Military officials take steps to combat virus

Air Force personnel who operate and secure the nation's strategic nuclear missile force are altering their work schedules to minimize risks posed by the coronavirus outbreak, officials said Tuesday.

Navy Adm. Charles "Chas" Richard, who commands all nuclear forces as head of U.S. Strategic Command, declined to provide specifics but told reporters at the Pentagon he is "taking prudent steps to make sure that our personnel will be available," during the COVID-19 crisis.

The 400 nuclear-armed Minuteman 3 intercontinental ballistic missiles that are deployed in missile fields in Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska and North Dakota are considered the backbone of the nation's defense, along with nuclear-capable long-range bombers and nuclear-armed submarines.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World  Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.