Marine Corps Installations East (MCIEAST) has implemented Health Protection Condition Bravo (HPCON-B) following a confirmed coronavirus case aboard Camp Lejeune.
HPCON-B is implemented across all MCIEAST installations in order “to maintain the readiness and protection of base personnel and families,” according to a press release Tuesday evening from Nat Fahy, director of Communications Strategy and Operations for Marine Corps Installations East.
According to the release, HPCON-B means there are confirmed cases of a disease such as the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). At this time there is one confirmed case of COVID-19 on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and there is no community spread of the disease in this area.
Fahy confirmed this is the same case first announced on March 12.
In a letter from J.D. Alford, Major General, U.S. Marine Corps, Commanding General, Marine Corps Installations East – Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune on Tuesday, he wrote they are implementing Restriction of Movement (ROM) measures intended to allow medical personnel to effectively care for the health of our Marines, Sailors, and families of II MEF.
There are currently a number of military personnel being restricted to their barracks or quarters out of an abundance of caution after returning from a high-risk area.
“No evidence exists that they came in contact with anyone with a confirmed case of COVID-19, nor are they exhibiting any signs of illness,” Alford wrote. “The number of people under a ROM will likely increase as we receive more Marines from CDC designated high-risk areas. As previously announced, we have only one patient who tested positive for COVID-19 at this time. This COVID-19 positive patient is in isolation along with their family.”
Military and medical leaders of MCIEAST are taking precautions to prevent a potential outbreak, according to the release. MCIEAST personnel and Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune are reviewing best practices, honing their plans and remaining prepared should there be a need to increase to the next level of HPCON.
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 such as a cough, fever and shortness of breath or have been exposed to the virus is asked to remain home and contact their health care professional for guidance, according to the release.
In HPCON-B, those on base are asked to practice social distancing, avoid crowded areas and stay home as much as possible, according to the release. Routinely clean surfaces, cough into your elbow, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
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