131st Airman confirmed positive for COVID-19 at Whiteman AFB

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. John E. Hillier
  • 131st Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, announced a second confirmed, positive case of COVID-19 in the base community. The case was confirmed March 25, 2020, and involves an adult, military member assigned to the 131st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

Whiteman AFB and Jefferson Barracks ANG Base both remain at Health Protection Condition BRAVO. There are no immediate, additional restrictions in place; however, they may be implemented in the future.

In conjunction with state and local leaders, 131st leadership is actively monitoring the situation and the base’s public health office is taking action in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. The 509th Medical Group is also conducting contact tracing to discover and inform those whom the affected member may have interacted with.

“Fortunately, this member’s unit had already taken proactive precautions to prevent the spread of viruses in their work-centers,” said Col. Jeffrey Schreiner, 509th Bomb Wing commander. “Team Whiteman has implemented staggered schedules and instituted strict hygiene and cleaning policies—crucial actions in the fight against COVID-19.

Social distancing remains imperative and personnel must comply with isolation and quarantine instructions. If you are feeling ill, Guard membesr should contact their healthcare provider and inform their chain of command. Those assigned to Whiteman AFB are advise to call the local nurse advice line at 660-687-4305.  The fight against coronavirus is directly tied to Team Whiteman’s ability to responsibly execute the important strategic missions of the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber fleet.

Commanders are committed to keeping our communities and our state healthy and informed. 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs will provide families with up-to-date information about impacted activities and appropriate measures to prevent spread of the virus.

For the latest national information on COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. Air Force Coronavirus websites at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and https://www.af.mil/News/Coronavirus-Disease-2019/. If 131st members have questions regarding local policies, they should utilize their chain of command or contact 131st Bomb Wing Public Affairs at 131bw.pa@gmail.com