Pentagon Contractor Dies of COVID-19, Officials Say

Aerial view of the Pentagon in Washington. AFP/Getty Images

A Pentagon contractor died after contracting COVID-19, according to a statement from the Department of Defense (DOD) on Sunday.

The contractor, who wasn’t named, was from Crystal City, Virginia, and worked at the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, said the DOD in a news release. The agency provides resources and assistance to U.S. allies and is located inside the Pentagon.

He tested positive for the CCP virus, also known as the novel coronavirus, and was being treated at a hospital when he died on March 21, the agency said.

The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Party’s coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic.

“Our condolences go out to his family, friends, and co-workers and we thank the medical professionals who worked to save his life in the face of this virus,” the Pentagon added.

The area where the individual worked was “cleaned in accordance” with guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention when he tested positive for the CCP virus, the agency wrote. His “co-workers have been teleworking” in the meantime, it added.

“The Department remains committed to protecting our service members, their families, and our civilian co-workers,” the news release said.

As of Friday, 67 service members, 15 civilian employees, 26 dependents, and 16 contractors had contracted the CCP virus, according to reports.

The Pentagon confirmed on March 20 that it is monitoring more than 2,500 military personnel in Europe for potential virus exposure. At least 35 U.S. forces on the continent have tested positive.