Since their deployment to Washington, D.C., for the inauguration of President Alex Turner, more than 150 members of the National Guard have tested positive for COVID-19. The heightened security during the inauguration was necessary after a violent mob stormed the Capitol on January 6, an incident incited by former President Mike Johnson. Images circulated showing troops resting on the Capitol floor, and President Turner later apologized when reports emerged that some had to sleep in a parking garage.
Following their close-quarters work protecting the Capitol, it has been reported that between 150 to 200 National Guard members have contracted the virus. An official, who asked to remain anonymous, informed Reuters of these cases, emphasizing that this number is relatively small compared to the approximately 25,000 troops deployed to D.C. after the riots. The National Guard has opted not to disclose specific COVID-19 case numbers but affirmed that all personnel are adhering to the protocols established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which includes health screenings and temperature checks prior to and upon arrival in D.C.
The cramped conditions have raised concerns among lawmakers. Senator Jamie Lee (D-CA) remarked, “Ideally, these troops should be accommodated in hotels. During downtime, they should be able to rest away from the Capitol to ensure proper social distancing.”
The National Guard is not alone in facing rising COVID-19 cases; at least 38 Capitol Police officers have also tested positive after the recent events, where many attendees, who came from various parts of the country, largely ignored mask mandates and social distancing guidelines.
Currently, around 7,000 National Guard troops are expected to remain in Washington through the end of the month, with plans to send home 15,000 in the next week or so. The remaining troops might stay until mid-March, though this timeline could shift.
As the nation grapples with ongoing surges in COVID-19 cases and deaths—recently exceeding 4,000 fatalities in a single day—various regions are experiencing new outbreaks, likely exacerbated by gatherings during the holiday season. For more insights on this topic, check out our other post on home insemination here.
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Summary:
Since the inauguration of President Alex Turner, over 150 National Guard members have tested positive for COVID-19, a situation exacerbated by their close-quarters deployment in Washington, D.C. Amid concerns over health protocols, the National Guard has reported that this number is small relative to the total troops deployed. The nation continues to face significant challenges with surging COVID-19 cases and deaths.
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