Alabama National Guard airman positive for COVID-19

An Alabama National Guard airman tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday. 

The airman, assigned to the 187th Fighter Wing  self-quarantined after experiencing symptoms, according to a statement released by Dannally Field officials Friday. 

“Dannelly Field public health officials are working with military and state officials to monitor the airman who is recovering at home. The airman has not visited Dannelly Field since early March,” according to the statement. 

Dannelly Field has moved to Health Protection Condition Charlie, restricting some access to the base, limiting off-base travel for military personnel and encouraging civilian workers to limit travel. 

“My first priority is the health and safety of our Airmen and their families,” said Col. Ed Casey, 187th Fighter Wing commander in a statement. “To that end, we are acting on guidance and direction from Air Force and Department of Defense leadership to help prevent the spread of the virus on our base and in our communities. We will continue to fly and train to be ready to fight America’s adversaries if need be, but going to HPCON Charlie helps us take deliberate measures to safeguard our force.”

As of Friday afternoon there were 587 conformed COVID-19 cases in Alabama. The state Department of Public Health on Friday listed three deaths as a result of the virus, but state health officer Dr. Scott Harris said Friday morning that the department was investigating 8 other deaths as possibly caused by COVID-19.