HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Officials from the 66th Medical Squadron offer multiple health and safety tips to employees as the installation enters into the next phase of COVID-19 operations.
The installation commander announced that Hanscom will transition into Phase 2A, also known as the “Cautious Phase,” of the multiphase Return to Full Capacity, June 22.
“Good handwashing, sanitizing, social distancing and wearing face coverings are still crucial in this phase,” said Lt. Col. Angela Riegel, 66 MDS chief of medical staff.
Employees should continue to maximize telework capabilities except where mission essential tasks require return to work centers. Employees must also continue to wear face coverings when moving to and from their work area, but may remove them at their personal workspaces and other stationary locations.
Base officials recently made a base-wide bulk order of various supplies. However, disinfecting wipes are currently on back order. Riegel said personnel can compare other cleaning supplies to the recommended products listed at www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2-covid-19.
“Personnel can also use one-third cup of bleach to one gallon of water, or use 70 percent alcohol solutions to wipe down surfaces,” she said. "You should not mix bleach or other cleaning and disinfecting products together."
Riegel said the clinic is currently working with the installation crisis action team to develop specific guidance on how to maintain healthy working environments, which will be released prior to the start of Phase 2A
“We want personnel to know what to expect when they return, so they can feel safe at work,” she said.
Social distancing procedures at the MDS will also remain in place, including patients calling ahead to activate prescriptions, and utilizing the trailer in front of the building before entering the clinic. Patients can call the 66 MDS appointment line at 781-225-6789.
Patients who feel ill or display COVID-19-like symptoms should not report to work and should communicate illness to their points of contact and the Hanscom Public Health office.
A complete list of facilities and services available in Phase 2A, as well as up-to-date COVID-19 information, can be found at www.hanscom.af.mil/coronavirus.