The National Guard’s top general tested positive for COVID-19 this week, the service announced Friday.
Member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Hokanson, tested positive for COVID-19. A spokesperson said that the diagnosis comes after a trip to Europe visiting deployed Guardsmen.
“All other members of the National Guard Bureau staff are continuing with their duties under the existing COVID protocols, and all continue to be tested, as required,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
In addition, the top general for the Space Force, General John Raymond, also came into contact with many people with COVID-19. The incident is separate from the exposure of Hokanson, and Raymond has not tested positive for COVID-19. However, he is quarantining and canceling travel arrangements.
The Marine Corps and Navy said that their top officers had not recently been in close contact with either Hokanson or Raymond.
President Joe Biden unveiled his “winter plan” to fight the Omicron variant on Thursday. It is unclear if the Omicron variant is more deadly than the previous COVID-19 variants. However, it primarily impacts those suffering from conditions such as obesity and diabetes and can be harsh against the elderly. Biden’s plan essentially includes doubling down on adult booster shots and vaccinations for kids ages five and older.
“It doesn’t involve shutdowns or lockdowns, but widespread vaccinations, and boosters, and testing and a lot more,” Biden said.
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