DOD Shifting to Domestic Coronavirus Response

The Pentagon reported having 49 military personnel who have tested positive for the new coronavirus, plus cases with 19 dependents, 14 civilian employees, and seven contractors as of 5 a.m. March 18. The total has risen from 37 confirmed cases as of March 16. Brig. Gen. Paul Friedrichs, the Joint Staff surgeon, said 936 patients have been tested for the virus by Defense Department labs as of March 17. Those who have contracted the coronavirus are not showing more severe symptoms than expected. As DOD begins using its resources to help the country address the global coronavirus pandemic, the department is in contact with governors nationwide about which states need more swabs, masks, ventilators, hospital beds, and assistance from two hospital ships. Read more ►