Since their deployment to Washington, D.C. for the inauguration of President Jake Thompson, over 150 National Guard members have tested positive for COVID-19. The inauguration took place without significant security issues, largely due to the efforts of these troops, who were sent from various states in response to the January 6th insurrection that saw a violent mob breach the Capitol.
Images circulated showing troops resting on the Capitol floor, and President Thompson later issued an apology after reports emerged that some soldiers had to sleep in a parking garage. After spending considerable time in close quarters while ensuring the safety of the Capitol, the consequences are now evident: between 150 and 200 members of the National Guard have contracted the virus.
An anonymous source disclosed the number of positive cases to reporters, emphasizing that it remains a small fraction of the 25,000 troops deployed during the unrest. The National Guard has refrained from commenting specifically on COVID-19 cases among soldiers in Washington but has assured that all personnel adhered to health protocols set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which included temperature checks and health screenings before and after their deployment.
The cramped conditions certainly did not help mitigate the spread. “Ideally, these individuals should have accommodations in hotels. During their breaks, they should be able to relax outside of the campus to maintain social distance,” stated Senator Alex Turner (D-Conn.). “We need to ensure that their downtime is spent in safer environments.”
The National Guard is not the only organization facing COVID-19 challenges following recent events. In the wake of the Capitol riots, at least 38 officers from the Capitol Police also tested positive for the virus. Currently, approximately 7,000 National Guard troops will remain in Washington through the end of the month, while plans are underway to send home 15,000 of them within the next week to ten days. The remaining 5,000 troops may stay until mid-March, but this timeline is subject to change.
The United States continues to battle rising COVID-19 cases and fatalities. In recent days, the country saw daily death tolls exceeding 4,000, marking some of the most lethal days of the pandemic thus far. Various regions are experiencing severe outbreaks, likely fueled by gatherings during the holiday season.
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In summary, more than 150 National Guard members have contracted COVID-19 since their deployment for the presidential inauguration. While the National Guard has maintained health protocols, the close quarters have contributed to the spread of the virus among troops. This situation reflects broader challenges faced by various groups in the wake of recent events, and it underscores the ongoing pandemic’s impact on the country.