The following terms have been complied to clarify understanding and differentiate between terms concerning the recent novel coronavirus.

• Virus: A virus is a microscopic organism that invades living cells in order to reproduce. Many, like influenza, cause illness. Antibiotics don't affect a virus.

• Coronavirus: Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. (World Health Organization)

• Novel Coronavirus: A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold. (CDC)

• COVID-19: On February 11, 2020 the World Health Organization announced an official name for the disease that is causing the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak, first identified in Wuhan China. The new name of this disease is coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19. (CDC)

• Social Distancing: social distancing is deliberately increasing the physical space between people to avoid spreading illness. Staying at least six feet away from other people lessens your chances of catching COVID-19. Examples include working from home if possible, closing schools, visiting loved ones electronically instead of in person and canceling or postponing conferences or large meetings. (red cross)

• Quarantine: is used to separate and restrict the movement of well persons who may have been exposed to a communicable disease to see if they become ill. These people may have been exposed to a disease and do not know it, or they may have the disease but do not show symptoms. Quarantine can also help limit the spread of communicable disease. (HHS.gov)

• Isolation: is used to separate ill persons who have a communicable disease from those who are healthy. Isolation restricts the movement of ill persons to help stop the spread of certain diseases.

• Vaccine: A vaccine is made from very small amounts of weak or dead germs that can cause diseases — for example, viruses, bacteria, or toxins. It prepares your body to fight the disease faster and more effectively so you won’t get sick. To date, there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-2019. (WHO)

• Triage: The process of sorting people based on their need for immediate medical treatment as compared to their chance of benefiting from such care. Triage is done in emergency rooms, disasters, and wars, when limited medical resources must be allocated to maximize the number of survivors.

• TRICARE Secure Messaging: a robust messaging capability which allows you to securely communicate with your health care team for advice on minor medical issues, chronic disease management, test results, appointment requests, medication renewals and other health care needs.

• Health Protection Condition (HPCON): A framework to inform an installation’s population of specific health protection actions recommended in response to an identified health threat, stratified by the scope and severity of the health threat. (health.mil)

• Local Area: Per the 509th Bomb Wing Commander’s March 18, 2020 directive, for personnel stationed at Whiteman AFB, Missouri, local area travel is defined as within one hour of primary residence for active duty personnel inclusive of 358th Fighter Squadron, 20th Attack Squadron and all tenant unit personnel.

•  Pass: Per AFI 36:3003 Chapter 5, a pass period is an authorized absence from duty for a relatively short time. A regular pass starts after normal working hours on a given day and stops at the beginning of normal working hours on the next working day.

• Leave: Per AFI 36:3003 Chapter 3, annual leave gives members the opportunity to take a leave of absence from duty within the constraints of operational requirements and is earned at a rate of 2.5 day/month. The use of leave is essential to the morale and motivation of members and for maintaining maximum effectiveness.

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 we doing about personnel who are at risk?

A: 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, are being screened for the disease.

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 Conditions (HPCON)?

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.  Installation commanders use the HPCON framework to select an appropriate response to a public health emergency or incident of public health concern. The framework clarifies uncertainty associated with these situations and provides options based on the scope and severity of the situation.

Q: Can pets spread COVID-19 to people?

A: There is currently little to no evidence that pets or other domestic animals that are naturally exposed to SARS-CoV-2 become sick with COVID-19 or spread the virus to other domestic animals, and no evidence that they can transmit SARS-CoV-2 to people. Accordingly, there is no reason to remove pets from homes even if COVID-19 has been identified in members of the household, unless there is risk that the pet itself is not able to be cared for appropriately.  Continue to interact with your pets normally and practice good hygiene by washing hands before and after those interactions. Animal owners should continue to practice good hygiene during interactions with animals. This includes washing hands before and after handling pets, animal food, waste and supplies.

Practice Good Hygiene

- Clean your hands often with soap and water.

- Create habits and reminders to avoid touching faces.

2. Cover Coughs

- Cover coughs and sneezes.

-Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

3. Disinfect Surfaces

- Disinfect doorknobs, tables, desks, and handrails regularly.

- Increase ventilation by opening windows or adjusting air conditions.

4. Avoid Crowding

-Avoid close contact with others.

-Keep at least six feet between others and yourself.

5. If you think you have symptoms of COVID-19

-Contact the Local Nurse Advice Line at 660-687-2188.

If you feel sick, stay home.

It’s been about a week and a half since the Omicron Variant broke the news.  There is still much to learn, but here is what we know so far.

The first Omicron lab study assessing vaccine effectiveness was released yesterday (7 December); the findings showed that the virus is using the same door into our cells as before, which is very good news as it means our vaccines are still useful.  However, the mutations on the spike protein are significant enough to decrease the body’s neutralizing antibodies.  Researchers observed a 40 fold reduction in people immunized with the 2-dose Pfizer series when infected with Omicron compared to the original virus; this is higher than any previous variants of concern (Delta has a 5 fold decrease; Beta had a 8 fold decrease).  This means we’re expecting to see an increase in breakthrough cases.  Previous infections are largely not protective against Omicron. Omicron is in the United States (over 18 states right now) and spreading quickly.

The R(t)—a measure of contagiousness— in South Africa is holding steady at an incredibly high rate: R(t)= 2-3.  Omicron has the highest R(t) in the history of the pandemic in South Africa; cases continue to exponentially increase with the 7-day average passing 10,000 yesterday (7 December) for the fourth time during this pandemic.  This means that there’s far less in Omicron’s way, like immunity, than before.  The United States wont necessarily see the same rate of spread as in South Africa and researchers are watching what is happening in Europe right now.

Data from the UK is starting to populate and mathematical models estimated an R(t) of 3.47 right now. This is likely an overestimation, but even the best case scenario of the R(t) is concerning at 2.75. This means that high levels of Delta and/or immunity are not stopping Omicron in the UK. And it probably won’t stop Omicron in the United States either.

It is far too early to conclude that Omicron is mild; there are a variety of factors that still need to be evaluated

1.            Are we seeing mild cases because vaccines are working or because Omicron is a less severe disease?  We can have a virus that leads to mild cases, but isn’t less severe.

2.            Are the majority of cases mild because South Africa has a relatively younger population than, for example, the United States?  Extrapolating real-world data from one place to predict how we will do in another place is not straightforward.

3.            Is Omicron growing too quickly, so we don’t have enough data yet?  This may seem counterintuitive, but in a fast-growing epidemic, the proportion of cases is actually smaller than the proportion of cases in a slower growing epidemic.

4.            Epidemiologist are also mixing individual-level implications with population-level implications. Immunity may largely protect us against Omicron, but people do still end up in the hospital. Four out of 42 patients (9%) in the South Africa hospital needed intensive care. We may already be seeing this in the data, too. The acceleration of patients in the ICU and ventilators is faster than the previous Delta wave. A small percentage can add up quickly when we are talking about an incredibly fast virus moving through 330,000,000 people in the United States.

There’s a good chance Omicron will outcompete Delta in the United States. This coupled this with the high unvaccinated rate in the local populations and lab data showing partial vaccine immunity will result in a substantial Winter wave. The rate of breakthrough cases and reinfections will be higher.

Public Health will continue to release information as we know more.  Please reach out with any questions or concerns.

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.

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.

We've posted a comprehensive listing of vaccine-related questions on this page. But yes, Whiteman AFB will receive shipments of the vaccines as part of a phased delivery plan. Please contact your chain of command for details on availability to your unit.

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.  Installation commanders use the HPCON framework to select an appropriate response to a public health emergency or incident of public health concern. The framework clarifies uncertainty associated with these situations and provides options based on the scope and severity of the situation.

If you think you have symptoms of Coronavirus (e.g. fever, cough, and difficulty breathing), STAY HOME and please call the Appointment Line at 660-687-2188. If you do not have symptoms, but have questions, call the 509 MDG Public Health at 660-687-4305. Consult your supervisors and chain of command for reporting instructions, as they may have changed, and for additional guidance.

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.

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.

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, are being screened for the disease.

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.

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.

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.

Whiteman AFB 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.

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.

There is currently little to no evidence that pets or other domestic animals that are naturally exposed to SARS-CoV-2 become sick with COVID-19 or spread the virus to other domestic animals, and no evidence that they can transmit SARS-CoV-2 to people. Accordingly, there is no reason to remove pets from homes even if COVID-19 has been identified in members of the household, unless there is risk that the pet itself is not able to be cared for appropriately.  Continue to interact with your pets normally and practice good hygiene by washing hands before and after those interactions. Animal owners should continue to practice good hygiene during interactions with animals. This includes washing hands before and after handling pets, animal food, waste and supplies.