A person who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 will not be able to join the military, according to a memo recently issued from U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command.
The memo sent out this week to the 65 MEPS and RPS locations stated that a coronavirus diagnosis would lead to an eventual permanent disqualification from military service.
Specific guidance for processing applicants with a confirmed case of the coronavirus was included in the document:.
Pentagon spokesperson Jessica Maxwell confirmed to the Military Times the authenticity of the memo Wednesday.
“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," according to the memo obtained by The Military Times.
Applicants who test positive may be able to request a waiver, but it’s unclear on how many requests would be granted, according to The Washington Times.