CNN "US Department of Defense Extends Movement Restrictions for Military Personnel and Employees Until End of June"

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[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper is reportedly extending the movement restrictions for military personnel and staff due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) until the end of June, according to a senior Department of Defense official. This is expected to apply to troops stationed overseas as well.

On the 18th (local time), according to CNN, Matthew Donovan, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, stated in a phone briefing that "the Department of Defense will extend the broad movement restrictions for its personnel until June 30," adding, "this order will take effect on the 20th." CNN reported that Esper's previous movement restriction order was set to expire next month.

Under Secretary Donovan said, "Continuing these movement restrictions is necessary due to the global nature of the defense sector," and added, "We have troops stationed in all 50 states and numerous foreign countries. While many areas in the U.S. are on a positive trajectory, some regions and many countries are not."

He also stated, "Secretary Esper will maintain ongoing conditional assessments regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and will officially review this policy every 15 days to determine whether movement can resume before June 30." CNN explained that under this order, the majority of U.S. military personnel and their families will continue to be restricted from moving worldwide for new mission deployments.

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