Navy’s 7th Fleet to screen all personnel boarding ships amid coronavirus threat

YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan — The 7th Fleet has begun screening all personnel accessing its warships and aircraft as the new coronavirus continues to spread across parts of Asia, Navy officials said Monday.

The new screening requirements apply to crew, visitors, civilians, contractors and others entering 7th Fleet “units and platforms” throughout its area of responsibility, 7th Fleet spokesman Lt. Joe Keiley said in an email Monday evening.

“At this time, there are no indications that any U.S. 7th Fleet personnel have been affected by [the coronavirus]” he added.

Word of the checks came the same day that U.S. Forces Korea announced that a 61-year-old female dependent living in Daegu, South Korea, had tested positive for the virus, which is also known as COVID-19. The command also temporarily closed Defense Department schools and imposed travel restrictions.

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