Authorities at Columbus Air Force Base on Monday confirmed a case of COVID-19 coronavirus in a government civilian who works on base.
The civilian has been self-quarantined for the last 10 days after experiencing flu-like symptoms, according to a CAFB press release. The individual received a test for the virus at a facility off base.
Those exposed to the case have been medically evaluated and resumed their normal duties, the press release said. The base is currently investigating how the government civilian could have been exposed to the virus.
“The bottom line is, we need to continue to take care of ourselves, take care of each other and take care of our families so that we can protect the force,” CAFB commander Col. Samantha Weeks said in a prepared statement. “We also need to take prudent actions so we can protect our mission as a flying training wing for national defense. … We need to align our operations with that of our city, county, and community so we can support the whole of government efforts in fighting coronavirus and flattening the curve.”
CAFB declared a public health emergency Sunday and has limited the base to official business only, according to its website. Travel is restricted to pilot training pipeline requirements and leave for service members has been restricted to the local area. The base has also suspended community outreach events through May 11.
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