Q01: Are there cases of Coronavirus, or COVID-19, at Offutt AFB?
A01: Yes, Offutt announced its first case of COVID-19 April 1, 2020. In accordance with DOD guidance, no further cases will be announced at the base level.
Q02: What is being done at Offutt to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
A02: We are taking proactive steps to encourage Team Offutt to follow CDC guidance to avoid contracting or spreading respiratory illnesses like the flu or COVID-19. There are contingency plans in place and we have been taking steps to educate and safeguard our military and civilian personnel, family members and base communities in preventing a widespread outbreak. We will continue to work with our interagency and local partners to strengthen global detection and response to COVID-19.
We have a strong coalition of partners at Offutt and in surrounding communities, and we’ve been working together since the beginning of the pandemic to slow the spread of COVID-19. It’s important that everyone continues to remain vigilant. Those who are not fully vaccinated must continue to mask wear and social distancing, per the DoD directive issued May 14, 2021.
Q03: How can individuals play a role in limiting or preventing the spread of COVID-19?
A03: If you are not fully vaccinated, you should continue to wear a mask when in public and practice social distancing of at least six feet. All personnel should wear a mask when using public transportation such as airplanes or busses or as directed by local policy. Some people with the virus may not display any symptoms. Even if you do not fall within the “significant risk” category, we strongly encourage:
- More handwashing and less face touching;
- Cough/sneeze into your elbow or a tissue, then quickly discard the tissue and wash your hands;
- Stay home when you are sick;
- Stay away from sick people;
- Practice social distancing as much as possible;
- Disinfect commonly touched surfaces
Q04: Is handwashing really effective?
A04: The short answer is yes. Handwashing can help prevent illness. Taking 20 seconds to lather up, scrub your hands, rinse and dry is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs. Hand hygiene is so important to preventing the spread of disease. If we can limit the spread of influenza and COVID-19, we can limit the number of people who end up in our hospitals and emergency rooms.
Q05: What should I do if I think I've contracted Coronavirus?
A05: If you or someone you think you know might have the virus, do not report to the clinic. If you are in self-isolation or have traveled to areas of concern, call the 55th Medical Group Public Health Flight. TRICARE beneficiaries should call the Nurse Advice Line at 1-800-874-2273. Always call 9-1-1 if you are experiencing an emergency.
Symptoms to watch for include:
- Fever greater than 100.4⁰F
- Loss of smell or taste
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- A lot of these symptoms are very similar to seasonal allergies and flu.
Q06: Are there tests for COVID-19?
A06: COVID testing is available M-F from 0800-1200 at the main clinic, located on the ground floor (follow the COVID Testing floor decals).
Q07: I'm 65 years old. Should I stay away from crowded places?
A07: If your 65 years old or older and you’re immunocompromised, there is a greater risk that this disease can have a severe effect on your health. It is strongly recommended that you get the vaccine as soon as possible.
If you’re under 65, the vaccine is still recommended. This will help prevent you from getting a mild form of the disease and spreading it to others, especially those in a high-risk category. We all have to do our part to keep ourselves safe and healthy, look out for the health and safety of others, and flatten the curve of the spread of Coronavirus.
Q08: What are Health Protection Condition (HPCON) levels?
A08: HPCONS were introduced in 2019 and are similar to Force Protection Conditions (FPCONs); FPCONs inform the populace about potential physical threats, while HPCONs inform about potential health threats. HPCON levels include:
- HPCON “0” – Normal baseline; measures include standard precautions and prevention such as hand washing, hygiene, vaccinations, education, planning, etc.
- HPCON A – Report of unusual health risk or disease; possible measures include communicating risk and symptoms, reviewing plans and preparation, and preparation to diagnose, isolate and report new cases
- HPCON B – Outbreak or heightened exposure risk; possible measures include strict hygiene, self-isolation if exposed, vector control and careful cleaning of common-use items/areas.
- HPCON C – High morbidity epidemic or contamination; possible measures include social distancing (limit meetings, socials and gatherings), and mass distribution of medical countermeasures if applicable.
- HPCON D – High mortality epidemic or contamination; possible measures include restriction of movement (quarantine), evacuation and decontamination
As with FPCON levels, changes in HPCON levels are communicated through official command and control channels, with possible augmentation with public affairs channels. HPCON signs may be posted in key high traffic areas.
Specific information and actions will vary based on circumstances and will be communicated along with the overall HPCON level. Personnel should carefully follow all guidance and directives to ensure individual and community health and safety, as well as overall mission readiness.
Q09: What is Offutt’s current HPCON Level?
A09: Offutt is currently in HPCON level BRAVO.
Q10: How can someone not have Coronavirus and still be quarantined or in self-isolation?
A10: This is the way a self-quarantine period works. The incubation period – the time you get the virus to the time you exhibit symptoms – is 2-14 days. If you’ve been in contact with someone who has tested positive or if you return from a high-risk area such as a Level 2 or 3 travel country, you should stay home for 14 days to self-monitor. If you don’t display any symptoms after and you do not have an illness, that days, that means you are not infected and you are not going to spread it to other people. That is why it is important that we ask people to stay home and follow guidelines.
Q11: I need to pick up a prescription from the pharmacy. Has anything changed?
A11: The BX/Satellite Pharmacy lobby has reopened for drop-off of new prescriptions and pick-up of all refills and prescriptions sent from off base. Drive-up service has been discontinued. Prescriptions must be activated before visiting the BX Pharmacy – call 402-294-3228 or send a message to the “Offutt BX/Satellite Pharmacy” through the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal (https://patientportal.mhsgenesis.health.mil).
Q12: What if I have a dental exam or treatment scheduled, should I keep that appointment?
A12: Our dental clinic is following the ADA (American Dental Association) COVID-19 treatment guidelines. We are delaying routine dental cleanings, treatments such as fillings and crowns and focusing on Active Duty annual exams and treatment as well as dental pain. The dental front desk staff is reaching out to patients already scheduled for routine work to cancel their appointments and reschedule for a later date. Sick call appointments can still be made through the Central Appointment Line
Q13: What if I have a routine medical appointment coming up?
A13: We encourage you to schedule your routine appointments. Your visit may be completed as a face-to-face encounter or a virtual/phone visit based on your medical necessity and preference. If you come to the clinic for any face-to-face appointment, we are taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of all patients and staff. We ask that you avoid bringing additional family members or guests to your appointments if they are not receiving care, however exceptions can be made when necessary.
Q14: What should i do if I have an emergency or urgent care need?
A14: If you have a medical emergency, please dial 911 on base or proceed to the nearest emergency room. If you feel you must be seen in the clinic within the next 24-72 hours, please call the Central Appointment Line. Alternatively, the Nurse Advice Line is also available to you 24/7.
Q15: I'm on a Restriction of Movement (ROM) status. What should I do?
A15: If you have mild cold or flu-like symptoms and feel comfortable providing self-care at home, please continue to do so. If you need medical assistance, please call the Nurses Advice Line or the Care Line and we will have a nurse speak with you or create a t-con for you. Our priority is to reach those patients who have reported symptoms.
If you have a routine appointment scheduled during your ROM status, we will not be able to see you in the clinic until your ROM is lifted; please reschedule your appointment via the Central Appointment Line or at TRICARE Online for after your ROM end date. We ask that you NOT come into the clinic if you are on ROM unless you have received verbal instructions from our staff to do so. Please notify our staff that you are in ROM status upon arrival to the clinic.
To prevent the spread of illness within your homes, please follow the CDC’s guidelines: “Interim Guidance for Preventing the Spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Homes and Residential Communities” https://www.cdc.gov/…/2019…/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html.
Q16: Is there a list of COVID-19 testing stations on and off base?
A16:. Multiple local testing facilities – see DHHS.com or Douglas County pages. http://dhhs.ne.gov/
Q17: For individuals that have compromised immune systems or auto-immune concerns, should they be going to a 14-day self-quarantined proactively or should they wait for a doctor’s note?
A17: Talk to your leadership. This should have already occurred in some areas. Priority one is about taking care of our people.
Q18: Are there any plans to strategically posture screening stations across the installation?
A18: The EBC has been screening patients prior to entering the facility since early March