On March 25, Los Angeles AFB 61st Medical Squadron’s Public Health office was notified of an individual who tested positive for COVID-19 in the housing area on Fort MacArthur in San Pedro, California. In response to the evolving threat, the installation commander has declared a public health emergency for the base on March 26.
The individual and their family members are isolated and quarantined in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Force Health Protection and 61st Medical Group guidelines.
Military health professionals are conducting a thorough investigation to determine whether any other personnel may have been in contact or exposed. Personnel will be notified and given direction by their leadership as needed. Pending results of the investigation, additional precautionary measures will be taken to minimize spreading of the virus.
“A safe and healthy force is how we continue our critical mission,” said Col. Ann Igl, 61st Air Base Group commander. “Mitigating the spread of COVID-19 is a top priority for us to further safeguard our service members, community, and national defense missions supported here.”
Igl also directed the change to Health Protection Condition (HPCON) Charlie to stay in line with Department of Defense (DoD) moving all bases to HPCON Charlie worldwide. With the positive test, Igl also determined it was necessary to declare an installation public health emergency due to the risk of the disease being spread further.
The declaration of a public health emergency allows the base commander to take certain protective measures, such as restricting base movement and limiting services. The emergency order is in place for 30 days. The order can be terminated or extended as required.
These actions may impact many in the community who work, live, and are serviced by Los Angeles AFB and Fort MacArthur, but are essential to helping maintain the overall health of our members and ensure mission readiness.
The base leadership team stands ready to assist with special or unique circumstances, and will adjust additional services based on continuous health risk assessments. Base leadership asks for patience and flexibility as we navigate through this difficult time for all.
