A 25th Infantry Division soldier stationed here tested positive for COVID-19, marking the first time a U.S. service member has tested positive for the virus in the state of Hawai`i.
The soldier is currently in isolation at their off-base residence.
The soldier traveled to Las Vegas on March 13 and returned to O`ahu on March 15. Upon return, the soldier was placed into command-directed restriction of movement at their off-base residence and became symptomatic the night of March 18. The soldier was tested for COVID-19 on March 19 and determined to be positive on March 20. Tripler Army Medical Center health professionals are actively conducting contact tracing. The 25th Inf. Div. and U.S. Army Hawai`i have implemented all appropriate control measures to help control the spread of COVID-19 and military installations across Hawai`i remain at Health Protection Condition BRAVO as the risk level remains low. The 25th Inf. Div. and U.S. Army Hawai`i encourage all personnel to continue practicing strict proper hygiene procedures as the best way to prevent spreading viruses and protect the force: wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, do not touch your face or eyes with unclean hands, avoid handshaking, practice social distancing, clean all common-use areas and items, use caution when traveling off-installation, and, most importantly, if feeling sick or ill, avoid going to work or school and seek medical treatment for proper diagnosis.
The 25th Infantry Division, ‘Tropic Lightning’, is America’s Pacific Division. Tropic Lightning provides the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command a uniquely tailorable force with the ability to rapidly respond to contingencies across the Pacific. Tropic Lightning Soldiers, a reliable, credible, and disciplined force, continuously works with partners and allies to prepare for shared challenges.