Fort Campbell is closing schools on its base and banning soldiers from traveling more than 80 miles outside the base, among several measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Army installation commanders in a Facebook livestream Monday evening answered questions from those in the military community about the army’s response to the virus. Commanders said 14 people on the base for coronavirus; 11 tests are negative and three are pending.
Fort Campbell Senior Commander Major General Brian Winski said the 80-mile travel limit will still allow soldiers to visit cities like Paducah and Nashville, while also restricting movement in a way that has slowed down coronavirus outbreaks elsewhere in the world.
“When you look at what stemmed the tide in Daegu, [South] Korea, and is starting to stem the tide in northern Italy, it stops people from moving and spreading it out,” Winski said. “To turn that mountain of medical emergencies into more of a gentle slope.”
Winski said some soldiers are being quarantined in a barracks building after traveling because of travel to regions with current coronavirus outbreaks. Soldiers are monitored there until the end of a 14-day quarantine period.
Commanders said a decision will be made toward the end of the month regarding whether or not school closures will continue. Guests are still allowed on the base. All scheduled surgeries at Blanchfield Community Army Hospital will also continue.
“I think it’s important to acknowledge that this is uncharted territory for all of us,” said Command Sergeant Major Bryan Barker. “‘Business as usual,’ we can’t do in this environment.”
This article has been updated.
