A third U.S. Marine stationed at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar has tested positive for COVID-19, the United States Marine Corps (USMC) confirmed Friday.
"To date, three service members assigned to I MEF units have tested positive for COVID-19. I MEF continues to work closely with its subordinate commands, Marine Corps Installations West, Navy medical professionals, and our interagency partners to mitigate the potential transmission and impact of COVID-19," USMC said in a release.
The third Marine tested positive on March 19.
All three Marines have been placed into isolation.
An investigation is underway to determine who came in close contact with either Marine. No person who had contact has shown symptoms, USMC said.
"We understand the severity of this situation and are deliberate in our actions to help diminish the impact of COVID-19, but this has in no way degraded our operational readiness or the ability of our forces to rapidly deploy in support of missions in defense of our nation," said Lt. Gen. Joseph L. Osterman, commanding general of I MEF.
Neither Marine has come in contact with the group evacuated from the Grand Princess cruise ship currently in isolation at MCAS Miramar, USMC said.
USMC said they expect all service members to self-report to medical personnel if they suspect they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
