News Opinons Politics

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.


US judge vows to rule ‘soon’ on Abrego Garcia’s fate after marathon hearing
Trump declared in ‘excellent overall health’ by doctor after Walter Reed visit
‘American Psycho’ Author Savages ‘One Battle After Another’ as a Bad Movie Liberals are Trying to Make a ‘Masterpiece’
War Department launches new counter-narcotics task force under Trump directive to crush cartels
Trump administration dials up heat on Democrats as government shutdown set to enter third week
Scott Jennings Uses Letitia James’ Own Words Against Her: ‘I Don’t Think the American People Are Going to Have Too Much Sympathy’
Erika Kirk addresses grief in heartfelt social media post one month after husband’s assassination
Italy Considering New Law to Fight Radical Islam That Includes Burqa Ban
Democrat prematurely announces Senate campaign launch, but quickly deletes post
Long-held SCOTUS precedents could undercut Portland, Chicago National Guard lawsuits
Man Charged with Sending Death Threat to Conservative Commentator
Dems Would Rather Choose an Endless Cycle of Violence Over Trump’s Help
Macron drags Lecornu back into office with ‘carte blanche’ to pass a budget
CNBC Host Has Awkward Moment After Getting Called Out Over Letitia James Indictment Hypocrisy
Ground stop issued at busy Atlanta airport following fire incident with ‘strong gas fumes,’ FAA confirms

See also  GOP seeks communications records between ex-DOJ staff and Jack Smith

It comes just days after Pentagon officials announced severe restrictions on overseas travel for all defense employees, uniformed and civilians. The new rules cover Permanent Change of Station moves and Temporary Duty travel.

“All DOD military personnel will stop movement while this memorandum is in effect,” Deputy Secretary of Defense David Norquist wrote in the announcement.

Exceptions to the travel stoppage will be made for patients and medical providers, as well as their families. Individuals who have already begun travel will be allowed to complete their trips in coming days. Troops approaching retirement or separation are exempt.

But officials warned that those exceptions will “limited in number” and must be approved by senior military leaders, including the combatant commanders and service secretaries.

Defense Department hiring practices will also be impacted. “Until the domestic travel restrictions prescribed above are lifted, DOD components may only onboard civilian employees within the local commuting area.”

Earlier on Friday, President Donald Trump declared the coronavirus outbreak a national emergency, allowing his administration to tap into up to $50 billion in federal resources for public health response efforts.

“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.”

See also  Comey makes history as first former FBI director to face arraignment


US judge vows to rule ‘soon’ on Abrego Garcia’s fate after marathon hearing
Trump declared in ‘excellent overall health’ by doctor after Walter Reed visit
‘American Psycho’ Author Savages ‘One Battle After Another’ as a Bad Movie Liberals are Trying to Make a ‘Masterpiece’
War Department launches new counter-narcotics task force under Trump directive to crush cartels
Trump administration dials up heat on Democrats as government shutdown set to enter third week
Scott Jennings Uses Letitia James’ Own Words Against Her: ‘I Don’t Think the American People Are Going to Have Too Much Sympathy’
Erika Kirk addresses grief in heartfelt social media post one month after husband’s assassination
Italy Considering New Law to Fight Radical Islam That Includes Burqa Ban
Democrat prematurely announces Senate campaign launch, but quickly deletes post
Long-held SCOTUS precedents could undercut Portland, Chicago National Guard lawsuits
Man Charged with Sending Death Threat to Conservative Commentator
Dems Would Rather Choose an Endless Cycle of Violence Over Trump’s Help
Macron drags Lecornu back into office with ‘carte blanche’ to pass a budget
CNBC Host Has Awkward Moment After Getting Called Out Over Letitia James Indictment Hypocrisy
Ground stop issued at busy Atlanta airport following fire incident with ‘strong gas fumes,’ FAA confirms

More than 1,600 cases and 40 deaths in America have been attributed to the virus so far. Numerous public schools systems announced in recent days they will shut down for several weeks, and professional sports leagues and major entertainment venues like New York’s Broadway district have stopped all operations for the near future.

See also  Greta Thunberg fires back at Trump’s concerns for her mental health

In his memo, Norquist warned that additional preventive measures could be announced in coming days.

Story cited here.

Share this article:
Share on Facebook
Facebook
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter