An Army spouse at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia has died from complications believed to be related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
This is the second coronavirus-related death within the Defense Department, following a contractor’s death over the weekend.
“Our hearts are heavy, I extend my deepest condolences to the friends and family of our lost teammate,” Col. Clint Ross, joint base commander, said in a Facebook post on Thursday. “My thoughts also remain with those who continue to fight this invisible enemy.”
Ross said that the spouse of the deceased, a soldier at JBLE, also tested positive for COVID-19 and “remains in isolation while continuing to receive medical care.”
“As we stand together to combat COVID-19, I urge you to take this vital threat seriously,” he said. “Your health and safety are my highest priority.”
As of Friday morning, there were over 600 current coronavirus cases within the department — 309 military cases, 134 among department civilians, 108 dependents, and 62 contractors.