Dear Fellow Officers,
As the global COVID-19 outbreak evolves, I wanted to provide you with an objective status update as well as a few subjective impressions.
First, I want to thank all officers who are involved, directly or indirectly, with the COVID-19 response, as well as your families. Approximately 300 officers have formally deployed in support of ASPR, CDC, and DHS. This is in addition to the numerous officers at CDC and other agencies who are supporting the response directly from within their agencies, and especially the dedicated and arduous work of CCHQ staff who are coordinating the response. From everyone with whom I have interacted, I have heard nothing except superlatives regarding our officers’ professionalism, technical expertise, and compassion for those we serve. It is clear that we are living up to our role as America’s Health Responders – and we are earning that distinction every single day.
Second, at this time, there is very low risk of COVID-19 infection in the United States; however, this remains an evolving global crisis and this situation could change in the future. Therefore, while we continue our aggressive containment strategies, it is also important for us to prepare for the possibility of COVID-19 infections transmitted within the United States. We have learned much more about the virus that will assist in prevention, treatment, and community-based mitigation should that be required.
In fact, clinical trials have already begun for an anti-viral medication – with results expected in a short time frame. There are also candidate vaccines in development
Finally, it is clear that “this” is what we do. The outbreak is a dynamic situation, with diverse mission sets and multiple unforeseen challenges; and as such, it demands professionals with broad experience and training, with extraordinary integrity and commitment, who can adapt on the fly, and go anywhere needed to perform a variety of functions. And that is exactly what our officers are doing. We need to remain flexible, continuously learning with a forward posture of preparedness, and communicating our experiences to fellow officers and HHS leadership. We also need to remember that force protection and resiliency comes first. Please take care of yourself, and take care of your fellow officers. This current outbreak will likely remain a challenge for many weeks or months; so be prepared for new mission sets and potential deployments. Corps Care will continue to be available to officers throughout their deployment and post-deployment.
When I have any more significant information, I will be sure to inform you. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please send your questions CorpsComms@hhs.gov.
In Officio Salutis,
Brett P. Giroir, MD
ADM, USPHS
Assistant Secretary for Health