COVID-19

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Coronavirus updates on Okinawa: Some venues reopen while sporting events still on hold

Due to ongoing coronavirus concerns, officials in Japan on Feb. 26 called for the cancellation, postponement or scale down of upcoming major events for the next few weeks.
Kelly Blasko, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and the lead for mobile health clinical integration at the Defense Health Agency Connected Health branch. She shares what providers can do to pace themselves and use self-care practices and tools to stay resilient and avoid burnout. (DoD photo by Savannah Blackstock)
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In a COVID-19 world, pace yourself to stay resilient and avoid burnout

Remember before the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, when we medical providers all thought we were stressed out? Me neither.
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AFN Adjusting TV Programming During COVID-19 Pandemic

The American Forces Network (AFN) has made adjustments with its television services to ensure viewers continue to receive live news, morale-boosting entertainment and critical COVID-19 force protection messages.
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mandy Foster
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Kadena conducts COVID-19 testing

Airmen from the 18th Medical Group conduct COVID-19 testing at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 20.
Commuters stop outside Tokyo Station to check out a clock counting down to the Summer Olympics, Wednesday, March 25, 2020. The display was changed to show the current date, 25-3, following a decision to postpone the event because of the coronavirus. AKIFUMI ISHIKAWA/STARS AND STRIPES
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Signs of the times: Clocks counting down to postponed Tokyo Olympics stop

Many commuters couldn’t help but gawk Wednesday at special clocks erected around the city that had been counting down to the start of the Summer Olympics.
A Department of Veterans Affairs doctor speaks with a patient in this undated file photo. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
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VA intends to pause community care program during coronavirus pandemic

The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to pause its community care program for 90 days in order to free space across private health care systems for coronavirus patients and prevent veterans’ exposure.
“Our curve is not flattening,” Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul Friedrichs, the Joint Staff surgeon, said Wednesday, March 25, 2020, during a Pentagon news briefing. LISA FERDINANDO, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
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Pentagon increases restrictions at all military bases as coronavirus cases continue to rise

Defense Secretary Mark Esper increased health protection measures Wednesday at all defense installations as the military continues to report dozens of new cases of the coronavirus.
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Army to allow some virtual promotion boards for enlisted force during coronavirus outbreak

The Army will allow commanders to conduct some promotion boards by video conference and has suspended temporarily some requirements for enlisted soldiers to be promoted as it responds to the deepening coronavirus pandemic that has forced military posts to close to nonessential personnel.
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Army raises health threat to its highest level for crisis response teams

The Army has placed contingency response forces under the highest “Delta” health threat level, requiring them to stay in their homes to protect their health as the coronavirus continues to spread rapidly around the world, the service announced.
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USO Okinawa ramps up programs amid COVID19 crisis

Today service members are in need of care, comfort, connection and support that can only be provided by an organization that is with them at every turn.
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Secret of my bento: Tips and recipes for a safe, tasty boxed lunch

Preparing a bento may be considered time-consuming and bothersome to prepare, especially in the busy morning, but the following tips can make it easier and more fun!
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Cuisine: Japanese

Traditional portable dish highlights lunch in the Land of Rising Sun

During lunch, you may have witnessed a Japanese coworker eating out of a home-packed box. Or maybe during a stroll in the park, you noticed a salarymen sitting on a bench with a smartphone and a little wooden lunch box.
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VIDEO| How to say 'thank you' after eating in Japan

You just got done eating a wonderful meal at Japanese friend's home or a restaurant.
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VIDEO| Polite word to say before eating in Japan

When you sit down eat in Japan, you'll notice many Japanese putting their hands together and saying one word: Ita-da-ki-masu.
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Cuisine: American

Let's Go Nuts for Doughnuts… At Home

I’ve never made doughnuts before. This was my first time. I’m sure they will only get better the more I make them. So I started by doing a bit of research. Then I figured out what kind of doughnut I wanted and got to work.
Marines prepare food for the Headquarters Marie Corps Inspection at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 25, 2020. The inspection was to insure Marines are being taken care of, and the best performing mess hall receives the title of USMC Chow Hall of the Year and receive the Major General W.P.T. Hill Award. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Larsen)
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Camp Foster Mess Hall 488 is inspection ready

Every year the best Mess Halls are inspected by members from both the National Restaurant Association and Headquarters Marine Corps.