FORT LEE, Virginia – A civilian employee assigned to Fort Lee’s Kenner Army Health Clinic died at a local hospital today from suspected complications related to COVID-19.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and coworkers of our deceased team member during this incredibly difficult time,” said Maj. Gen. Rodney D. Fogg, U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command commanding general and Fort Lee senior commander.
The individual was admitted to the hospital April 6 after receiving a positive COVID-19 test result two days earlier. The employee had been self-quarantined at home since March 26 due to contact off-post with another person who tested positive for the virus.
The Public Health Team at Kenner conducted a thorough contact tracing along with other appropriate actions in accordance with Centers for Disease Control guidance. The few employees at risk of inadvertent exposure were directed to take precautionary measures in accordance with Department of Defense guidance, including self-quarantine and monitoring as appropriate.
Support is available for individuals in need of assistance to help cope with this announcement, with various resources listed on the Fort Lee COVID-19 portal at https://home.army.mil/lee/index.php/COVID-19.
Fort Lee is employing every resource to protect the health of service members, their families and their civilian co-workers. The post is currently operating at Health Protection Condition Charlie, which includes limiting access to essential personnel, restricted services and other measures – such as maximized telework and strict social distancing enforcement – to combat COVID-19.
“Our top priority continues to be protecting the health of our workforce, which is critical to supporting the defense of our nation. We must do everything we can to halt the spread of this virus,” Fogg said.
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Fort Lee is the Army’s Home of Sustainment and supports the training, education and development of adaptive Army logistics professionals. Major organizations on the installation include the Defense Commissary Agency, Defense Contract Management Agency, Combined Arms Support Command, the Army Logistics University, U.S. Army Ordnance School, U.S. Army Quartermaster School and U.S. Army Transportation School. Fort Lee supports more than 90,000 Soldiers, retirees, veterans, family members and civilian employees in the local area with a regional economic impact of about $2.4 billion per year.
Fort Lee Public Affairs Office | 804.734.7451 | ArmyFortLee.PAO@mail.mil