USEUCOM warns of more coronavirus base lockdowns
USAF General Tod Wolters, head of US European Command (USEUCOM), has suggested that the outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus in Northern Italy could lead to a quarantine lockdown of other US bases, particularly in Germany.
Speaking to the US Senate Armed Services Committee on 25 February, Wolters told the panel that all European military flights were being screened for the virus whilst the US Army in Italy closed on-base child care centres, churches, gyms and schools at its base near Vincenza.
These are due to remain closed until 1 March.
Wolters also informed senators that USEUCOM is ‘anticipating an increase in the number of cases in Germany’.
CNN reported that a joint military training exercise between the US and South Korea is expected to be scaled back after an outbreak of COVID-19 in South Korean barracks last week. The virus is therefore impacting US military operations in both Europe and the Asia-Pacific regions.
More from Defence Notes
-
![What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow]()
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
![Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme]()
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
-
![Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans]()
Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans
While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.
-
![UK Strategic Defence Review puts emphasis on autonomy, airpower and munitions]()
UK Strategic Defence Review puts emphasis on autonomy, airpower and munitions
The UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was launched as one of the first acts of the UK’s new Labour Government in June last year. The review has recommended a major big-picture reform of the country’s forces.
-
![Foreshadowing of UK defence review suggests it is light on programme details]()
Foreshadowing of UK defence review suggests it is light on programme details
The UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was designed to answer two questions: What is needed to fix UK defence and make it fit for the 2040s, and what do you get for a fixed financial profile? The SDR outlines that work still needs to be done on specifics.
