PEARL HARBOR - On March 20, two Sailors assigned to San Diego-based ships tested positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

On March 21, five additional Sailors assigned to San Diego-based ships tested positive for COVID-19.

These Sailors are currently isolated off ship and restricted in movement in accordance with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

Personnel who were immediately identified as having close contact with these Sailors have been notified, placed in a restriction of movement status at their residences off the ship and are being monitored.

These ships are executing an aggressive mitigation strategy to minimize spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of our force. The mitigation efforts include the following:

• Medical stations at the quarterdeck with representatives to review screening checklists with all personnel coming aboard the ship.
• Quarterdeck watchstanders are outfitted with nitrile gloves, there is no physical touching, and watchstanders are maintaining social distancing.
• Enforcing social distancing and minimizing group gatherings.
• Ship personnel are conducting deep cleaning of ship with HTH (bleach) on a twice daily basis.
• Antiseptic wipes and hand sanitizer are located throughout the ship, particularly in workspaces near computers, mess decks, common areas, and tool issue.
• Self-serve chow lines are secured.

U.S. Pacific Fleet commanders and commanding officers are committed to taking every measure possible to protect the health of our force. We remain in close coordination with state and federal authorities, and public health authorities to ensure the well-being of our personnel and local population.

For questions, contact U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs at 808-471-3769.