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March 5, 2020
Defense Department combating coronavirus By Jim Garamone DoD News
T
he Defense Department is making plans to combat the coronavirus, DoD leaders said at a recent news conference. For the past six weeks, defense leaders have been meeting to plan for any possible scenario with the virus that first surfaced in China. “We’ve issued a variety of (memoranda) and directives advising the force on how to deal with coronavirus,” Mark T. Esper, defense secretary, said. The DoD civilian and military leadership, including all the service secretaries and combatant command commanders, have worked together to ensure the department is ready for short- and long-term scenarios, domestic and international situations. Esper stressed
commanders at all levels have the authority and guidance they need to operate. “(U.S. Northern Command) remains the global integrator for all DoD efforts and
“We will continue to take all necessary precautions to ensure our people are safe and able to continue their very important mission.” Mark Esper, Defense Secretary
entities,” Esper said. “My No. 1 priority remains to protect our forces and their families; second is to safeguard our mission capabilities and third is to support the interagency, wholeof-government’s approach. We will continue to take all necessary precautions to ensure our
people are safe and able to continue their very important mission.” Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said military research laboratories are working feverishly to try to come up with a vaccine. DoD is communicating regularly with operational commanders to assess how the virus might impact exercises and ongoing operations around the world, the general said. An exercise in South Korea has been postponed, but Exercise Cobra Gold in Thailand is continuing. Commanders are taking all necessary precautions, because the virus is unique to every situation and every location, Esper said. “We’re relying on them to make good judgments,” he said. As new issues come up, DoD planners will work with all to combat the virus’ spread.
touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. • 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. • Wash your hands often • 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
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Several targeted web pages were created to share the latest information on the outbreak and highlight coordination efforts between federal and state organizations.
• defense.gov • cdc.gov/coronavirus • health.mil/coronavirus • fairfaxcounty.gov/health
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Message to the Belvoir Community
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ort Belvoir Community Hospital wants to provide an update on the COVID-19 coronavirus. Our expert team is trained to safely care for any potential patients, while ensuring safety protocols are in place to avoid any exposures to our staff and other patients. Your health and safety remains our main concern, and our goal is to make sure you stay informed and protected. We are closely monitoring the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S. and our emergency management protocols are in place, with a dedicated team to monitor and follow the coronavirus closely. The Defense Department has issued guidance for military commanders to help mitigate the risk of COVID-19 infection spreading to U.S. forces stationed around the world and protect Service members, civilian employees, contractors and family members. Additional information is available from health.mil/coronavirus.
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