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The US Military Coronavirus Response

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The U.S. military’s coronavirus response includes protection help for service members and families, along with resources and many announced cancellations. Like the response from civilian officials nationwide, the military’s plans change day-by-day.

Military.com is staying up-to-date with the latest coronavirus changes and resources available from Defense Department officials. Check back often for the latest or subscribe to our newsletters for weekly updates.

Military Coronavirus Resources and Information

Learn how veterans and Tricare users can get tested for the coronavirus.

View the latest coronavirus-related changes and cancellations for military exercises, training, boot camp, Reserve and Guard units, academies and bases.

See how the coronavirus stop-movement order impacts military families.

Find military mental health resources for dealing with coronavirus-related stress.

See an updated list of military coronavirus cases.

Find ideas for dealing with coronavirus-related military move delays.

Learn how to stay fit while social distancing.

What Is the Novel Coronavirus?

The novel coronavirus, formally known as COVID-19, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can spread between people. Symptoms can include a fever, dry cough, body aches and difficulty breathing.

Officials have asked those who have traveled to a high-risk area or who have come in contact with someone known to be infected with the virus to self-isolate for 14 days. Self isolation or quarantine should include staying home from school or work, avoiding contact with others and watching for signs of infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Coronavirus News

How Has the Military Responded to the Coronavirus?

The U.S. military's coronavirus response started well before the first cases were reported in the U.S.

With roughly 375,000 civilian and uniformed personnel stationed in the Indo-Pacific region, the U.S. military has been aggressive in its efforts to protect against COVID-19, which originated in China's Wuhan province.

Joint exercises with South Korea were postponed in February 2020 due to the virus, and the Daegu Army Garrison executed a self-quarantine for certain soldiers to guard against contagion.

The effects of protective measures reached beyond Asia as well, with U.S. Central Command issuing a temporary prohibition on travel for troops stationed in the Middle East and military commanders in Europe bracing for base lockdowns in Germany as cases spread worldwide.

Despite protective posturing, the two first U.S. military coronavirus cases were confirmed in late February: the widow of a retired soldier living in South Korea and a 23-year-old soldier stationed at South Korea's Camp Carroll.

On March 13, a global stop-movement order was issued for all U.S. military personnel, and military family PCS and TDY travel was also halted.

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