SAN DIEGO, 4 March 2020, TON: At annual West 2020 conference which concluded on 3 March, the US was represented by Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Mike Gilday, Marine Corps Commandant General David Berger and Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Karl Schultz. The commanders ensured that the spreading Covid-19 coronavirus so far has not affected US military readiness but the actual figures of Coronavirus positive is not being disclosed.  

However, more than a week ago, another American Army soldier stationed in Korea became victim of Coronavirus as his test was positive for Coronavirus and is under treatment. His wife and their baby were also transported from Daegu to an isolation unit at Camp Humphreys where the soldier also is being held. An Army spokesman confirmed the soldier’s test is positive. Reportedly, as on 4 March 2020, 71 US military personnel are infected with virus and have been quarantined.

The US military command has prohibited travel to Italy due to the concentration of the outbreak there. Navy is scrutinizing port visits for its ships and scaling back some naval exercises.

WEST is a large naval conference held in San Diego each year. It attracts top military brass and defense contractors to the San Diego Convention Center.