Top two DOD leaders kept separated amid COVID-19 outbreak

The Pentagon is trying to keep a "bubble" around Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Deputy Defense Secretary David Norquist, whom, starting today, will remain physically separated during the outbreak of COVID-19, according to chief spokesman Jonathan Hoffman.

"They and their staffs will only interact via teleconference," Hoffman told reporters at the Pentagon.

Visitors to Esper's Pentagon suite are also being screened and limited.

The virus has already killed more than 7,000 people worldwide and infected more than 179,000.

Meanwhile, Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul Friedrichs, Joint Staff surgeon, said DOD has performed 495 COVID-19 tests around the world with 37 total positive cases: 18 in military, 13 dependents and three contractors.

Friedrichs said one contractor in the Pentagon "complex," but not the building, tested positive for COVID-19 several days ago.

The Pentagon is one of the largest office buildings in the world and employs more than 22,000 people.

Friedrichs urged DOD personnel to follow guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"This really starts with the individual," he said. "It is not about policy at this point. It is about a shared Friedrichs commitment to minimizing the spread of this outbreak."

Friedrichs said that yesterday he sent home two people who work in his office, including his deputy.

"If you see someone who is sick, send them home," he said. "I would rather that we minimize this outbreak than try and get the next report done on time."