UPDATE @ 7 p.m. (March 24): Two more individuals at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base have tested positive, bringing to three the total number of people on base who have been infected with the coronavirus, according to the base's Facebook page.
The first positive test was announced on March 21.
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INITIAL REPORT (March 21)
Wright Patterson Air Force Base announced Sunday that the individual who tested positive for the coronavirus was a civilian employee who works in Building 262, Area A .
News Center 7's James Brown spoke with Air Force Materiel Command spokeswoman Wendy Varhegyi on Sunday, who confirmed the location was the Air Force Base Materiel Command building.
This building houses the top general's office, but Varhegyi said Gen. Arnold Bunch is fine.
It is believed the civilian employee may have come in contact with about a dozen people.
"We're finding out what were the patterns of life over the last two weeks to make sure that any of the employees that may have been in close contact with this individual are also informed so that they can begin the self-monitoring for the next 14 days," Col. Thomas Sherman, 88th Air Base Wing commander, said in a video.
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Col. Sherman said the individual is being isolated and monitored, and those who have come in contact with the person have been informed so that they may begin self-monitoring.
“We are strong, we are resilient and together we can get through anything,” Col. Sherman said.
Wright-Patterson AFB was in Health Protection Condition BRAVO on Sunday night to reflect the current level of disease threat posed by COVID-19 virus and the risk of exposure to local personnel.
A professional cleaning company has been hired to clean the part of the building impacted.
There were about 250 people working in the building around this time, as most of the people assigned to Building 262 have been working from home.
“Wright-Patterson officials are working closely with the Ohio Department of Health to coordinate prevention and response efforts in the area. We are regularly providing installation personnel and their families with up-to-date information on appropriate measures to prevent potential spread of the virus, as well as any impact to local activities.
“We are encouraging all personnel to follow Force Health Protection guidelines, to practice social distancing and proper hygiene, and adhere to travel advisories and restrictions in order to safeguard our community and prevent widespread outbreak,” Sherman said.
To find the latest COVID-19 information as it pertains to Wright-Patterson go to www.wpafb.af.mil/corona/.
