Published 15:51 IST, February 29th 2020
US military readiness may start degrading as coronavirus poses increased 'threat'
Pentagon's chief of personnel warned that the virus poses an increased 'threat' in areas where US troops and defence personnel are located around the globe.
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Amid coronavirus outbreak, Pentagon's chief of personnel, Matw Dovan warned that virus poses an increased 'threat' in areas where US troops and defence personnel are located around globe. According to international media reports, Dovan informed military's most senior leers that coronavirus is 'an increasing force health protection (FHP) threat in areas where Department of Defence (DoD) personnel live and work'.
Furrmore, several defence officials also fear that US military reiness may start degring as allies have shut down borders and travel in response to outbreak.
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US military concern is also latest sign that virus is w becoming a national security challenge. According to international media reports, amid COVID-19 outbreak, a key joint military training exercise has been cancelled in South Korea. Furrmore, Pentagon is also sending ditional medical and lab personnel, doctors and nurses to support US forces in S Korea.
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United States military in South Korea recently also confirmed its first case among soldiers. US military said that 23-year-old soldier was in self-quarantine at his off base residence and he h been based in Camp Carroll in a town near Daegu. Around 28,500 US troops are currently stationed in South Korea as deterrence against potential aggression from rth Korea.
US Army in Vicenza, Italy has also been reportedly restricted to access public areas such as church, gyms and childcare centres. US army in Italy has also ordered for extra Meals Rey to Eat in case y have to quarantine. As per reports, in Middle East, US Central Command has cancelled all liberty and leave.
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64 confirm cases in US
On February 28, US health officials confirmed its 64th case. y even confirmed third case of unkwn origin. Furrmore, recent cases in US indicate that dely virus has been spreing fast with sign of abating.
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director of US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Dr Anthony Fauci reportedly said that fatality rate in US could reach same level as that of China because re is vaccine or cure available as of yet. Furrmore, Dr Nancy Messonnier of United States CDC said in a call with reporters on February 25 that a wider spre of coronavirus in country is certain.
Meanwhile, death toll in China has surpassed 2,800 and National Health Commission reportedly confirmed 427 new cases. total number of confirmed cases within China also hit nearly 79,000 and more than 83,000 worldwide.
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(with inputs from ncies)
15:51 IST, February 29th 2020