Top US Military Officials in Quarantine After Positive Test Result

Oct. 6--WASHINGTON -- Multiple senior US military leaders are self-quarantining after a vice commandant of the US Coast Guard tested positive for the coronavirus, the Pentagon said Tuesday.

Coast Guard Admiral Charles Ray tested positive for the virus on Monday after holding meetings with top military brass at the Pentagon last week.

Among those forced to quarantine due to contact with Ray are General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Vice Chairman General John Hyten and seven other senior military leaders, according to broadcaster CBS.

In a statement the Pentagon said the self-quarantines are being taken "out of an abundance of caution," adding that there have been no additional positive tests or symptoms among the military leaders.

"We are conducting additional contact tracing and taking appropriate precautions to protect the force and the mission," the Pentagon said.

"There is no change to the operational readiness or mission capability of the US Armed Forces," the Pentagon said.

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