Navy sailor at Guantanamo tests positive for coronavirus

A U.S. Navy sailor stationed at Guantanamo Bay has tested positive for coronavirus in the first confirmed case at the base known for its detention center.

A statement from the base said the sailor is isolated and “currently undergoing evaluation and treatment.” Officials are in the process of tracing the sailor’s contacts.

Naval Station Guantanamo Bay “has developed an aggressive mitigation strategy to minimize spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of our force,” according to the statement.

“The COVID-19 pandemic and associated Health Protection Conditions measures mean that, for the foreseeable future, this is not ‘business as usual’ aboard the installation,” the statement added.

The base has announced several measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus, including screening all arrivals and switching to remote learning for the K-12 school there.

The naval station has a population of about 6,000 troops, family members, contractors and others.

The base is also home to the infamous detention center that still holds 40 prisoners accused of terrorism.

As of Tuesday morning, the Pentagon said it has had a total 340 confirmed case of coronavirus.

That includes 174 troops, 59 civilians, 61 dependents and 27 contractors suffering from COVID-19.

One civilian and 17 troops have recovered from the disease, and one contractor died Saturday.