US general reassures German town of commitment to prevent COVID-19 spread after outbreak

The general overseeing American troops in Bavaria told local officials in an Alpine resort town that the military is committed to containing a coronavirus outbreak traced back to an American woman.

Fifty-nine residents of the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen have tested positive for the coronavirus. Of those, 25 work at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort, run by the U.S. military, according to The Associated Press. An American woman who allegedly visited several bars last week in violation of quarantine rules is believed to be the source of the outbreak.

“While there is still much work ahead, we are encouraged by the results returned from yesterday and today’s testing,” Brig. Gen. Christopher Norrie said Wednesday after meeting with town officials.

German officials said no further people have tested positive, but called on anyone who had visited the bars in question to get tested.

Norrie said the Pentagon deployed four helicopters carrying tests and medical personnel to the town after learning about the outbreak last week. All employees of the hotel known to have made contact with people who tested positive are in quarantine.

“We are extremely grateful for Bavaria’s proactive response to keep our communities as safe as possible from this virus,” Norrie said, according to the AP. “We are part of this effort alongside our Bavarian hosts and friends, to act responsibly to limit the potential spread of COVID-19.”

He reiterated that all U.S. Army personnel, including civilian employees and family members, are barred from high-risk establishments like nightclubs and bars.

“[W]e all bear individual and collective responsibility in limiting the spread of COVID-19, and I’m confident our community overall will continue to be a positive contributor to this fight,” he said.

Norrie said his command will ensure compliance with the orders, including both the military’s and local ordinances. His command includes approximately 51,000 people, including soldiers, civilians and family members, at seven sites throughout the German state.