A memo sent out by the U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command advises recruiters that anybody who has previously been diagnosed with COVID-19 cannot join the military. The memo lays out new guidelines for assessing the health of new recruits.
The recruits will have their temperature taken and be asked if they have had any symptoms associated with the coronavirus, or if they were in contact with anybody else who has been diagnosed with COVID-19. The military will not test potential recruits if they have symptoms. Instead, they will be told to quarantine for 14 days and come back if they are no longer showing any signs of having the virus.
The memo states that "a history of COVID-19 confirmed by either a laboratory test or clinician diagnosis, is permanently disqualifying." Recruits will be able to apply for a waiver, but the military has not issued any guidance about the criteria for being granted the exemption.
According to the Military Times, all new trainees have been tested prior to the start of their training.
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