen on all applicants that covers all medical concerns, to include COVID-19. We continue to encourage all members and their families to follow CDC guidance for COVID-19.

Q: Will there be any daycare, school or commissary facilities closed as the virus spreads?

A: Commanders of individually affected geographic combatant commands are issuing specific guidance to their forces, to educate and safeguard military and civilian personnel, family members and bases communities in preventing wide-spread outbreak. The CDC has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Alert for Italy and South Korea, recommending travelers avoid all non-essential travel. The closing of child development centers in those areas are in-line with local health official recommendations.

Q: What precautions should I be taking?

A: All Air Force personnel are encouraged to follow the guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The risk of contracting the new coronavirus virus is low, but CDC officials do recommend getting an influenza vaccine and taking everyday preventive actions to help preclude the spread of germs. We encourage all Air Force personnel and their families to continue to practice proper hygiene as the best way to prevent the spread of viruses. This includes washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Also, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands and avoid close contact with those who are sick. Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces should also be done.

Q: What should I do if I think I have coronavirus?

A: According to the CDC, anyone contracting a respiratory illness shouldn’t assume it is novel coronavirus; it is far more likely to be a more common malady, such as seasonal influenza or the common cold. However, patients who traveled to China, or another area where COVID-19 has been identified as having community transmission, in the past 14 days and currently have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing, should immediately seek medical care and notify their medical provider of their travel history. If possible, call the medical facility before arrival so the staff can take appropriate precautions. Military medical facilities have provided guidance on how to address such circumstances. People who think they may have been exposed to the virus should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Q: Who is making the decision to initiate Force Health Protection actions?

A: USNORTHCOM provides guidelines to the Military Departments and other DoD Agencies in the Continental United States. The Military Departments provide additional guidance to their installations. The local commanders make appropriate FHP decisions regarding their installations.

Q: What are Force Health Protection actions?

A: Much like the guidance that CDC provides to the public, the Department of Defense provides similar guidance to military commanders. The primary difference is that the DoD guidance is designed to ensure the Department of Defense can continue to perform its mission.

How are Soldiers on PCS orders affected?

Soldiers and families on orders to or from the countries identified with a CDC warning level of category 3 for COVID-19 (Korea and Italy) will suspend movement and delay travel until May 6, 2020, or until further notice.

Has the Army banned foreign travel by service members and their families?

Non-official travel (including leave, liberty, etc.) has been restricted in and out of the Lombardy and Milan regions of Italy, and is restricted in the ROK, China, Mongolia, and in the CENTCOM AOR. West Point has implemented the following travel restrictions to cadets and faculty: All official OCONUS/International government travel is canceled until further notice. All passes and leave to China, South Korea, Italy, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia have been canceled. All passes and leave to the CENTCOM AOR are also canceled until further notice.

Can local commanders ban service members from traveling?

Commanders have been given guidance to limit all unnecessary travel to areas potentially impacted by COVID-19.

Will there be any daycare, school or commissary facilities closed as the virus spreads?

As of now, the school located in Vicenza, Italy, is closed, and DOD schools in South Korea will remain closed until March 15. DOD school officials are working to provide online lessons if schools remain closed. U.S. officials are following host-nation directives to determine if facilities should be shut down to prevent or delay the spreading of the virus so health care facilities do not become overwhelmed.

New guidance released by HQDA limits Soldiers from attending Professional Military Education. Can you provide more details on the PME guidance?

Soldiers scheduled to attend courses or schools in the United States less than six months in duration stationed in Italy or Korea, will postpone their schooling until further notice. Soldiers scheduled to attend training in the United States for six months or longer, will arrive 14 days early for screening and quarantine.

How does this guidance impact foreign military students?

The same guidance applies to foreign military students. PME lasting six months or less will be delayed until further notice and training six months or longer will require the student to arrive 14 days early.

Will foreign military students be able to conduct exchanges and visits?

Effective immediately, foreign military students from countries with a CDC alert level category 2 and above for COVID-19 will not participate in U.S. scheduled exercises, exchanges and visits.

Will U.S. Soldiers be able to participate in training, exercises, and visits?

Effective immediately, Soldiers will not attend training, exercises, exchanges and visits in countries with a CDC alert level category 2 and above for COVID-19.

Army Response Efforts

What are installations doing to inform their Soldiers, families and civilians regarding ongoing support and requirements to prepare for or mitigate exposure to coronavirus?

Leadership at installations are hosting town halls to inform Soldiers, families and civilians about how they are responding to and supporting efforts to prepare for or prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Social media platforms such as private unit Facebook pages can inform internal audiences of the latest CDC guidance and Army guidance. Virtual town halls should be considered in impacted OCONUS areas.

How is the Army prepared to respond to this outbreak?

The Army has standing plans to respond to an infectious disease outbreak and we are executing those plans at our bases and operating locations around the world. The Army is taking precautionary measures to protect the health of the force and maintain operational readiness.

Is the Army prepared for an outbreak on its bases?

As with any military operation, we want to be trained, equipped and prepared to contain the coronavirus quickly and effectively if an outbreak were to occur in or around our bases. Units are conducting preparations in the event a Soldier, family member or civilian employee is diagnosed with COVID-19.

What guidance has the Army given to its commanders?

Commanders of individually affected organizations have all the authority they need, and will provide specific guidance to their service members as the situation continues to evolve.

Does the Army have the right equipment and enough of it to protect its service members and families?

The Army has enough personal protective equipment for service members and their families. In addition, the Army’s test kits can examine 250-500 personnel. If a Soldier or family member tests positive for coronavirus at a local medical facility, the presumptive positive result will be sent to the CDC for a final determination.

U.S. Army Medical Research & Development - Vaccine

How is the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command supporting the Army and the DOD to address COVID-19?

U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC) is poised to help the DOD’s 2019 Novel Coronavirus Medical Countermeasures effort by coordinating the development of medical countermeasures, such as a safe, effective, readily available vaccine.

• USAMRDC is establishing a baseline understanding of current-status, needs and gaps for medical solution development.
• USAMRDC is integrated with medical countermeasure development across DOD and interagency partners to avoid duplication of effort, identify opportunities for synergy and fill potential gaps.
• USAMRDC is poised to maintain a “rapid response” capability for emerging infectious diseases.

How is the USAMRDC leveraging interagency partners and the scientific community to address concerns?

USAMRDC experts collaborate and participate in numerous international/domestic forums to ensure coordination of effort and sharing of best practices, as they are understood. Recent engagements include OTSG/MEDCOM, OSD-P, USG Medical Countermeasure (MCM) Task Force (TF), World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and industry partners.

How are Army lab personnel handling clinical specimens for the COVID-19 diagnostic testing?

Regional health commands are ensuring Army medical labs are coordinating with state and local departments of health, the Defense Health Agency, U.S. Army Medical Command and the CDC to ensure rapid collection and processing of potential COVID-19 patient samples. Army medical lab personnel are familiar with the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the COVID-19 diagnostic testing provided by the CDC and are establishing appropriate processes for collection and testing of clinical specimens.

What are Army medical facilities doing to assess a patient suspected of having COVID-19?

The minimum requirement is a full-facility assessment to quickly detect, isolate and hold or treat a patient with suspected COVID-19. The patient will be isolated appropriately in a private room with a door and its own bathroom, if available. The appropriate PPE will be available to staff consistent with CDC guidelines. Actions to protect patients and staff include education and future contact tracing if required.

What are Army medical facilities doing to see or report potential COVID-19 patients?

Army medical facilities continually train and prepare to deal with emergent health issues. The Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the federal government’s lead for the response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Army medical facilities follow all CDC guidelines and will report to the appropriate county health departments any potential COVID-19 patients. At this time, the DOD is only providing housing support, as needed. Army medical facilities continually train and prepare to deal with emergent issues.

What is the treatment for COVID-19?

There are no licensed treatments for COVID-19. USAMRDC is exploring antiviral drugs under emergency investigational new drug (IND) or Expanded Access Protocol to treat COVID-19. USAMRDC is exploring, with Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND) and Gilead Sciences, Inc., an expanded use of a drug called Remdesivir that has demonstrated activity against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (MERS-CoV). This drug was tested in the Democratic Republic of Congo to treat Ebola virus alongside three other therapeutics.

What immediate capabilities can the USAMRDC provide for a COVID-19 response?

In addition to subject matter experts in coronavirus, USAMRDC has infrastructure and competencies to support a whole-of-government approach to rapidly develop medical countermeasures. Competencies include containment laboratories, testing capabilities for product safety and a clinical trials center.

What rapid response experience does USAMRDC have with emerging infectious diseases?

USAMRDC provides a full range of capabilities, from research, development, testing, and evaluation to quickly respond to national health crises. These capacities have been applied to several emerging infectious disease outbreaks, including Ebola virus, Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and Zika virus.

• The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), subordinate commands of USAMRDC, played a critical role in the development and validation of an Ebola virus vaccine that was FDA-approved in December 2019.
• USAMRIID identified a novel drug with the potential to treat coronaviruses. WRAIR has experience studying both severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), two high-profile coronaviruses that caused deadly outbreaks. WRAIR completed the first-in-human clinical trial of a MERS vaccine, the only MERS countermeasure and only the third coronavirus vaccine ever tested. USAMRDC has conducted one of only three ever-completed clinical trials of a related coronavirus vaccine, and the only one completed for MERS.

How soon might there be a treatment or vaccine for COVID-19?

The U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command is supporting a whole-of-government approach to investigate and develop vaccine candidates against COVID-19. The vaccine candidates under investigation include different approaches to generate immunity and are at different stages of development. USAMRDC and our USG partners are progressing at revolutionary rates in order to deliver effective treatment and prevention products to protect U.S. and global citizens and preserve the readiness and lethality of our DOD service members.

What capabilities does the U.S. Army Medical research Institute of Infections Disease have?

The USAMRIID is the only laboratory equipped to safely study highly hazardous viruses that require maximum containment at biosafety level 4. It is uniquely positioned to develop and maintain biological safety, security and surety standards to meet multiple levels of regulatory oversight. It provides leading-edge medical capabilities to deter and defend against current and emerging biological threat agents such as COVID-19.

Coronavirus Facts and Guidance

How does the virus spread?

Person-to-person transmission is believed to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza viruses and other respiratory pathogens spread. At this time, it’s unclear if a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly their eyes. The COVID-19 virus is not stable in the environment, limiting the ability to spread on surfaces, and the virus is not known to infect domesticated animals.

What should I do if I think I have coronavirus?

According to the CDC, anyone contracting a respiratory illness shouldn’t assume it is novel coronavirus; it is far more likely to be a more common malady. However, patients who traveled to China, or overseas in general in the past 14 days with fever, cough or difficulty breathing, should seek medical care right away and notify their medical provider immediately of their travel history. Military medical facilities have provided guidance on how to address such circumstances.

Should I wear a facemask?

The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear facemasks to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses like the flu and coronavirus. Facemasks should be worn by people with symptoms of the coronavirus to help stop the spread of the disease to others. It is also critical for healthcare workers to have facemasks on hand for use in treatment facilities.

What is the treatment for the coronavirus?

There is no specific antiviral treatment for the coronavirus. People who think they may have been exposed to the virus should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

What are Army medical facilities doing to educate, prevent, screen and manage efforts?

Army medical facilities are protecting the force in accordance with OSD Force Health Protection Guidance.

• Army medical facilities are mitigating the spread of the virus by ensuring accountability of all service members who have returned from mainland China and placing those service members under a 14-day restriction of movement.
• The Army is preparing by publishing screening and event-management guidance, training staff in CDC processes and ensuring medical personnel rehearse event-management processes.
• Army medical staff must be protected by the distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as the development of health-surveillance protocols, PPE requirements and tracing processes in coordination with state and local public health organizations.
• Army medical facilities will respond to the COVID-19 threat by early identification and management of a possible positive test of the virus, protecting staff and beneficiaries within hospitals and the local community.
• Army medical facilities will educate and reassure beneficiaries by providing information directly and in concert with installation leadership and state and local public health organizations.

What is the difference between quarantine and isolation?

1. An isolation is the separation of an individual or group infected or reasonably believed to be infected with a communicable disease from those who are healthy in such a place and manner to prevent the spread of the communicable disease (DODI 6200.03, Glossary G.2.).
2. A quarantine is the separation of an individual or group that has been exposed to a communicable disease, but not yet ill, from others who have not been so exposed in such a manner and place to prevent the possible spread of the communicable disease (DODI 6200.03, Glossary G.2.).

What are the CDC alert level category countries?

CDC category 3 alert level countries: China, South Korea, Italy and Iran. CDC category 2 alert level countries: Japan