Almost three weeks after the first two cases of Coronavirus in South Carolina were investigated, Fort Jackson announced it has two confirmed cases of the COVID-19 disease, caused by the virus.
In a release, the installation said one is a soldier in training with 3rd battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment, and the other is an officer attending the Adjutant General Basic Officer Leader Course.
Fort Jackson confirmed both service members are in isolation and receiving necessary medical care and they will not return to duty until medically cleared.
"Everyone's health and safety is my first concern," said Fort Jackson Commander Brig. Gen. Milford H. Beagle, Jr. "All the areas they visited are being sanitized and the Fort Jackson public health team is working nonstop to identify anyone else who may have been exposed."
Fort Jackson is the army’ largest training facility, on March 2, leadership announced the first of several changes and modifications taking place on base to “prioritize the health and safety of our soldiers, civilians, and family members.” Those changes included implementing additional screening procedures across basic training (including the 120th Reception Battalion) to identify trainees who are at risk for COVID-19 exposure before to sending them to their basic combat training unit.
Other changes included cancelling family day activities and prohibiting soldiers from traveling with family members to their advanced individual training site, after basic training graduation. Most recently on March 19, Army Security Guards started conducting a general health and welfare assessment of all personnel entering Fort Jackson at each gate; this included a temperature check and additional questions regarding COVID-19 symptoms.
In a video, Commander Brig. Gen. Milford H. Beagle, Jr. explained how the recent changes were helping the base limit the spread of the deadly virus.