First Presumptive Positive Coronavirus Reported In Altus AFB

Thursday, March 12th 2020, 2:13 pm

By: News On 6

The first presumptive positive case of coronavirus (COVID-19) has been reported at Altus Air Force Base.

An active-duty airman tested positive for coronavirus and is currently assigned to Altus Air Force Base, Air Force officials reported.

The airman is undergoing evaluation and treatment following the testing.

The airman reportedly contracted the virus after returning from leave earlier this month. The airman was in the greater Seattle, Washington, area.

“Right now we have one confirmed case of COVID-19 on our installation,” said Col. Matthew Leard, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander. “The health and safety of our Airmen and Families is our top priority. We will continue to work with our interagency partners to ensure we do everything we can to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 and ensure our Airmen have the most up-to-date information on appropriate measures to prevent the potential spread of the virus.”

Altus Air Force Base has changed its health protection condition "level to B to reflect the moderate disease threat posed by COVID-19 and the risk of exposure to personnel."