Nimitz Becomes 4th Aircraft Carrier with COVID-19 Case: Report
The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz conducts a replenishment-at-sea with the Royal New Zealand navy Anzac-class frigate HMNZS Te Kaha in the Philippine Sea, July 2, 2017. (U.S. Navy photo/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ian Kinkead)
Another aircraft carrier has confirmed a case of coronavirus in a crew member, according to a news report.
Citing three U.S. defense officials, Politico reported Tuesday that a sailor on board the carrier Nimitz (CVN 6 has tested positive for COVID-19. The sailor¡¯s test came back positive last week after the individual exhibited symptoms on board, Politico said.
Another crew member also has coronavirus, but the member has not been working on the carrier, Politico said.
A U.S. defense official told Military.com on Tuesday that a Nimitz-based sailor, who displayed symptoms was placed into isolation in late March out of an abundance of caution, was tested twice in recent days. However, both tests came back inconclusive. It was not immediately clear if the latest case is the same sailor.
The carrier is the fourth to report a case of the highly contagious disease among its crew.