US Defense Chief postpones India trip amid coronavirus scare

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper has postponed his India visit scheduled for next week out of “abundance of caution” in wake of coronavirus outbreak, said Pentagon on March 11. Pentagon Press Secretary Alyssa Farah said in a statement that Esper, who was supposed to visit India, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan, has decided to remain in United States to man DOD response to COVID-19.

US military has been largely unaffected from dely virus and Department of Defense is currently focussed on protecting service members and ir families, and continuing crucial missions. DOD spokesperson Jonathan Rath Hoffman, in a press briefing, said that Department is taking positive action to protect people, safeguard critical national security missions and capabilities and support whole-of-government approach to confronting spre of coronavirus.

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'Practising social distancing'

Hoffman said that Pentagon has opted a number of measures to dress potential spre of virus including social distancing for DOD meetings and briefings, educating workforce, and reinforcing good hygiene by providing resources within Pentagon. He ded that DOD continues to support whole-of-government approach outside Pentagon.

“While DOD will provide housing for persons who have been evacuated from Grand Princess, HHS is responsible for providing all cleaning, security, and logistics for quarantined persons on DOD installations,” said spokesperson.

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Earlier, White House informed that US President Donald Trump has t been tested for coronavirus since he neir displayed any symptoms r he has been in close contact with any kwn confirmed COVID-19 patients. It ded that Trump remains in excellent health, and his physician will continue to closely monitor him.

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