US military preparing for potential coronavirus pandemic: report

The U.S. military is reportedly advancing plans to make ready for a potential pandemic of the coronavirus.

Last month, Defense Secretary Mark Esper

gave the order to initiate pandemic plans that include quarantining service members who have traveled to China since Feb. 2. The Military Times reported Thursday that troops around Asia have begun enforcing the directive at their own discretion on members who have traveled to China during the dates specified.

Navy and Marine Corps messages reportedly sent out this week say the plans follow the Department of Defense Global Campaign blueprint for Pandemic Influenza and Infectious Diseases 3551-13, the Pentagon’s plan for combating the spread of the flu and previously unknown diseases.