Maintain resiliency through holiday Published Nov. 25, 2020 By Senior Airman Neil Mabini Team March Public Affairs March Air Reserve Base, Calif. -- On Thursday, Nov. 18, the Centers for Disease Control released guidelines to celebrate Thanksgiving in a way to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 or the flu. Total force military personnel, family members, Defense Department civilian employees and contractors, and any other individuals who come onto the base are encouraged to follow the CDC guidelines and maintain resiliency. “Celebrating the holidays this year will look different for our members,” said Capt. Marissa Hopkins, 452nd Air Mobility Wing public health officer and an infection control preventionist. “It’s important to consider how many people will be around, how the food will be prepared and where everyone will sit to eat due to COVID-19.” Service members and civilians who come on base are already subject to battle staff directives, in place since spring, that promote resiliency and protect community health. These directives mirror CDC guidelines. According to the CDC website, the safest choice this year is to postpone travel plans and stay home and/or celebrate virtually. For those who must travel, follow these guidelines: - Check travel restrictions before departure. - Get the flu shot before traveling. - Wear a mask with two or more layers that is secured under the chin and covers the nose and mouth. - Stay at least six feet apart from anyone who does not live with you. - Wash hands or use hand sanitizer often. - Avoid touching the mask, eyes, nose and mouth. - Bring extra supplies, such as masks and hand sanitizer. If attending a gathering during the travels, make the celebration safer with these guidelines: - Bring your own food, drinks, plates, cups and utensils. - Wear a mask and safely store the mask while eating and drinking. - Avoid going in and out of food preparation areas. - Use single-use options such as condiment packets and disposable utensils. If scheduled to return to the base for work after the holidays, any personnel with COVID-19 symptoms should stay at home, contact his or her medical provider, and notify his or her Group Control Center (GCC) and supervisor in adherence with the Battle Staff Directive 006. Asymptomatic (no symptoms) personnel who have had close contact with an individual who has laboratory confirmed COVID-19 (tested positive) should notify his or her GCC and supervisor. Details on CDC Thanksgiving guidelines can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/thanksgiving.html. March Air Reserve Base Battle Staff Directives can be found at https://afrc.eim.us.af.mil/sites/452aw/WingStaff/PA/Pages/BattleStaffDirectives.aspx. Have a safe Thanksgiving holiday! -30- #ReserveResilient #TeamMarch #ReserveReady