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The US Navy has announced new positive cases of Covid-19 in different locations across the US.
A positive case has been confirmed in the NCBC Naval Exchange. The patient is a civilian employee and is currently under evaluation and treatment.
Additional personnel are not being quarantined, citing ‘lack of exposure’ with other employees at the site.
The navy also confirmed that a second sailor tested positive on board the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), which is homeported in San Diego, California. The first sailor was confirmed positive last week.
The individual is undergoing quarantine at home in line with guidelines issued by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
Boxer has implemented measures to combat the spread of Covid-19, including a medical station with medical department representatives and equipment.
The quarterdeck watchstanders have been equipped with nitrile gloves to prevent touching and are ensuring social distancing.
The ship is also being deep cleaned using HTH (bleach) two times each day. It is also equipped with antiseptic wipes and hand sanitisers.
The beds of the duty section personnel and for those who live on the ship are situated six feet apart, while the mess decks, CPO mess, and wardroom are now self-serve. The gyms on the ship have been shut down.
A sailor on-board Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 48 was confirmed to have Covid-19 on 18 March.
The infected individual is situated in their residence and following guidelines issued by the CDC.
A thorough contact investigation is being conducted by military health professionals to find out possible exposure in case of close contact between the sailor and other personnel.
Additional precautionary measures are expected to be undertaken based on the investigation results.
On 17 March, a sailor on the Littoral Combat Ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) homeported in San Diego tested positive for Covid-19.
To prevent the further spread of the virus, the navy has asked commanding officers to relax the hair length standards for both men and women.
However, sailors will have to adhere to the requirements regarding sideburns, hair styles, and facial hair shaving.
