Tinker Air Force Base continues to monitor the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the potential impact it may have on our Tinker Family and the local community. Many schools in Oklahoma will be closed for Spring Break next week and many families take that time to travel to visit family, amusement parks, or travel to Europe to experience historical sites, museums and experience the local cuisine.
With the COVID-19 outbreak occurring in many European countries and in many states within the United States of America (USA), if you are traveling, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Coronavirus Disease 2019 web page for information on COVID 19 hotspots at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html. Another great resource is the Oklahoma State Health Department at https://www.ok.gov/health/ for local information. Factors relative to the virus are constantly evolving and may impact the traveler’s ability to return to the U.S. if traveling internationally, visit certain states, and may hinder your child's ability to immediately return to school.
In the USA, Washington state, California, and New York have all reported more than 100 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection. The map from the CDC below indicates which states have reported positive COVID-19 infections and can be found on the CDC website https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html
The Oklahoma State Health Department (OSDH) has reported 2 positive cases: 1 positive (confirmed case) and 1 positive (presumptive case). A presumptive case is defined as having tested positive at the OSDH Public Health Laboratory and it pending confirmatory testing by the CDC. More information can be found at: https://www.ok.gov/health/Prevention_and_Preparedness/Acute_Disease_Service/Disease_Information/Coronavirus_Disease_2019/Oklahoma_Response_to_Coronavirus_Disease_2019/index.html
Current CDC guidance states that if individuals travels to and returns from a country, region, state or city for which the CDC has issued at Level 3 Travel Advisory, then a 14 day quarantine is recommended. All non-essential travel to China, Iran, South Korea, and Italy should be avoided. Also, avoid traveling by cruise ship to and within Asia.
Practiced enhanced precautions when traveling to Japan. CDC recommends older adults and those with chronic health conditions consider postponing travel.
Public health officials encourage anyone who returns from a country with travel restrictions to self-quarantine for 14 days and report any concerning symptoms to health care provider or a health department in advance before presenting at a medical facility.
Stay home for 14 days from the time you left an area with widespread, ongoing community spread (Level 3 Travel Health Notice countries) and practice social distancing.
Take these steps to monitor your health and practice social distancing:
1. Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing.
2. Stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school for this 14-day period. Discuss your work situation with your employer before returning to work.
3. Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares during the time you are practicing social distancing.
4. Avoid crowded places (such as shopping centers and movie theaters) and limit your activities in public.
5. Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).
Updated travel advisories can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html.