A number of National Guard troops sent to Washington DC during the protests over the murder of George Floyd have contracted the coronavirus, McClatchy DC reported.
The troops who tested positive were part of the force of 1,300 who were sent to aid law enforcement in DC after rioting broke out on May 31.
“We can confirm that we have had COVID-19 positive tests with the DCNG,” said D.C. National Guard spokeswoman Air Force Lt. Col. Brooke Davis. “The safety and security of our personnel is always a concern, especially in light of the COVID-19 era.”
No information was provided on the number of servicemen who have been infected. US officials told the Associated Press that it is not believed that a large number of troops have been infected.
Two members of the Nebraska National Guard have also tested positive for coronavirus after being dispatched in response to protests in Lincoln, Nebraska.
White House officials have warned that the mass protests across the country over the murder of George Floyd could lead to a renewed mass outbreak of the coronavirus.
Dr. Deborah Birx, the Coronavirus Response Coordinator, warned US governors of the possibility of a further outbreak on Monday