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Novel Coronavirus USFK Update

By USFK Public Affairs | Feb. 1, 2020

From Gen. Robert B. "Abe" Abrams, USFK Commander:

As you're aware, the novel coronavirus, originating from mainland China, is spreading globally and shares similar symptoms to the common cold and flu.
 
Good hygiene practices and minimizing contact with anyone who has returned from mainland china in the past 14 days who are exhibiting any cold or flu like symptoms is the best prevention to controlling the spread. If you are feeling cold or flu-like symptoms, please go to a doctor immediately - more importantly, do not go to work or school. Stay at your home or in the barracks while you get well. 
               
We must do our best to prevent the spread or it will have a significant impact on our "fight tonight" readiness! 
 
We understand your concerns and we are monitoring this situation very closely, around the clock. We currently assess a low threat or risk to our USFK formations and installations.  We will keep you informed as the situation develops and if our assessment changes.
 

Novel Coronavirus Facts:

The 2019 Novel Coronavirus, or 2019-nCoV, is a new respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The novel coronavirus is a new virus and part of a large group of viruses that infect people and while normally causing a mild respiratory disease - such as the common cold - it can potentially be deadly. Signs and symptoms of this Coronavirus illness include fever, cold spells, cough, difficulty breathing, chills and muscle pains. Be advised that this is cold and flu season, and the Coronavirus shares similar symptoms to both these illnesses.
 
* Person-to-person spreads mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread.
 
* Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure
 
* No vaccine or treatment but current mortality rate is low
 
* Recovery for average healthy adult is 7-14 days
 
* Greatest risk is to elderly and young or those who have complicated medical problems
 

Preventive Measure Tips/Guidelines:

* If you are feeling fine and not sick, you can go to work, school, play outdoors, etc. and continue with your daily routines.
 
* However, if you are feeling sick or ill, do not come to work and follow the below guidelines: 
 
                - Seek US medical care/treatment if you are feeling sick, experiencing fever, cough or difficulty breathing; be sure to call
                   ahead to the medical clinic to advise them of recent travels and current symptoms.
 
                - Wear a mask or cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
 
                - Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and
                  water are not available.
 
                - Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
 
                - Avoid nonessential travel to Wuhan and China if possible.  
 
                - Avoid travel or contact with others while sick.  
 
                - Avoid contact with sick people.
 

Visit the following sites for the most updated information:

- KCDC     

- U.S. CDC

- CDC FAQs

- U.S. Embassy Update

- DoD Response Measures