WASHINGTON: The US navy is pausing the motion of any new troops into Afghanistan and is quarantining 1,500 troops and civilians who just lately arrived to keep away from any attainable unfold of the coronavirus, the highest commander within the nation stated on Thursday.
Troops who’re already within the nation could have their deployments prolonged so missions can proceed.
The announcement comes as america is lowering its troop presence in Afghanistan as a part of the peace deal signed final month between the US and the Taliban.
In a tweet, Military Basic Scott Miller stated the navy has began new screening procedures for personnel arriving within the nation. About 1,500 service members, civilians and contractors who’ve gone to Afghanistan from numerous international locations up to now week live in screening amenities.
Miller stated most are both new deployments or individuals getting back from depart and they’re being quarantined out of an abundance of warning, not as a result of they’re sick. He added that the US-led coalition can also be limiting entry to essential personnel and bases.
To date, 21 US and coalition personnel exhibiting flu-like signs are in isolation and receiving medical care. None has examined optimistic for the coronavirus.
There are greater than 12,000 US troops in Afghanistan, however that quantity is meant to steadily drop to about 8,600 over the following few months as a part of the peace deal.
In Afghanistan, 22 individuals have been identified with the virus however no deaths have been reported.
Printed in Daybreak, March 20th, 2020
