NEW DETAILS: Wright-Patt worker is first confirmed coronavirus case for Greene County, base

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is located in Greene and Montgomery counties and is the Dayton region’s largest employer. FILE

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is located in Greene and Montgomery counties and is the Dayton region’s largest employer. FILE

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base officials confirmed late Saturday that a person working at the base has been evaluated by health care professionals and is the first confirmed case of COVID-19, or coronavirus, from among base personnel.

“This is our first confirmed case,” said Col. Thomas Sherman, 88th Air Base Wing commander, in a press release. “The continued safety and well-being of the Wright-Patterson community is my top priority. We are working with our base medical staff and off-base health care agencies to ensure we mitigate the effects of COVID-19 using established Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Defense Department guidelines.”

It also is the first confirmed case in Greene County, health officials said Sunday.

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Sherman updated the WPAFB community on social media Sunday evening. He said the person who tested positive worked in Building 262 on Area A.

The person and identified contacts have self-isolated at home and monitoring is being done by Greene County Public Health, it said in a statement. To protect the identities of the case and contacts, no additional information is being released.

“There was no history of exposure through travel, which indicates this person became ill through community spread,” the health department release said.

The base’s release said that Wright-Patterson is currently in Health Protection Condition BRAVO to reflect the current level of disease threat posed by COVID-19 virus and the risk of exposure to local personnel.

The release also said Wright-Patterson officials are working closely with the Ohio Department of Health to coordinate prevention and response efforts in the local area.

“We are regularly providing installation personnel and their families with up-to-date information on appropriate measures to prevent potential spread of the virus, as well as any impact to local activities,” the release said.

>> Coronavirus: Complete coverage

“We are encouraging all personnel to follow Force Health Protection guidelines, to practice social distancing and proper hygiene, and adhere to travel advisories and restrictions in order to safeguard our community and prevent widespread outbreak,” Sherman said.

Wright-Patterson leadership will continually monitor the situation and provide additional information as it becomes available, according to the release.

To find the latest COVID-19 information as it pertains to Wright-Patterson go to www.wpafb.af.mil/corona/.

Greene County Health Commissioner Melissa Howell said, “This is a marathon and a long haul ... Many people may be hospitalized, and our numbers will increase. Our

community has demonstrated great resilience, and we need the same resolve from all sectors of the community to bring this to an end.”

Dr. Kevin Sharrett, medical director for Greene County Public Health, reminds all residents that “individuals with mild symptoms should self-isolate because they will likely recover and have a positive outcome. If symptoms worsen, contact your healthcare provider.”

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