Keesler Air Force Base, Ingalls report new coronavirus cases. Here’s a list.
Despite security precautions, coronavirus is getting into military bases and contracting companies in South Mississippi.
- Three cases were confirmed Wednesday at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi.
- A second positive case was reported Wednesday at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula.
- Three positive cases have been reported at the Naval Construction Battalion Center, also known as the Seabee base, in Gulfport.
At Keesler AFB: One person who tested positive is an active duty airman, another is the spouse of a sister member and the third is a retiree. These are the first cases reported at Keesler.
The three are in isolation and the state Health Department has been notified, according to the base communication, and officials are notifying those who may have come in contact with any of them.
“Our command team is directly involved with each member, as is the medical team,” said Col. Healther Blackwell, commander of the 81st Training Wing at Keesler.
The base remains at Health Protection Condition Charlie, meaning there are no additional restrictions due to the positive cases. But that may be implemented in the future, the press release said.
At Ingalls Shipbuilding: A second employee has tested positive for COVID-19, the company said. The first case was confirmed on Sunday.
“As numbers across our region continue to rise, we do expect Ingalls’ numbers to increase as well,” said Brian Cuccias, president of Ingalls Shipbuilding.
Work continues at Ingalls, which is deemed an essential business as a Department of Defense contractor.
“Clearly, we know that more employees, customers or contractors will contract the virus,” the notification said.
“I would also reiterate that if you do not feel safe, you have the option to not come in,” he said. “Liberal leave is available to you through April 17. This means your job is secure. If you choose not to come to work, you will have a job to come back to when this pandemic is over.”
At Naval Construction Battalion Center: A third person, a trainee sailor, tested positive after undergoing a test at Keesler Medical Center on Monday. The Seabee base in Gulfport reported two previous cases among civilian workers at the base.
This story was originally published March 25, 2020 at 2:20 PM.
