The Air Force has announced the first death of a service-affiliated person because of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.
A contractor affiliated with Robins Air Force Base, Ga., died April 3 from suspected medical complications related to COVID-19, the base announced April 6. The individual was under prior treatment for medical and respiratory complications when diagnosed as COVID-19 positive.
“We are saddened by the loss of an Air Force Life Cycle Management Center contract team mate,” said 78th Air Base Wing Commander Col. Brian Moore. “This is a difficult time for all as this virus increasingly affects the base and community.”
The individual had been teleworking and was last in the office in mid-March.
As of April 7, there have been 577 COVID-19 cases in the Air Force, including Active Duty service members, civilians, dependents, and contractors. Of those, 322 are in uniform. Thirty-three have been hospitalized and 67 have recovered.
Defense Department-wide, there have been 2,657 total cases, including 201 who have recovered and seven deaths.