What are the steps an applicant in this scenario should take: DoDMERB exams and COVID-19 questionnaire completed in August 2020 with no issues and no positive tests of COVID-19. However, applicant tested positive for COVID-19 in early January and then tested negative 8 days later. Applicant does not know whether to report this to DoDMERB or not as everything was completed months before.
DoDMERB website says if you have not already arrived at your service academy, you must report and be recertified.
Applicant Actions Following A Positive Test For COVID-19
IF YOU “HAVE NOT” ALREADY CONTRACTED FOR YOUR ROTC SCHOLARSHIP, COMMISSIONED, OR ARRIVED AT THE ACADEMY YOU WERE APPOINTED TO:
DoDMERB is responsible for all Medical actions.
DoDMERB Process For Certification/Recertification for a Positive COVID-19 Test:
1. You must submit a completed COVID-19 Questionnaire to DoDMERB via the helpdesk e-mail address. COVID-19 Questionnaire URL Link:
https://dodmerb.tricare.osd.mil/Docs/COVID19Questionnaire.pdf Helpdesk Email:
usaf.usafa.dodmerb.mbx.helpdesk@mail.mil
2. The completed questionnaire will be reviewed by a DoDMERB Physician. Potential Outcomes from the Physician’s review:
a. Request for the records from the positive test and any follow-ups.
b. Request for a Private Physician evaluation, with emphasis on cardiopulmonary status. c. Further specialist evaluations, if indicated.
d. Qualification/re-certification or disqualification by DoDMERB.
3. Current DOD guidance stipulates applicants who have been infected with COVID-19 can be qualified (or re- certified) no earlier than 28 days after completing any recommended home isolation. This will be roughly 38 days for most applicants, from the time their symptoms began or they tested positive.
4. Applicants who test positive for COVID-19 but remain asymptomatic, must nonetheless follow the steps above and are subject to the same timeline.
5. Applicants who have been identified as contacts of an infected person and then screened and/or completed any recommended quarantine, DO NOT need to notify DoDMERB if they did not test positive for COVID- 19 and did not develop illness through the course of their quarantine.