Hill Air Force Base Confirms First COVID-19 Case
Mar 20, 2020, 4:25 PM
(KSL TV, Meghan Thackrey)
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah — Hill Air Force Base officials confirmed the first positive case of COVID-19 on the base as the number of cases in Utah grew to at least 112.
The individual was being treated and evaluated by health care professionals.
“This is our first confirmed case,” said Colonel Jon Eberlan, 75th Air Base Wing commander. “The continued safety and well-being of the installation 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.”
HAFB declared a public health emergency on Thursday and was in Health Protection Condition Bravo to reflect the situation.
Officials said HPCON Bravo “restricts movement of personnel on the installation as necessary, and imposes strict hygiene (no handshaking, wiping of common use items), self-isolation if exposed, and avoidance of risk areas.”
“We are encouraging all personnel to follow Force Health Protection guidelines to safeguard our community to prevent widespread outbreak, and adhere to travel advisories and restrictions,” Eberlan said.
Number Of Utah Cases Rises To 112
According to the Utah Department of Health, 102 of those cases are in Utah residents and 10 cases are in non-residents visiting the state.
State epidemiologist Angela Dunn said it was the largest one-day jump in cases so far.
Officials have seen more cases of community spread, although the majority of COVID-19 cases are travel-related, she said.
Coronavirus Resources
- Have you or a family member been affected by coronavirus issues in Utah? KSL TV wants to hear from you. Contact KSL by emailing social@ksl.com.
- What is COVID-19? Here’s What You Need To Know To Stay Healthy
- What We Know And Don’t Know About The Coronavirus
- Four Common Coronavirus Questions Answered
- The latest coronavirus stories from KSL TV can be found at our Staying Safe: Coronavirus section.
- Your Life Your Health: How can parents prepare their home, children against coronavirus?
How Do I Prevent It?
The CDC has some simple recommendations, most of which are the same for preventing other respiratory illnesses or the flu:
- Avoid close contact with people who may be sick
- Avoid touching your face
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
The CDC does not recommend wearing a face mask respirator to protect yourself from coronavirus unless a healthcare professional recommends it.
How To Get Help
If you’re worried you may have COVID-19, you can contact the Utah Coronavirus Information Line at 1-800-456-7707 to speak to trained healthcare professionals. You can also use telehealth services through your healthcare providers.
Additional Resources
If you see evidence of PRICE GOUGING, the Utah Attorney General’s Office wants you to report it. Common items in question include toilet paper, water, hand sanitizer, certain household cleaners, and even cold medicine and baby formula. Authorities are asking anyone who sees price gouging to report it to the Utah Division of Consumer Protection at 801-530-6601 or 800-721-7233. The division can also be reached by email at consumerprotection@utah.gov.