Adjutant General Update: Recommit to COVID-19 health protection measures- Oct. 13, 2020

To the Virginia National Guard Team:

Our Soldiers, Airmen, Virginia Defense Force personnel and state and federal civilians across the Virginia National Guard and Department of Military Affairs continue to provide outstanding support to communities across the commonwealth. That said, in the last week we have seen a surge of personnel testing positive for COVID-19. This is a troubling matter, especially as we enter the flu season.

We need everyone to recommit to basic health protection measures to ensure we can operate safely and maintain readiness. Let’s not get complacent! This is the time to be even more vigilant and protect all of our force – our nation and state need us now more than ever!  Please remember these simple things we can do to protect ourselves, our co-workers, our battle buddies, our wingmen and our families:

• If you’re sick, stay home and inform your supervisor
• Communicate IMMEDIATELY if there is possible exposure in or out of work, or via travel, to your supervisor!
• Practice six feet social distancing
• Wear a mask, whether indoors or outside, when social distance can’t be kept
• Wash your hands often and clean work areas

I expect leaders at every level to take these health protection measures seriously and enforce the standard at all times. The safety of our personnel and the readiness of our units depends on it.

All COVID-19 related questions or required occupational health reporting data should be emailed to ng.va.vaarng.mbx.oh-covid-19@mail.mil.

I’m proud of all you have done and continue to do.

All the best,

Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams
28th Adjutant General of Virginia