CAFB still graduates 17 pilots

COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. - Nearly all base outreach events had been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Columbus Air Force Base was still able to find a way to recognize 17 of the Air Force’s newest pilots during a graduation ceremony March 27. The ceremony recognized graduates of Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT) Class 20-10/11, and the ceremony was conducted within established safety and health guidelines. The event was not public. Friends and families of the graduates were invited to watch the ceremony via Facebook livestream. Col. Samantha Weeks, 14th Flying Training Wing commander, spoke to the graduates before giving them their silver wings and graduation certificates. (Source: CAFB 03/31/20) https://www.columbus.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2132124/14th-ftw-exemplifies-resiliency-amid-pandemic-graduates-supt-students/

Ezy Wrap making protective masks

DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, Fla. - Bryan Kilbey, who has business connections in Europe, knew what was coming to America because of the rapidly developing coronavirus sweeping that continent. Kilbey is CEO of a NW Florida-based orthopedic medical equipment manufacturer, Professional Products, which markets equipment under the name Ezy Wrap. “We’re a big little company,” Kilbey told the NW Florida Daily News. “We recognized we needed to be of help. ... (and are) trying to do the right thing.” Kilbey’s team began gearing up on March 12 to produce reusable protective masks to healthcare workers and first responders. On March 13, the team had a prototype ready for review by medical experts and patent attorneys. He switched 60 percent of his manufacturing plant to the production of making masks. By March 18, the first mask came off the line. The company already has orders from multiple hospital and university systems across the U.S. “There are a lot of back orders,” he said. The universally usable skin-tight masks, features a special fabric coated with a powerful antimicrobial agent, that sell for $5 apiece. Part of the proceeds are going to a non-profit providing COVID-19 relief, according to the Ezy Wrap website. The masks are reusable with gentle hand-washing, and are recommended for use no longer than a year, Kilbey said. The antimicrobial agent “will pretty much kill anything that lands on it,” he continued. Ezy Wrap masks have been reviewed by the federal FDA and EPA, and have successfully been used in the firm's orthopedic products for years. For now, Ezy Wrap masks are being offered as a general means of protection for healthcare workers and first responders. In the interim, Professional Products has geared up its production line for a 24/7 operation. (Source: NW Fla. Daily News 03/30/20) https://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/20200330/coronavirus-defuniak-manufacturer-working-to-fill-need-for-protective-masks?utm_source=SFMC&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NW%20Florida%20Daily%20News%20daily%202020-03-31&utm_content=INKA_FWN&utm_term=033120

Reserve med personnel top recall

ROBINS AFB, Ga. - On March 27, President Trump signed an executive order authorizing mobilization of the Reserve Component in response to COVID-19 operations. For Air Force Reserve, personnel already serving in the Selected Reserve and Participating Individual Ready Reserve, as well as those assigned to the Individual Ready Reserve, may be asked to volunteer to activate in support of COVID-19 response. If taskings exceed the volunteer pool, involuntary mobilization of the SELRES and IRR to active status is now authorized to ensure mission accomplishment. For now, medical personnel are at the top of the list to assist in U.S. Northern Command operations to contain the spread of COVID-19 and care for Americans affected. (Source: AF Reserve Command 03/30/20) https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2130194/president-signs-executive-order-calling-up-air-force-reserve-medics-other-speci/

Foreign med supplies land in US

WASHINGTON - A commercial aircraft carrying 80 tons of gloves, masks, gowns and other medical supplies from Shanghai (China) touched down in New York on March 29, the first of 22 flights that will funnel much-needed goods to the U.S. by early April in the battle against the coronavirus outbreak. The aircraft was loaded with 130,000 N95 masks, 1.8M face masks and gowns, 10M gloves and thousands of thermometers for distribution to New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, said Lizzie Litzow, a spokesperson the U.S. government's Federal Emergency Management Agency. She said flights would be arriving in Chicago on March 30 and in Ohio on March 31. Supplies are to be sent from there to other states using private-sector distribution networks. The shipment is the product of a public-private partnership - led by presidential senior adviser Jared Kushner - with major health care distributors like McKesson Corp., Cardinal Health, Owens & Minor, Medline and Henry Schein, a White House spokesman said. (Source: NYT 03/230/20) https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/29/business/economy/coronavirus-china-supplies.html

Two @ AFA dead; not virus related

Two Air Force Academy (AFA) cadet first-class were found dead within three days this past week at the academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. AF officials say neither death was related to COVID-19. The first cadet was found dead on campus March 26. The second on March 28. Investigations are underway, but officials say foul play is not suspected. (Source: AF Magazine 03/30/20) https://www.airforcemag.com/2-cadets-found-dead-in-3-days-at-air-force-academy/

NOLA-based energy stars

DALLAS – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Region 6 and the U.S. Department of Energy are honoring 20 ENERGY STAR partners for their outstanding contributions to public health and the environment. These enterprises have earned ENERGY STAR Awards for demonstrating national leadership in cost-saving energy efficient solutions. They are among the 192 ENERGY STAR Award Winners nationwide honored this year as ENERGY STAR Award Winners. Region 6 ENERGY STAR Award Winners include Entergy Arkansas of New Orleans for leveraging ENERGY STAR branding and content across marketing channels to exceed program goals and serve many hard-to-reach customers; and Partner of the Year - Energy Efficiency Program Delivery went to Entergy of New Orleans’ Energy Smart program, which made energy efficiency improvements to 570 homes, saving approximately 1.3M kilowatt hours (kWh), with an average of 2,284 kWh per household. (EPA 03/30/29) https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/us-epa-honors-2020-energy-starr-partners-year-louisiana-oklahoma-new-mexico-texas.

Prez extends social distancing

Everyone in the United States must avoid non-essential travel or gathering in groups of more than 10 for at least another month, and perhaps until June, President Trump declared on March 29. He had earlier expressed a desire to relax the coronavirus guidelines and get the country back to work by Easter, April 12. (Source: NYT 03/30/20)

Aggressive partners over COVID-19

The Defense Department continues to “aggressively partner” with the defense industry to mitigate impacts from the COVID-19 national emergency, Lt. Col. Mike Andrews, Pentagon spokesman said in a DoD media release March 28. Under Secretary of Defense Ellen Lord's Acquisition and Sustainment leaders in Industrial Policy, Defense Pricing and Contracting, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) and the Defense Contracting Management Agency (DCMA) continue to work closely with the military services, the Capitol Hill and state governors “to make significant progress supporting the whole of government effort to combat COVID-19.” DLA modified an existing contract recently for the procurement of 8,000 ventilators from four vendors worth an estimated $84.4M. Delivery will be “time-phased” over several months and shipments started “within the next few days,” he continued, with 1,400 deliveries by early May. FEMA will determine delivery locations. DLA also is supporting the Navy hospital ships, USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy, to the tune of more than $2M in pharmaceuticals and medical supplies. DTRA has helped deliver six C-17 military air shipments, totaling 3M COVID-19 test kit swabs, in support of medical professionals’ testing needs. DTRA will continue to work with the Transportation Command to support future deliveries. Future flights starting (this coming week) will increase test kit numbers in the months ahead. DoD continues to partner with industry to retool and re-mission production lines to manufacture masks, gowns, ventilators and other critical personal protective equipment. (Source: DoD 03/28/20) https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2129497/partnering-with-the-us-defense-industrial-base-to-combat-covid-19/

NOLA VA patients headed to Biloxi

An unknown number of veterans being treated at the Department of Veterans Affairs hospital in New Orleans will be moved to the VA’s Biloxi campus to ease the coronavirus caseload in the Crescent City, officials told the Sun Herald. The patients will be transported by ambulance, said Jessica Jacobsen, director of the Dallas regional office of VA public affairs. Veterans headed for Biloxi are “non-COVID-19 patients,” said Bruce Cummins, VA public affairs at Biloxi. It’s not clear if any of the patients marked for transit have been tested for coronavirus. “Exact numbers are not available, because it will be on an as-needed basis,” Jacobsen said in an email. About 22% of coronavirus cases related to the VA are in New Orleans, based on figures released March 27 (14 inpatient and 113 outpatient cases). New Orleans had more confirmed cases than any other VA hospital in America as of March 27, according to its website. There have been no reported coronavirus cases at the VA in Biloxi. (Source: Sun Herald 03/27/20) https://www.sunherald.com/news/coronavirus/article241545936.html#storylink=cpy

College students w/ nowhere to go

Arpana Upadhyay was left alone at home in Nepal when a 7.8 magnitude earthquake shook the country in April 2015, interrupting her last semester in high school. Her parents had gone to India for her sister's college graduation. Aftershocks lasted two weeks. Upadhyay camped in her backyard, not knowing when the ground would stop rumbling. In 2020, her memory has resurfaced in Mississippi. She’s a senior biology student at Mississippi University for Women (MUW) and again alone and far from family amid another crisis (COVID-19). College students have been urged to go back to their permanent residence. Upadhyay, who lives on campus, has no way to return home. There are other low-income or international college students in East Mississippi that have been presented with a similar challenge – 500 at Mississippi State and 72 at MUW. Those students are staying on or near campus after schools have halted operations. For Upadhyay, Nepal isn’t an option. The entire country is on lockdown. "I have nowhere to go here," Upadhyay said. (Source: Columbus Dispatch 03/27/20) https://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=80306

NASM civilian tests positive

A civilian worker at the NAS Meridian, Miss., Navy Exchange has tested positive for the coronavirus, and is undergoing treatment at a local hospital, according to NASM's Facebook page. The employee had minimal contact with others. The NEX main store and mini-mall have closed for deep cleaning procedures, and is expected to open in the very near future. (NASM Facebook 03/27/20)

New mil.hardship pay over virus

A new Defense Department guidance lays out a series of special hardship pay and allowances for military members dealing with coronavirus response, quarantined after contracting the virus or separated from families due to permanent change-of-station (PCS) changes. The guidance, issued March 26, includes a cash allowance for troops ordered to quarantine after exposure. The new pay is known as Hardship Duty Pay-Restriction of Movement (HDP-ROM). It assists mil.personnel ordered to self-isolate, but unable to do so at home or in government quarters, in order to cover the cost of lodging. Service members can receive $100/day for up to 15 days each month if they meet the requirements, the guidance states. (Source: Military.com 03/26/20) https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/03/26/these-are-special-military-pay-and-allowances-coronavirus.html

Mil.Kids can access telehealth

A new Military OneSource rule allows military kids and teenagers to access free non-medical counseling via telehealth as an alternative to in-person visits. The change is aimed at helping kids start or keep up with their mental health appointments during novel coronavirus-related lockdowns. In the past, telehealth was available only to adult users of the Military OneSource. Users under 18 were previously limited to in-person support. Military OneSource will offer non-medical counseling video sessions for children and youth who may feel overwhelmed by the COVID-19 outbreak," the announcement states. DoD officials are looking to the counseling appointments and other resources offered through Military OneSource to help military families cope with the ongoing uncertainty during the pandemic. The change comes just ahead of the annual Month of the Military Child in April, Full eligibility rules can be seen on the Military OneSource website.
(Source: Military.com 03/25/20) https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/03/25/military-kids-teens-can-now-access-free-telehealth-counseling.html

Limited mil.resources/balancing act

Despite pleas for U.S. military assistance from governors and mayors across the country, Defense Secretary Mark Esper cautioned March 25 that the Pentagon is not in a position to domestically deploy nearly enough medical resources to address the scale of the coronavirus outbreak (+65K in U.S.). He warned that the pandemic will "inevitably" alter the global strategic balance, and can’t be allowed to overtake DoD’s No. 1 priority: National security. SECDEF’s remarks come amid growing calls for military assistance for everything from extra beds to ventilators. It's a crisis President Trump refers to as a "war" with an "invisible enemy." In an interview with NPR, Esper said the military doesn’t have the resources that “many people think (it has), when it comes to medical capacity … maybe a few thousand (hospital) beds ... at most." NY’s Gov. Andrew Cuomo estimates his state may need as many as 90,000 hospital beds. “The president says it's a war," Cuomo said March 24, so, “act like it's a war." SECDEF told reporters he’s talked to as many as 10 governors, and that each requested military field hospitals. "We clearly can't meet everybody's needs with what we have in our inventory," Esper said. The Army is already preparing to deploy field hospitals to New York and Washington state. Each hospital has 248 beds, but these hospitals are "geared toward treating trauma patients” not people with infectious diseases, he said. The Navy is deploying two hospital ships, USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy, to NY and LA respectively. Each ship has 1,000 beds. Neither will treat coronavirus patients, but rather to handle seriously ill patients, other than those with the virus, to reduce the workload on area hospitals. It’s been a balancing act for the Pentagon. Esper described his top two priorities: Protecting service members and safeguarding the military's mission capabilities. If he can do that, he can fulfill what he called priority No. 3: "provide full support to the whole of government." 

VIRUS NUMBERS: The military as of March 24 had recorded 227 cases of the coronavirus. In an effort to control the numbers, SECDEF signed an order freezing the movements of all U.S. troops abroad for 60 days. The Navy has about a third (57) of the military's coronavirus patients. DoD reported on Tuesday, 174 positive cases among service members. Data provided by the individual services total 170 cases. Nine have required hospitalization. Seventeen have recovered. The Army (44) and Air Force (43) have been the next hardest hit as of March 24. The Marines reported 26 cases in the same time period. DoD also reported 61 military dependents have the virus, 59 civilian workers and 27 contractors. One of those contractors recently died. (Sources: NPR & Military.com 03/25/20) https://www.npr.org/2020/03/25/821606478/defense-secretary-esper-says-military-has-limited-capacity-to-provide-hospital-b and https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/03/25/navy-hardest-hit-military-service-coronavirus-outbreak.html

PC developing low-cost ventilators

PANAMA CITY, Fla. - In response to COVID-19, engineers and scientists at Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City (NSWCPC), Fla., are developing low-cost easily-assembled, non-FDA approved, ventilators that can be rapidly prototyped and used in both hospital and field settings. If approved, these prototypes could be used to support critical care requirements around the world. During a period of only two-weeks, DoD’s Hack-a-Vent Innovation Challenge sought to ignite brilliant minds and expertise to respond to the threats overwhelming the medical system. Teams were charged with creating innovative prototypes using exclusively commercial-off-the-shelf items and/or 3D printed parts. The NSWCPC teams are comprised of mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers, life support and Naval Experimental Diving Unit experts, including medical personnel. The prototypes were developed and tested in partnership with NSWCPC’s Center for Innovation. Holly Gardner, innovation lead, said this challenge identifies an emergent need that can be rapidly delivered across the globe through innovation. (Source: NSWCPC 03/16/20) https://www.navsea.navy.mil/Media/News/SavedNewsModule/Article/2127530/panama-city-scientists-and-engineers-develop-ventilator-prototype-in-response-t/

Hospital ships blog: Comfort, Mercy

Navy blog site for hospital ships The U.S. Navy has established a blog site for the 2020 deployment of the Navy hospital ships USNS Mercy (T-AH-19) and USNS Comfort (T-AH-20) to provide medical support to Americans in regions significantly affected by the COVID-19 virus pandemic. (Source: US Navy 03/26/20) https://navylive.dodlive.mil/2020/03/26/usns-mercy-usns-comfort-2020-covid-19-deployment/?utm_source=phplist5193&utm_medium=email&utm_content=HTML&utm_campaign=Navy+Live+Blog

Keesler: Alternate BMT test plan

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas - Part of an ongoing Air Force contingency response to COVID-19, and with restrictive movement protocols for new recruits in basic military training (BMT), the AF has implemented a revised approach to how recruits enter the training pipeline. New recruits will be brought in based on a 4-week repeating cycle with restricted movement guidelines and the testing of an alternate BMT location at Keesler AFB, Miss. Under the phased-in plan, normal student loads of 650 to 800 students will report for BMT during the first two weeks and immediately enter into the 14-day restriction of movement protocol. The first week of the plan began March 17. The March 31 plan will be rescheduled. In April, about 460 trainees will arrive at BMT weekly. Plans are to send 60 trainees to a Keesler AFB-based detachment under the direction of the 737th Training Group at Lackland to demonstrate a proof of concept. “We are deliberately developing options to disperse the delivery of BMT during contingencies to provide surge capacity and introduce agility into the training pipeline construct,” said Maj. Gen. Andrea Tullos, 2nd Air Force commander at KAFB. The contingency option at KAFB is designed to be implemented along an initial 180-day surge timeline, but is not intended to be an enduring construct, Tullos said. All BMT graduation events are currently closed to the public, but livestreamed on USAF Basic Military Training Facebook page. “These changes are part of our operational mindset to fight through COVID-19 and mitigate force health risks,” Tullos said “We continue to carefully balance the need to deliver mission-ready forces to our operational commanders … and the extensive network of communities across our nation we call home.” KAFB is located at Biloxi, Miss., and is home to the 81st Training Wing that trains for over 160 career field specialty courses in addition to eight operating locations in the U.S. KAFB trains more than 28,000 students annually. (Source: Air Education and Training Command 03/26/20) https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2126112/air-force-bmt-adjusts-schedules-locations-to-sustain-mission-readiness/  UPDATE: It's not the first time that the AF moved BMT outside of Lackland, Texas. A bacterial meningitis outbreak at Lackland in the winter of 1966 led the service to transfer portions of BMT to Amarillo AFBase, Texas, AETC told Air Force Magazine via email.

Readiness mod work @ Fort Polk

Valiant Global Defense Services of San Diego was awarded a $60,000,000 modification (P00031) to contract (W91247-18-C-0001) for mission support services to the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, La. Work will be performed at Fort Polk with an estimated completion date of March 26, 2023. FY 2020 Army operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $60,000,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army 418th Contracting Support Brigade of Fort Hood, Texas, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 03/25/20)

Elective mil.med surgeries on hold

The military health care system is putting a pause on non-emergency surgeries and dental procedures on March 31, according to a March 24 memo from the assistant defense secretary for health affairs, in efforts to shore up capacity for the Defense Department’s rise in coronavirus cases. Exceptions would include surgeries or procedures that keep active duty troops, or reserve component troops on active orders, deployable, the memo read. (Source: Military Times 03/24/20) https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2020/03/24/all-elective-military-medical-and-dental-surgeries-on-hold-amid-coronavirus-pandemic/

'Guv's EO quarantines NY arrivals

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has been under fire from some Democrats and media for taking a slower approach to the coronavirus outbreak than some other governors. So, the governor put out an executive order March 23 directing that airline passengers arriving in Florida from the states of New York, Connecticut and/or New Jersey must be quarantined or isolated for 14 days after they arrive. (Source: WFTS 03/23/20) https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/state/gov-desantis-to-order-a-14-day-quarantine-on-anyone-coming-from-ny-nj-to-fl

CAFB, Keesler postive tests

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. - Columbus Air Force Base announced March 23 that a government civilian worker tested positive for the coronavirus. The testing took place away from the base. The individual has been in isolation for the past 10 days after experiencing flu-like symptoms, according to officials. Doctors have checked out those exposed to the person and cleared them for their normal duties. (Source: WTVA 03/23/20) UPDATE: Keesler AFB, Miss., is monitoring three positive cases of COVID-19: Active duty Airman, spouse of a sister service member, and a retiree. The trio are in isolation, and the Mississippi Department of Health has been notified. On-base public health officials have begun contact tracing to notify those who may have come in contact with the individuals. KAFB remains at Health Protection Condition (HPCON) Charlie. There are no immediate, additional restrictions in place, however, they may be implemented in the future, according to base officials on March 25.

CAFB medical revamps procedures

COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. - The 14th Medical Group at Columbus Air Force Base, Miss., recently revamped clinic-entry and screening procedures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Potential patients who show symptoms or have been out of the state, have to go through an additional screening and testing phase. Those experiencing symptoms, such as a fever >100.4F, cough or shortness of breath, call the Nurse Advice Line at 1-800-TRICARE (1-800-874-2273), option 1. For the most up to date information on how COVID-19 is affecting Columbus AFB, go to https://www.columbus.af.mil/Coronavirus/.

La. biz's $30M pact for VA health

Vali Cooper International of Covington, La., was awarded a $30,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for architect-engineer technical support services for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of March 23, 2030. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 03/24/20)

Are GEA Miss., Ala. jobs at risk?

Some 500,000 aerospace production jobs are at risk in the coronavirus slowdown, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the principal aerospace workers’ union, wrote in a March 23 letter to Congress. IAM asked for government help for their workers, some 13,000 of whom have received layoff notices. The IAM workforce is employed in both the defense industrial base and commercial aircraft industry, which is the lion’s share of aerospace work. Airlines have slashed operations in recent weeks, commercial aircraft orders are in a state of suspension, and parts manufacturers are having slowdowns and closures. In association with the virus and slowdowns, GE Aviation announced March 22 it would layoff about 10 percent of its workforce and furlough about 50 percent of employees involved in maintenance, repair, and overhaul for at least 90 days. GE is suspending raises, and has instituted a hiring freeze. CEO Lawrence Culp Jr. said in a media release that the sudden drop off in demand for parts, engines, and MRO work forced the action. (Source: AF Magazine 03/23/20) Central Mississippi Note: It’s unclear what impact the layoffs and furloughs will have on GE Aviation's plants in Mississippi and Alabama. GE Aviation has two aviation manufacturing facilities in Mississippi: Batesville and Ellisville. The Batesville facility produces two composite parts for GE's GEnx jet engine: Fan platforms and the fan case assembly. The GEnx engine, which will power the Boeing 787 and 747-8 aircrafts, is the world's only jet engine with composite fan blades, composite fan platforms, and a composite fan case. The Ellisville facility will manufacture and assemble new composite components unique to the aviation industry. GEA also has a jet engine components factory in Auburn, Ala. The advanced manufacturing plant will produce precision, super-alloy machined parts for GE jet engines that will power and future commercial and military aircraft, and the vast fleet of GE jet engines already in service. https://www.airforcemag.com/coronavirus-outbreak-puts-more-than-500000-aerospace-jobs-at-risk/

NASM mission-up in face of virus

NAS MERIDIAN, Miss. – Naval Air Station Meridian has no positive cases of the COVID-19 virus as of 1 p.m. on March 23. NASM is taking proactive measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by implementing changes recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Secretary of Defense. NASM commanding officer Capt. Brian Horstman’s “concern is for the health and safety of the 2,800 military, civilian and contractors” onboard the base. NASM is continuing its mission of training student aviators and enlisted sailors and Marines at the schoolhouse “until directed to secure operations,” he said. Employees have been directed to conduct telework from home. Credentialed base patrons and retirees with current ID cards are currently being admitted on base. All visitors without a military issued ID card must complete a health questionnaire upon requesting admittance. All events and tours have been cancelled or postponed through May 11. NASM’s Branch Health Clinic and pharmacy remains open, but patrons are being screened upon arrival for the safety of healthcare providers. Dental and Optometry are open to active duty only. No exams or appointments for retirees. There is a 100 percent ID check for Commissary admission. The NEX remains open. NAS Meridian will continue to provide military services to operational units while adhering to CDC and DoD guidelines. (Source: NASM Facebook 03/23/20) www.facebook.com/NASMeridian.

CAFB sets official business only

COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. - As of March 22, Columbus Air Force Base has declared a public health emergency and is in Health Protection Condition (HPCON) level Charlie - limiting CAFB to official business only. As of March 23, there is one positive case of COVID-19 on base. However, the person was not tested at base medical’s Koritz Clinic, and was not part of the three previously reported cases that were tested. The test was conducted by an off-base provider. The member has been on self-quarantine for the last 10 days. Public health is conducting a normal procedures investigation. At this time, no additional measures are required at CAFB. In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Col. Samantha Weeks, 14th Flying Training Wing commander, implemented protection measures across the base to help flatten the curve. “The bottom line is, we need to continue to take care of ourselves … so that we can protect the force,” Weeks said, and to “protect our mission” of training pilots. (CAFB 03/23/19) Keesler AFB, Miss., is also at HPCON 'Charlie'. https://www.keesler.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2121504/keesler-enters-hpcon-charlie-for-covid-19/

Future of military conscription

A congressional commission wrapped up a multi-year study in January that may have huge implications for the future of the Selective Service System (SSS). On March 25, the National Commission on National Military and Public Service will release its findings, with 164 specific recommendations. The commission may propose, among other things, including women in selective service registration for the first time in history – expanding/altering the registered population or doing away with it. Some contend SSS is a relic of large numbers of personnel for ground-pounder warfare. Most experts/analysts agree that the draft shouldn’t/won’t look the same as it did five decades ago, when military service became voluntary. Here are five ways the draft could change modern warfare. (Source: Military.com 03/22/20) https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/03/22/bringing-back-draft-5-possibilities-future-military-conscription.html

UK's Farnborough airshow canceled

The UK’s Farnborough International Airshow and Royal International Air Tattoo, both originally slated for July, have been canceled due to the new coronavirus pandemic, indicating the outbreak may have a long-term impact on the global defense industry. (Source: AF Magazine 03/20/20) Central Mississippi Note: At the last Farnborough show, delegations from Alabama and Mississippi attended. https://www.airforcemag.com/farnborough-riat-airshows-canceled-indicating-long-term-impact-of-covid-19/

Hainsey’s hope for GTRA impacts

The travel industry is in a major crisis for the first time in about 20 years, but leadership at Golden Triangle Regional Airport (GTRA) is optimistic that strategic planning and budgeting will help the airport weather financial turbulence, brought on by the coronavirus and fewer travelers, in the coming weeks. GTRA’s Board of Directors held its monthly meeting via teleconference March 20. GTRA Executive Director Mike Hainsey provide updates on efforts to prepare for the impacts. “Since this (virus impact of travel) has happened, we are currently averaging about 10 people per flight,” he said. “We have not heard anything from the airlines yet in terms of cancellations. But we do expect that to happen.” Back in February, passenger totals were up 21 percent. Hainsey’s hope comes from seeing the industry working together to get through the crisis, including cooperation between airports and airlines. Hainsey predicted the overall impact on revenue for 2020 may be about $200,000. But with strategic planning and stopping planned improvement projects, the net loss may actually be about $26,000. (Source: Starkville Daily News 03/21/20) https://www.starkvilledailynews.com/news/hainsey-says-gtr-expecting-revenue-loss-but-expresses-optimism/article_489d093a-6b84-11ea-bbdd-a7a89ef4d687.html

Update: Harrison rejects curfew

Mississippi Gulf Coast law enforcement agencies are recommending a two-week, 24-hour curfew starting in the evening of March 23, according to the City of Biloxi. A letter has been circulating via social media, signed by Harrison County Sheriff Troy Peterson and police chiefs of Biloxi, Gulfport, Long Beach, Pass Christian and D’Iberville, recommending a curfew through April 6. Gulfport Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich said the letter was “written for discussion purposes” and expects it to come up at Monday morning’s Harrison County Board of Supervisors meeting. Harrison County released a statement in a March 21 media release saying the board has not yet discussed a curfew. The document “is apparently a suggestion created and signed” by area law enforcement officials prior to presenting their suggestions to city/county officials. In a city Facebook post, Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes’ office said law enforcement “in their zeal to underscore the critical nature of COVID-19 outbreak, put their recommendations in writing” to coastal mayors. Those concerns are “understood and appreciated (but) the Mayors rejected adopting those recommendations, favoring … a more measured approach." On March 20, the state health department recommended closing all bars and restaurant dining rooms. Coastal cities/counties enacted local resolutions enforcing it. (Source: Sun Herald March 21/20) https://www.sunherald.com/news/coronavirus/article241405021.html?#storylink=cpy UPDATE: On the advice of South Mississippi Coast mayors, the Harrison County Board of Supervisors rejected imposing a curfew at its meeting Monday, March 23, but all warned that day could be coming. (Source: Sun Herald 03/23/20)

Read more here: https://www.sunherald.com/news/coronavirus/article241423256.html?#storylink=cpy

Navistar-West Point to build MTVs

The U.S. Army added Navistar Defense of Melrose, Ill., to a contract modification (W56HZV-15-C-0095) on March 19, with a previously awarded pact to Oshkosh (Wis.) Defense, for the production and technical support for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). Navistar, with a production facility in West Point, Miss., will build 134 Medium Tactical Vehicles (MTVs). Navistar’s contract was for $21.97M. Navistar Defense was added as an awardee to the multiple award contract for commercial trucks and trailers, issued against solicitation SPE8EC-17-R-0008 and announced Jan. 9, 2018. (Source: DoD 03/19/20) Most of the production will take place in West Point. The Foreign Military Sales contract orders are for 4x4 cargo vehicles, 6x6 general transport trucks, 6x6 general transport trucks with material handling equipment and 6x6 30-ton wreckers, along with spare parts and technical data. Since 2004, Navistar has delivered more than 7,000 military vehicles to the Iraqi Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Defense. Navistar Defense LLC is a tactical-wheeled vehicle original equipment manufacturer serving the military, law enforcement, and government agencies worldwide. (Source: Navistar Defense 03/1920)

Coronavirus halts SLS work

Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans and Stennis Space Center (SSC) in Mississippi have been elevated to "Stage 4" response level to the coronavirus pandemic, a move that halts indefinitely work on NASA's Space Launch System (SLS). The move to the highest level response was announced Thursday by NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. The Ames Research Center in California is also now Stage 4 and the rest of NASA's centers remain at Stage 3, where they were placed March 17. Stage 3 requires mandatory telework and some mission-essential work on site to continue. For Stage 4 only personnel needed to “protect life and critical infrastructure” are allowed at the center. Bridenstine said in the statement that the decision was made because of the growing number of COVID-19 cases in the community at both centers, and the diagnosis of one Stennis employee with the disease. The Stage 4 designation will impact work on the SLS, and to a lesser extent, the Orion spacecraft. The core stage for the first SLS mission was recently completed at Michoud and shipped to SSC for testing leading up to a “Green Run” static-fire test later this summer. “The NASA and contractor teams will complete an orderly shutdown that puts all hardware in a safe condition until work can resume,” the statement said. (Sources: SpaceNews, Reuters, 03/19/20)

AF plans to rent T-50A jet trainers

The Air Force's Air Combat Command plans to award a sole-source lease contract to Texas-based Hillwood Aviation for up to eight Korea Aerospace Industries/Lockheed Martin T-50A jet trainers after awarding a $9.2B contract in 2018 to Boeing for up to 351 T-7A Red Hawk – future AF trainer jet. The reason for the rentals is to get a jump-start on its advanced pilot raining regime, and to refine capabilities needed for production of the T-7A Red Hawk, according to a sole-source notice posted online in January. The sole-source award is being protested by Mission System Solutions, which is offering the Leonardo M-346 jet trainer. Both aircraft (T-50A and M-346) were bid for the T-X trainer, but lost to Boeing. There is no indication Boeing’s T-7A contract is being replaced, according to a Flight Global report. The AF initiative is called Reforge Proof of Concept, which is a reference to another idea called Rebuilding the Forge, designed to speed up the pace of fighter pilot training while using the T-7A. The concept of operations “deliberately develops and experiences fighter aviators with relevant tactical skills prior to their fighter’s Formal Training Unit,” reads the sole-source award; and to educate them on fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft they will be flying. The AF wants to see if the idea can complete more training earlier to relieve the workload on operational squadrons. The T-7A is still in the final stages of development and testing. It’s not available for use in this experiment. The first T-7A is not scheduled to arrive at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, until 2023. (Source: Flight Global 03/19/20) https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/us-air-force-looks-to-rent-t-x-contest-losers-to-prepare-for-boeing-t-7a/137416.article

Former AFA SE prez passes away

Retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Thomas Gwaltney passed away March 15. He was a long-time member and field leader in the Air Force Association, including the Montgomery (Ala.) Chapter President, Alabama State President, and South East Region President. (Source: AFA 03/18/29) https://www.afa.org/publications-news/news/2020/03/18

AF identifies spec tactics airman

A special tactics combat controller from the 24th Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Fla., died March 19 during a surface swim in St. Andrew Bay off the coast of Panama City. The Airman, whose name has not been released pending notification of next of kin, was taking part in an Air Force Combat Dive Course at Naval Support Activity Panama City when he went missing at about 11:05 a.m. Multiple search and rescue agencies, including the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center, U.S. Coast Guard Station Panama City, and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office searched the area. The Airman was located around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, according to a Hurlburt media release. The Air Force is investigating the incident, and no additional details are available. (Source: AF Magazine 03/20/20) The training area is marked with buoys, and the maximum depth is 20 feet. UPDATE: The AF identified the deceased controller as Airman First Class Keigan Baker, 24, of Longview, Wash. He was a graduate of Eastern Washington University where he earned a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Business Administration.

Hurlburt airman with coronavirus

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. – An active-duty Airman tested positive for COVID-19 on Hurlburt Field in NQ Florida. The servicemember had recently returned from travel to a country that has a Level Three Travel Health Notice, and promptly self-quarantined upon return, consistent with DoD guidelines. After experiencing symptoms for several days, the member contacted the 1st Special Operations Medical Group at Hurlburt and was screened at a drive-through screening operation recently implemented on base to combat the spread of the virus. The purpose of the travel was for official duties. However, transportation was accomplished via commercial means. “The health of our Airmen and our community remains paramount,” said Col. Mike Conley, commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing. “I have personally spoken with this Airman, and he’s in good condition. Fortunately, he took all the right steps … and went into self-quarantine immediately after he landed to limit exposure" although he had no symptoms at that time. “Thankfully, he was vigilant, and our team of highly-qualified professionals took the necessary precautions to prepare for our first case,” he said. The servicemember remains under medical care in mandatory self-isolation. (Source: Hurlburt Field media release 03/19/20)

Hurlburt, Tyndall reasignments

The chief of staff of the Air Force announced March 19 the assignment of the following general officers: Brig. Gen. David A. Harris Jr., director, strategic plans, programs and requirements, HQ of the Air Force Special Operations Command at Hurlburt Field, Fla., to director, Air Force Warfighting Integration Capability, Deputy Chief of Staff, Strategy, Integration and Requirements, HQ of U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Brig. Gen. (select) William D. Betts, chief of Program Integration Division, Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans and Programs HQ at the Air Force in the Pentagon, to vice commander of the 1st Air Force, Air Forces Northern, Air Combat Command, at Tyndall AFB, Fla. (Source: DoD 03/19/20)

NCIS warns of scams over virus

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) is warning sailors to be aware of online scams about coronavirus. Criminals are using coronavirus fears to conduct new forms of phishing, financial scams and disinformation over social media in order to collect sensitive information, steal money, and deliver malware to victims, according to an NCIS media release. Since January, several “spear phishing” campaigns have been falsely representing healthcare organizations, like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, NCIS says. The agency urges personnel to stay vigilant and use complex and different passwords for different services and to only visit trustworthy sites for news on the pandemic. Use two-factor authentication when possible and change passwords regularly. Scammers can alter web addresses to make them resemble a legit site, so double check the URLs. NCIS further advises that sailors not enter sensitive data and password information into websites that don’t typically request it. (Source: Navy Times 03/18/20) https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2020/03/18/ncis-warns-of-coronavirus-related-online-scams/

Update: DoD's industry concerns

On March 17, the Defense Department and industry associations kicked off the first of daily talks about the effects of coronavirus on the defense industrial base. The novel coronavirus has infected more than 200,000 people worldwide and killed upwards of 100 in the U.S. The outbreak has upended the American lives, shuttered businesses, forced tele-work, travel restrictions, and bans on large gatherings. The pandemic raised concerns about potential effects on military programs and current/future contracts. DoD now has plans to reach out to industry groups on a daily basis to discuss the impacts. (Source: National Defense Magazine 03/18/20) https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2020/3/18/pentagon-defense-industry-associations-to-hold-daily-calls-about-coronavirus UPDATE: On Sunday, DoD released a statement which said: "During the 4 daily COVID-19 update calls with defense industry associations leaders this week … several key concerns identified by industry included 1) critical defense contractor workforce ability to continue working; 2) ensuring cash flow to the defense industrial base; and 3) getting standardized guidance out to industry. On Friday, the Department issued two memos that address all three concerns. (Source: DoD 03/22/20) https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2121122/partnering-with-the-us-defense-industrial-base-to-combat-covid-19/source/GovDelivery/

Army preparing 2 field hospitals

The Army is preparing to deploy two field hospitals, according to Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy. One unnamed defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the field hospitals will go to New York City and Seattle, Wash., two hard-hit coronavirus areas. Those details have not been made public. The Army field hospitals could provide about 1,000 beds. There are more ways the military could assist in the coronavirus crisis; and Pentagon leaders have been having on-going discussions with federal/state officials. Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul Friedrichs, surgeon for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters March 16 that defense officials are trying to identify "what's within the realm of the possible.” DoD has a detailed pandemic response plan of possible things the military can do, if requested. Drafted and overhauled several times over years, the military's plan is closely guarded and officials decline to discuss details publicly. (Source: Stars & Stripes 03/18/20) https://www.stripes.com/news/us/us-military-s-role-in-response-to-virus-outbreak-is-growing-1.622951

AHI: Sr. aircraft maintenance tech

Senior Aircraft Technician (Maintenance) job at Airbus Helicopters Inc.-Columbus, Miss. (Source: Vertical 03/18/20) https://www.verticalmag.com/careers/sr-aircraft-technician-maintenance-columbus-ms/

Navy postpones advancement exam

The Navy is postponing March 19’s Navy-wide petty officer advancement exam to May 21 due to health concerns over the coronavirus, according to a Navy administrative message released late on May 17. There are more than 45,000 E-3s in the Navy, most of whom are eligible to take the petty officer 3rd class exam to advance to the paygrade of E-4. (Source: San Diego Union 03/18/20) https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/military/story/2020-03-17/navy-postpones-petty-officer-promotion-exams-until-may-due-to-coronavirus.

MTFs may 'scrub' appointments

Military treatment facility (MTF) patients will likely see some of their scheduled appointments canceled and moved to telehealth while Defense Health Agency (DHA) officials begin to "scrub" schedules and clear the way for coronavirus patients, Regina Julian, the coordinator between DHA and military services, said during a Facebook-based town hall with Pentagon health officials March 17. "What we have asked the (MTFs) to do ... to 'scrub the templates’," Julian explained. MTF patients will receive a cancellation notice and/or telephone call regarding their appointments. But “soon after” that, those patients should have someone from the MTF reach out to schedule a virtual telephone visit with their provider, “where that's feasible," she said. Other patients may be notified of new precautions for visits that can be done only in person. DHA is looking to offer telehealth appointments to active-duty patients. ACDU is expected to receive care from the direct-care system. MTF patients who have elective procedures may be asked to postpone, said Col. Neil Page, deputy of DHA's clinical support division. Those delay decisions will be made based on the current coronavirus patient load on a facility-by-facility basis. "Tricare users can also receive doctor help via telehealth ‘app’ services or community-based civilian providers, Julian said. Tricare covers consultations from apps that provide HIPPA-compliant and video-based care. (Source: Military.com 03/17/20) Gulf Coast Note: No MTFs were specifically identified by DHA or Military.com. Within the Gulf Coast region there are MTF Air Force facilities at Keesler AFB, Miss., Eglin AFB and Naval Hospital Pensacola, Fla. https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/03/17/military-hospitals-cancel-appointments-shift-telehealth-covid-19-response.html

Update: NCBC sailor pops positive

GULFPORT, Miss. - A civilian worker here at the Naval Construction Battalion Center’s Naval Exchange (NEX) tested positive for COVID-19 on March 17, and is currently undergoing evaluation and treatment. The Defense Department has notified public health authorities of the positive test, and has taken precautions to ensure the employee is receiving appropriate care. In consultation with the State of Mississippi Public Health and Navy public health officials it was deemed that a quarantine for additional personnel was not needed due to the lack of exposure to other NEX employees/associates and patrons. Contact tracing performed by public health officials is also underway. The Navy is working closely with interagency partners to ensure everything possible to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 (coronavirus) on its personnel and families. (Source: Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport 03/18/20) https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=112383 NCBC Gulfport is a Seabee base that conducts deployments around the world. There have been no Navy military personnel to test positive as of March 18. UPDATE: A third person at NCBC Gulfport has tested positive for the coronavirus, according to a media release from the base. The most recent person to test positive is a sailor-trainee who was tested March 18 and received a positive result from Keesler (AFB) Medical Center on March 23. The sailor is undergoing treatment and will be placed in isolation for 14 days. Staff and students who had close contact with the individual will also be placed in quarantine for 14 days to self-monitor for symptoms. The first two people at NCBC to test positive were civilian workers. (Source: Sun Herald 03/23/20) https://www.sunherald.com/news/coronavirus/article241449986.html?#storylink=cpy

AF warrior trials postponed

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. - The 7th annual Air Force Wounded Warrior trials, set to begin March 20 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., was postponed due to the COVID-19 public health threat. The 8-day paralympic-style competition was scheduled for March 20-28. The competition, hosted by the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program, is designed to promote the mental and physical well-being of the wounded, ill and injured service members that make up the group and select the team that represents the U.S. Air Force at the 2020 Department of Defense Warrior Games and the 2020 Invictus Games. Like other large events that have been postponed or cancelled, the program’s leadership said they felt canceling the games was in the best interest of the people who could be put at risk of contracting the disease. (Source: AF Magazine 03/17/20)

22 states' NG virus-activated

A total of 1,560 National Guard members in 22 states have been activated, starting March 16, in support of their states’ responses to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) missions, according to the National Guard Bureau. The New York National Guard and Air National Guard have the largest numbers of personnel activated. The Colorado NG has the second-highest number of troops activated. Florida National Guard (FLNG) soldiers and airmen are helping set up and conduct drive-through coronavirus testing in South Florida where 39 of the state’s 160 known cases of the virus is concentrated. The testing facility in Broward County will allow those who meet the Center for Disease Control’s criteria to provide a specimen for testing without getting of their vehicle. Guard members will take swabs and ship them to a lab, which will send results to the Florida Department of Health. The test “will allow citizens to see if they have this virus so we can quarantine them,” said Col. Roy Bassett, FLNG state surgeon. At the national level, Guard members are training responders and “identifying/preparing NG facilities for use as isolation housing,” according to an NGB fact sheet that was shared with Air Force Magazine. (Source: AF Magazine 03/17/20)

LDWF closes; online stays up

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) offices throughout the state will be closed indefinitely to the public beginning March 17. To alleviate any additional public burden, LDWF is providing the public alternatives to process applications via mail, email and online. (Source: LDWF 03/16/20) https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/news/ldwf-offices-closed-to-the-public-starting-march-17

'Wings' axed; child services cut

The Wings Over Columbus (AFB, Miss.) Airshow, scheduled for April 24-26, has been canceled. Additionally, in order to support the mission readiness of CAFB, Child and Youth Services will be suspending all non-essential services. This will include Part Day Enrichment, Open Recreation, Sports, and Instructional Classes. Please help us spread the word. We will provide updates as additional information becomes available. (Source: CAFB Facebook 03/15/29) https://www.facebook.com/pg/ColumbusAFB/posts/?ref=page_internal

New Navy Reserve rules (re: virus)

NORFOLK, Va. - Effective immediately, the U.S. Navy Reserve is implementing new rules and requirements for Reservists in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Commander, Navy Reserve Force (CNRF), released ALNAVRESFOR 008/20 March 15, which provides a wide-range of guidance for addressing recent travel restrictions and temporary policies meant to protect Reservists and their families from the coronavirus. The message provides detailed information for topics such as drills, Restriction of Movement (ROM) requirements, and non-mission essential travel. Selected Reservists (SELRES) are strongly encouraged to read the official message in its entirety. At a minimum, here is what you need to know: All regular drill weekends are postponed through May 11. (Source: Commander, Navy Reserve Force 03/16/20) https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=112365

No 'Real ID', no air travel

Airline passengers must have a “Real ID” special designation on their driver's licenses by Oct. 1 in order to go through security checkpoints and board planes. On March 13, Golden Triangle Regional Airport Director Mike Hainsey and Kim Jackson, security director for Mississippi Transportation Safety Authority, held a press conference about the new policy. If passengers don't have a Real ID designation on their licenses, they must have some other approved form of identification -- primarily a passport or military ID. Beginning Oct. 1, TSA estimates a million people per day will come through its checkpoints without a compliant ID, according to Jackson. "At that point, it's pretty simple: No compliant ID, no air travel." As of last week, an estimated “37 percent of people have a compliant ID," Hainsey said. Real IDs are issued by driver's license bureaus in each state. (Source: Columbus Dispatch 03/14/20) https://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=80047

Update: 2nd La. coronavirus death

A 58-year-old Orleans Parish resident, confirmed March 14 by La. Gov. John Bel Edwards, has become the first coronavirus death in Louisiana. The 58-year-old, with underlying health conditions, had been hospitalized at the Touro infirmary, according to the governor’s office. There are currently 77 presumptive cases in Louisiana, up from March 14’s announced total of 36 cases – mostly in the New Orleans area. (Source: WDSU 03/14/20) https://www.wdsu.com/article/louisiana-now-has-77-presumptive-positive-coronavirus-cases/31541662 UPDATE: A second patient death has been attributed to the coronavirus in Louisiana as the number of reported cases reached 99. The second death is that of a 53-year-old Orleans Parish resident with underlying medical conditions. The patient was being treated at Touro Infirmary in New Orleans - same as the first.

Foreign.mil travels suspended

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas - The Air Education and Training Command announced all travel for international military students scheduled to begin Air Force-sponsored training in the United States has been suspended effective March 13. The suspension applies to students from any overseas country, regardless of their CDC-level. The guidance does not, at this time, affect any international military student already in the continental U.S. and attending training. (Source: AETC 03/13/20)

Contractor compliance assistance

The U.S. Labor Department’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) launched its Contractor Compliance Institute to improve compliance assistance and increase transparency for federal contractors. OFCCP encourages all federal contract holders to use the Contractor Compliance Institute, the latest compliance assistance resource, to help reach equal employment opportunity obligations. (Source: OFCCP 03/13/20) https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOLOFCCP/bulletins/275f2d1

SK: First virus down-turn

SEOUL - South Korea reported more recoveries from the coronavirus than new infections on March 13. It’s the first time, since its outbreak began in January, of a down-turn in daily cases, which raised hopes that Asia’s biggest outbreak, outside of China, may be slowing. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) recorded 110 new coronavirus cases on March 13 compared with 114 a day earlier, taking the national numbers to 7,979. In contrast, 177 patients were released from hospitals where they had been isolated. It marks the first time that daily numbers of recovered people exceeded new infections since South Korea’s first patient was confirmed Jan. 20. (Source: Reuters 03/13/20) https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-southkorea/south-korea-reports-more-recoveries-than-coronavirus-cases-for-the-first-time-idUSKBN210051

Virus shuttering south MS breakers

Add Black Beach Weekend to the spring break events canceled across south Mississippi by the new coronavirus. (Source: Sun Herald 03/13/20) https://www.sunherald.com/news/local/counties/harrison-county/article241173006.html?#storylink=cpy