A top Army officer and other military staff are self-isolating after potential exposure to the coronavirus.
Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy announced on Monday that U.S. Army Europe commander Lt. Gen. Christopher Cavoli and several staff members may have contracted the virus at a recent conference.
“Out of an abundance of caution and following recommended protocols, [Cavoli] and others potentially affected are self-monitoring and working remotely to fulfill their command duties and responsibilities,” the statement said. “U.S. Army Europe public health officials have notified all other U.S. personnel who were at risk of exposure.”
Statement from Secretary of the Army:
The commander of U.S. Army Europe, along with several staff members, may have been exposed to #COVID19 during a recent conference. pic.twitter.com/bfQHnrXH9r
— Jason Leopold (@JasonLeopold) March 9, 2020
“We are conducting daily assessments of the situation and are consulting with medical professionals, the joint and OSD staff, our exercise host nations, and other allies and partners,” the statement continued.
A handful of members of Congress have self-quarantined after potentially being exposed to the virus. Reps. Doug Collins of Georgia, Matt Gaetz of Florida, Julia Brownley of California, Paul Gosar of Arizona, and Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas are all waiting to see if they develop symptoms of COVID-19.
