DOD Bans All Domestic Travel For Personnel and Families Amid Coronavirus Crisis

Pentagon officials late Friday announced a total domestic travel ban for all troops, civilian personnel and their families until May 11 in an effort to limit their potential exposure to the coronavirus.

In addition, troops will be granted “only authorized local leave” for the duration of the travel restrictions, limiting their ability to visit family and friends in far away states.

“The continuing spread of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) necessitates immediate implementation of travel restrictions for domestic Department of Defense travel,” the memo announcing the new travel rules stated.

“These restrictions are necessary to preserve force readiness, limit the continuing spread of the virus, and preserve the health and welfare of service members, DOD civilian employees, their families and the local communities where in which we live.”

The travel ban goes into effect Monday, March 16.

100 day sprint to the midterms kicks off as Republicans and Democrats clash for control across the country

WATCH: Democrats blast Trump Saudi nuclear deal as GOP touts regional alliance

California authorities search for 2 children allegedly abducted by father, fear for their safety

At least 1 shot, 1 detained after reported active shooter at Texas mall: police

Federal appeals court rejects Trump bid to enforce mail ballot order ahead of midterm elections

Second House Discovered Related to Family With 16 ‘Almost Feral’ Children – Building Described as ‘Just Urine, Feces’

Armed man in tactical vest emerges from exploding Queens home before being shot by NYPD officers; 2 found dead

India’s education minister resigns after student protests over medical exam leaks

EXCLUSIVE: Alleged $32M COVID-19 fraud fugitive captured in Jamaica and returned to US, FBI says

Court checks Pritzker as Trump administration scores another immigration win

NYC 5-alarm fire injures at least 17 firefighters, others as blaze damages multiple apartment buildings

Katy Perry ‘appalled’ to see her song used on White House TikTok account

Transgender dolls to be available for Minnesota schoolchildren as young as 4 under Walz-backed program: report

Biden judge blocking Ethiopian deportations despite SCOTUS ruling clashed with ICE before

Fewer Gay Professionals Feel Being Gay Helps Their Career

“I’m urging every state to set up emergency operation centers effective immediately,” he said in his second national address on the issue this week. “I’m also asking every hospital in this country to activate its emergency preparedness plan so that they can meet the needs of Americans everywhere.”