First Pentagon employee tests positive for COVID-19
A US Marine stationed at the Pentagon has tested positive for coronavirus. The case was confirmed by the Department of Defense (DoD) on 24 March and is the first reported incident at DoD HQ.
The individual was last inside the Pentagon on 13 March but a team is carrying out a contact investigation in order to mitigate the risk of contamination to other Pentagon staff. A deep clean of his workspace is also being carried out.
The DoD statement also indicated that a family member of the Marine has begun showing symptoms of the virus and both are at home in self-isolation.
More from Defence Notes
-
US FY2024 funding package passes as China closes military capability gap
The Pentagon has been operating under temporary funding since October 2023, which has impacted its main acquisition and development programmes, increasing the capability gap between the US and China.
-
US Pentagon to reduce investments in main acquisition programmes over FY2025
The DoD requested nearly US$850 billion to fund operations over the next fiscal year. Despite the amount being 1% higher than the FY2024 budget request, it has not covered the 3% inflation rate, which could impact the DoD’s main programmes in the medium and long term.
-
Haiti crisis forces Caribbean militaries to prepare for intervention
As gangs gain control of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s Caribbean neighbours have been preparing to intervene in the failed state, with the US and other partners waiting in the wings with equipment and financial support.
-
European Commission sets out first-ever European Defence Industrial strategy
The strategy set out by the Commission will aim to bolster Europe’s defence industry, foster innovation and strengthen international alliances.
-
Boeing fined $51 million due to unauthorised exports
An administrative settlement between the US Department of State and the manufacturer resolved 199 violations of US regulations including unauthorised exports of technical data to China.