A person who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 will not be able to join the military, according to a memo recently issued from U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command.
The memo sent out this week to the 65 MEPS and RPS locations stated that a coronavirus diagnosis would lead to an eventual permanent disqualification from military service.
Specific guidance for processing applicants with a confirmed case of the coronavirus was included in the document:.
“During the medical history interview or examination, a history of COVID-19, confirmed by either a laboratory test or a clinician diagnosis, is permanently disqualifying," according to the memo obtained by The Military Times.
“During the screening process, a reported history of confirmed COVID-19 will be annotated ‘Considered disqualifying’“ pic.twitter.com/ZKx91AUbXo
— Free (@Nathaniel_Free) May 4, 2020
Pentagon spokesperson Jessica Maxwell confirmed to the Military Times the authenticity of the memo Wednesday.
Applicants who test positive may be able to request a waiver, but it’s unclear on how many requests would be granted, according to The Washington Times.
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