Fort Stewart civilian tests positive for COVID-19
Will Peebles @willpeeblesSMN
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A Department of the Army civilian employed at Fort Stewart tested positive for COVID-19, according to a Tusday, March 24 press release.
The patient is in isolation at home in accordance with CDC guidance.
For public health tracking purposes, the civilian employee counts as a positive case for Liberty County. The Georgia Department of Public Health previously reported the positive case for the county, the release read.
Efforts are underway, in coordination with military and local health authorities, to determine how and where the patient was exposed to the virus.
"Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield continues to take the threat of COVID-19 seriously and the health and welfare of our soldiers, family members, civilians and local community remains our top priority," said 3rd Infantry Division commanding general Maj. Gen. Tony Aguto in a press release. "We continue to implement efforts to protect ourselves and those we love, and are working closely with a number of military and civilian agencies to limit the spread of this virus, both on and off of our installations."
Military health officials remind people on and off the installations to take precautions by using the following preventive measures:
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are unavailable.
The TRICARE Nurse Advice Line is available 24/7 to answer questions at 800-874-2273 (select option 1 and follow the instructions).
Additionally, the Winn Army Community Hospital Emergency Department can answer questions at 912-435-6721.
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