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Last Updated: 25 September 2020
COVID-19 is a newly identified viral respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is responsible for a large pneumonia outbreak in Hubei Province, China resulting in the exportation of cases globally. On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak of COVID-19 a Pandemic (global spread of a new disease) due to virus sustainment on more than six continents, exceeding 120,000 infected persons worldwide. Public health measures have been implemented and continue to be executed in hopes of viral containment such as government orders, telework and masking protocols.
As many orders for states and regions begin to expire a three-phased approach was designed to provide guidelines while transitioning towards reopening the country. Many states have initiated Phase I and criteria has been outlined in the three-pronged approach in an effort to mitigate risk of resurgence while protecting the most vulnerable populations. Before proceeding to a phased opening, data-driven conditions for each state or region will need to be satisfied. Criteria is amenable based on local circumstances in order to meet the intent of the next phase. As restoration of the economy and the navigation of a “new normal” begins best practices (i.e. social distancing, masking, hand hygiene) should continue to be followed to minimize risk of transmission and prevent resurgence of the disease.
Multiple platforms continue to be used to aide in global support efforts while health protection measures continue to be assessed to ensure the well-being and safety of the population.
Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center (NMCPHC) continues to monitor the situation daily and will continue to provide updates.
SG COVID UPDATE
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Coronavirus Disease 2019 | COVID-19 Forms and Guidance
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Risk Assessment Level for COVID-19
With specific exceptions, several presidential proclamations restrict foreign nationals who have been in any of the following countries during the past 14 days from entering the United States. For a full list of exceptions, please refer to the relevant proclamations in the links below.
- Chinaexternal icon
- Iranexternal icon
- Most European Countriesexternal icon (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City)
- United Kingdomexternal icon (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)
- Republic of Irelandexternal icon
- Brazilexternal icon
CDC recommends that older adults, people of any age with certain underlying medical conditions, and others at increased risk for severe illness talk to their healthcare providers before traveling to the following destinations:
- American Samoa
- Anguilla
- Bonaire
- Brunei
- Cayman Islands
- Dominica
- Falkland Islands
- Fiji
- Guernsey
- Greenland
- Grenada
- Isle of Man
- Laos
- Macau SAR
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Micronesia
- Montserrat
- New Caledonia
- Palau
- Saba
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Pierre and Miquelon
- Sint Eustatius
- Taiwan
- Timor-Leste
CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to the following destinations because these countries have not reported COVID-19 data and risk is unknown:
Information for Medical, Fleet and Operational Forces
COVID-19 Toolbox (CAC users only): provides guidance and tools for planning and implementing preparation and response measures to on board ships to ensure rapid response capabilities. Resources are continuing to be added and updated regularly to provide the most accurate and updated information for use.
To maintain continued mission readiness ensure standard Force Health Protection measures are implemented to limit the spread of respiratory infections like COVID-19, including handwashing, cough etiquette, and social distancing. Best practices for preventing the spread of illnesses like COVID-19 can be found at the CDC Prevention and Treatment page
COVID-19 Reporting: Timely reporting is essential to enabling rapid implementation of control measures and limiting the spread of disease. In addition to operational reporting requirements, report suspect cases immediately to the Senior Medical Officer (SMO) and ensure infection control precautions are rapidly executed. Additionally, report suspected cases via the Disease Reporting System internet (DRSi) using the diagnosis "COVID-19" and fill out as many of the questions as possible. To request a DRSi account, refer to NMCPHC’s DRSi Webpage. If operating in an environment with limited internet connectivity, report via phone or email to your nearest Navy Environmental and Preventive Medicine Unit (NEPMU).
NEPMU Threat Assessment: NEPMUs conduct country threat assessments regularly. For pre-deployment information, case investigation support, risk assessment, and assistance in obtaining definitive laboratory testing contact your NEPMU.
Medical Surveillance: Operational units should have a routine surveillance plan that describes daily review of sick call visits for Influenza-like illness (ILI) and febrile respiratory disease symptoms to identify important disease clusters or potential outbreaks. Units may consider conducting Disease Non-Battle Injury (DNBI) surveillance using the DNBI templates from NMCPHC’s DNBI Surveillance webpage.
Information for Public Health Departments
Per OPNAVINST 3500.42 and BUMEDINST 3500.5, Navy and Marine Corps units that provide patient care should maintain a Pandemic Influenza and Infectious Disease Plan. The plan should include isolation and quarantine procedures along with medical treatment and logistics response. These plans should be reviewed and updated annually. Persons exposed to affected geographic areas with widespread community transmission within 14 days of developing a fever or respiratory symptoms should be isolated immediately, and public health authorities should be alerted. The CDC posts specific affected areas within the U.S.; many host nation Ministry of Health websites post specific affected areas on their websites.
CDC Guidance for Healthcare Professionals : The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is routinely updating their guidance for evaluating suspected patients as well as infection control measures to include personal protective equipment (PPE). A preparedness checklist is also available for hospitals and healthcare providers
Working Case Definition : The CDC has published general guidance on evaluating and reporting persons under investigation (PUI). Guidance includes PUI intake form and flowchart for assessing a suspected COVID-19 patient.
CDC Public Health Laboratory Testing : CDC released a map identifying current locations within the United States performing diagnostic testing for COVID-19, use the link provided to regularly check for new additions. You can also find a list of labs provided by the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL).
CDC guidance for laboratory specimen submission : On 04 February the CDC received authorization by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to begin using their diagnostic testing. After initially facing challenges with initially distributed testing kit, the CDC has again begun distributing test kits. Multiple military commands, including military Medical Treatment Facilities as well as research labs, are now able to test for COVID-19 and more locations are expected to be added in the near future.
Medical Surveillance: Military Medical Treatment Facilities should monitor ESSENCE Influenza like Illness (ILI) case counts regularly to identify important disease clusters or potential outbreaks.
COVID-19 Reporting: Report suspected COVID-19 cases immediately to your Public Health Emergency Officer (PHEO) or Alternate PHEO and your infection control department. Notify your state or local health department if in the U.S, and your cognizant NEPMU to assist with contact investigation support, risk assessment, and obtaining definitive laboratory testing. Report suspected cases via Disease Reporting System-internet (DRSi) using the diagnosis “COVID-19” and fill out as many of the questions as possible. Timely reporting is essential to enabling rapid implementation of control measures. To request a DRSi account, refer to NMCPHC’s DRSi Webpage.
Information for Navy and Marine Corps Personnel and Their Families
As this Pandemic has evolved, travel restrictions, stop movement orders, quarantine measures, health protection measures and screening rules have become elevated and more stringent. These have been established by the CDC, host nations, states, the DoD, Service components, or military commanders. Navy and Marine Corps personnel and their families who have recently traveled to, through or have had visitors from affected areas with widespread community transmission should be aware of respiratory symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, and/or shortness of breath. Should a service member or family member experience any of these symptoms, they should call ahead to their medical provider to receive additional instructions for clinical care. The CDC continues to update affected areas within the U.S.; while many host nation Ministry of Health websites respective affected areas on their websites..
No vaccine or specific treatment currently exists for COVID-19; however, testing trials are currently underway. General Force Health Protection measures such as handwashing and coughing etiquette are effective in reducing the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19; however, adhering to guidance and orders implemented by government officials is also the best action a person can take. The websites below provide additional information on COVID-19 along with a number of other actions active duty personnel and families can take in order to help in preventing the spread of the virus.
CDC COVID-19 FAQ’s : frequently asked questions and concerns especially for specific groups (pregnant women and children).
CDC Prevention and Treatment page : provides information on treatment and everyday actions to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.
DoD Coronavirus Webpage, What Can the Public Do? : provides a list of Do’s and Don’ts
DoD Coronavirus Fact Sheet : Provides information on travel advisories and DoD support via March Air Reserve Base.
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