Kadena begins random coronavirus testing for airmen, others on Okinawa

Capt. Heather Bryant, a clinical nurse with the 18th Medical Operations Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, screens patients by phone to determine if they meet the criteria for coronavirus testing in this photo posted to the base Facebook page on May 9, 2020. U.S. AIR FORCE
Capt. Heather Bryant, a clinical nurse with the 18th Medical Operations Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, screens patients by phone to determine if they meet the criteria for coronavirus testing in this photo posted to the base Facebook page on May 9, 2020. U.S. AIR FORCE

Kadena begins random coronavirus testing for airmen, others on Okinawa

by Matthew M. Burke and Aya Ichihashi
Stars and Stripes
June 25, 2020

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Kadena Air Base on Okinawa kicked off random coronavirus testing on active-duty airmen and Defense Department civilians this week to gauge the success of prevention measures.

The 18th Medical Group announced the testing program Tuesday on the Kadena Medical Clinic’s Facebook page. The message was then reposted on the installation’s main page.

Medical officials are aiming to test 1% of Kadena’s active-duty airmen and DOD civilians, as well as 10% of 18th Medical Group clinical staff, every 14 days, the statement said. Civilian participation is voluntary but “highly encouraged,” according to the medical group.

Read more at: https://www.stripes.com/1.635089

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