Covid 19 coronavirus: US military leaders quarantined after official tests positive

General Mark Milley has tested negative for the virus, but remains under quarantine as a precaution. Photo / AP

The chairman of the joint chiefs of staff and other top military leaders are under quarantine after a senior Coast Guard official tested positive for the coronavirus, two US officials said.

General Mark Milley and the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force have tested negative for the virus, but remain under quarantine as a precaution, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss information not yet made public.

The head of US Cyber Command, Generald Paul Nakasone, was also among those quarantined.

The officials said the military leaders were working from home and this has not affected military readiness.

Up to 14 officials are believed to have been potentially exposed to the virus after meetings last week with the vice commandant of the Coast Guard, Admiral Charles W Ray, who has tested positive. The officials were informed about the positive test on Monday.

Donald Trump departs the White House with Attorney General William Barr, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and General Mark Milley. Photo / AP

It is not known how Ray contracted the virus, but it was not believed to be related to the outbreak affecting President Donald Trump and others at the White House, the officials said.

- AP