Another Military Base Locks-Down From Community Coronavirus Outbreak

The Alaska Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) Commander Kristen Aguilar announced in a video on November 9, 2020, a Public Health Emergency that means the base is now under public health declaration due to the sustained community spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19.

As of November 9th, the U.S. Department of Defense reported (62,2477) coronavirus cases and (9) COVID-19 related fatalities during 2020.

Colonel Aguilar's 30-day declaration empowers base commanders to force quarantine and other restrictions of movement for anyone on base, according to the statement. JBER first imposed a public health declaration in March 2020, then in October, the commanders announced airmen and soldiers were to avoid Anchorage bars and in-restaurants dining.

Previously, Maj. Gen. Sean Bernabe, the 1st Armored Division commander at Fort Bliss, Texas, declared a public health emergency for his base on November 7, 2020.