SOUTHWEST ASIA –
Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) is maintaining a wide range of Force and Personal Health Protection Measures to counter the threat of COVID-19.
Military doctors and health care providers are advising commanders at all levels on preparation and prevention techniques, while also preparing first-class medical response and mitigation measures in the event of a positive case.
“Ensuring the protection and well-being of all members of the Coalition and those members of our security partners that we operate alongside daily is paramount to the success of the mission,” said U.S. Army Col. William Porter, CJTF-OIR command surgeon.
As part of the preventive measures adopted by the Coalition, all personnel have been instructed to report any health concerns immediately and be alert for any signs or symptoms in themselves or others.
Medical staff are assisting in the screening of all personnel who enter the theater from the United States or any other Coalition nation. All personnel are screened and quarantined for 14 days before they begin daily operations as a member of the CJTF. Those who display COVID-19 symptoms are tested and provided appropriate medical care.
All CJTF bases and medical providers have planned, established and rehearsed procedures in the event of a service member testing positive. All bases have created spaces for quarantine and isolation where the service members live, eat and conduct hygiene while separated from the general population. All Coalition bases are enforcing the use of face masks whenever 2 meters of physical distancing cannot be observed. All Coalition bases have educated their personnel and are enforcing hygiene and other personal health protection measures.
“Basic and simple personal hygiene measures, such as thorough hand washing for 20 seconds and sanitizing all common touchpoints, really work,” said Porter. “The medical facilities we have across the Coalition are well-equipped and prepared to support the force, but health protection starts with the individual.”
To see in Arabic: CJTF-OIR PressRelease-20200419-01-Coalition Surgeon Discusses COVID- الن
To see Coalition Surgeon discuss COVID-19 measures: