Many National Guard troops infected with corona or quarantined | Abroad

The leadership of the National Guard has not disclosed the total number of infections, but guards and politicians, according to Politico, fear that their presence in the American capital could become a ‘superspreader event’. According to a government official, between 100 and 200 troops have been infected so far.

Thousands of guards

Many thousands of guards were on their feet in Washington on Wednesday. The US capital had turned into a fortress in the aftermath of the recent storming of the Capitol. Earlier there was dissatisfaction with the circumstances in which the guards had to do their work and the risk of contamination that came with it.

For example, the troops were initially allowed to rest in the Capitol, but had to move temporarily to an unheated parking garage on Thursday afternoon because it was getting busier again in the parliament building. Two of the soldiers, who wished to remain anonymous, complained that they had to do without heating, electricity and decent sanitation there. After criticism from Congress, it was announced on Friday morning that the soldiers were allowed to return to the Capitol from the parking garage.

Research into lack of corona measures

“Ideally, these guys should all be in hotels,” said Republican Senator Chris Murphy. “If they take a rest, they should do so off the premises with the possibility of being separated and socially distanced.” A Senate committee will investigate the working conditions of the guards and concerns about the lack of corona measures.

The National Guard said in a statement later on Friday that all troops will be able to spend their breaks in “suitable areas” in Congressional buildings, and that the soldiers will be housed in hotels or “other comfortable accommodations” outside of their duties.

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