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.