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Winn Army Community Hospital announces two positive COVID-19 cases
Fort Stewart display
(FORT STEWART, Ga., March 26, 2020) - Winn Army Community Hospital reports two patients - one Soldier newly arrived to Fort Stewart and one Soldier with the Georgia Army National Guard- have tested positive for the Coronavirus, COVID-19, according to a press release issued by Public Affairs Officer Kevin Larson. The patients are in isolation and receiving treatment in accordance with Centers for Disease Control guidance. Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield now has a total of three cases of COVID-19.

Larson said immediately upon notification of the positive test results, Preventative Health Trace Teams acted to quickly identify additional personnel who may have come in contact with the infected individuals. All potentially exposed individuals have been contacted or placed in quarantine so their conditions may be observed and monitored.

"The key decision made by the Commanding General was his refusal to accept risk to our community," said Lt. Col. Jimmy Watts, Division Surgeon, 3rd Infantry Division. "We are aggressive with our screening. We then act based on initial symptoms and risk and are very aggressive about isolating early."

Larson noted that Winn Army Community Hospital and Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield leadership continues to prioritize the health and safety of their military, civilians and family members. The release said they will continue to take precautionary measures to protect the health and welfare of the community and to prevent further spread of COVID-19 and community transmission.

Military public health officials remind people on and off the installations to take precautions by using the following preventive measures:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20
seconds.
Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent
alcohol if soap and water are unavailable.

Additional information on preventive measures can be found on the Fort Stewart website: https://home.army.mil/stewart/.

The Nurse Advice Line is available 24/7 to answer questions at 1-800-874-2273 (select option 1 and follow the instructions).

The Army Public Health Center hotline is 800-984-8523.

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