Coronavirus survivors banned from joining US military, memo suggests

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(KMOX) - A person who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 will not be able to join the military, ever, according to a memo issued from the U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command (MEPCOM).

The memo which was circulating through social media, was confirmed by Pentagon spokeswoman Jessica Maxwell, to the Military Times.

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"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," the memo states.

“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

It also gives guidelines for how MEPCOM staff should handle potential or confirmed coronavirus cases, which includes taking temperatures and answering questions about symptoms and potential contact.

The memo states that if an applicant fails screening they won’t immediately be tested, but they can return after 14 days if they’re symptom-free. Those diagnosed with COVID-19 will have to wait until 28 days after diagnosis to report to MEPS.

Applicants who test positive may be able to request a waiver but it is not clear how many requests would be granted.

This policy change comes as the services prepare for a surge of post-graduation recruits and in recent weeks, the Military Times reports, new trainees have been 100-percent tested for COVID-19 before they begin training.

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