Members from the 52nd Medical Group and host-nation partners convened for a table-top exercise on the spread of COVID-19 and their preventive and proactive actions at Spangdahlem Air Base, Feb. 26.

Airmen ranging from airman 1st class to colonel attended, representing each section of the 52nd MDG while they discussed the check-in process, possible work-flow challenges, understanding host-nation requirements, testing for the virus and what processes will be implemented when there is a positive result through different scenarios.

COVID-19 is a novel respiratory virus currently spreading throughout the world.

Based on the available evidence from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Robert Koch Institute, the immediate local health risk from COVID-19 is considered low.

As a reminder, Lt. Col. Danny Dacey, 52nd Public Health Flight commander, recommends preventive actions to help avoid the spread of respiratory viruses, including washing hands often with soap, avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth, avoiding close contact with people who are sick and staying home when feeling ill.

“This table-top exercise was a great opportunity for 52nd MDG personnel and the German Red Cross (Deutsche Rote Kreuz) to discuss preparedness and response activities for (COVID-19) at Spangdahlem AB,” Dacey said. “Preparedness is very important – our medics and the German Red Cross are working on all fronts to prepare for and respond to COVID-19.”