1 00:00:03,950 --> 00:00:05,850 - Okay, well, good afternoon everyone. 2 00:00:06,890 --> 00:00:10,364 I'd like to provide an update on DOD's coronavirus efforts 3 00:00:10,364 --> 00:00:13,970 as we continue to focus on our three priorities, 4 00:00:13,970 --> 00:00:17,260 protecting our troops, their families, and our personnel, 5 00:00:17,260 --> 00:00:20,162 second, safeguarding our national security missions, 6 00:00:20,162 --> 00:00:22,270 and third, supporting the administration's 7 00:00:22,270 --> 00:00:24,133 whole of government approach to addressing 8 00:00:24,133 --> 00:00:26,840 this national health emergency. 9 00:00:26,840 --> 00:00:29,070 At the same time I want to assure the American people 10 00:00:29,070 --> 00:00:31,613 that the United States military remains ready and capable 11 00:00:31,613 --> 00:00:35,290 of meeting all of our national security requirements. 12 00:00:35,290 --> 00:00:37,100 I just returned from a visit to Fort Detrick 13 00:00:37,100 --> 00:00:39,958 to see firsthand how DOD doctors and scientists 14 00:00:39,958 --> 00:00:42,220 are advancing vaccine and treatment efforts 15 00:00:42,220 --> 00:00:43,798 to combat the coronavirus. 16 00:00:43,798 --> 00:00:46,170 I was briefed on the Army Medical Research 17 00:00:46,170 --> 00:00:49,550 and Development Command's cutting edge COVID-19 response. 18 00:00:49,550 --> 00:00:51,680 And then I visited the Army Medical Research 19 00:00:51,680 --> 00:00:54,230 Institute of Infectious Diseases to learn about 20 00:00:54,230 --> 00:00:57,042 its ongoing experimentation in testing. 21 00:00:57,042 --> 00:00:59,750 The Army's work on a vaccine is one of the many ways 22 00:00:59,750 --> 00:01:01,922 the Department of Defense is supporting President Trump's 23 00:01:01,922 --> 00:01:04,549 whole of government approach to fight the virus 24 00:01:04,549 --> 00:01:07,720 and substantially slow its spread. 25 00:01:07,720 --> 00:01:09,800 Many of the policies and guidelines we've released 26 00:01:09,800 --> 00:01:12,483 go hand in hand with the President's 15 day plan. 27 00:01:13,320 --> 00:01:14,153 We have issued international 28 00:01:14,153 --> 00:01:15,900 and domestic travel restrictions 29 00:01:15,900 --> 00:01:18,290 to all DOD personnel and families that should 30 00:01:18,290 --> 00:01:22,190 dramatically reduce potential exposure to the virus. 31 00:01:22,190 --> 00:01:24,795 Inside the Pentagon, we are practicing social distancing, 32 00:01:24,795 --> 00:01:27,480 minimizing person to person interaction, 33 00:01:27,480 --> 00:01:30,563 and, wherever possible, conducting virtual meetings. 34 00:01:31,560 --> 00:01:33,790 Employees who exhibit any symptoms of the virus 35 00:01:33,790 --> 00:01:36,150 are instructed to seek appropriate medical treatment, 36 00:01:36,150 --> 00:01:39,520 stay home, and telework as needed. 37 00:01:39,520 --> 00:01:41,060 Yesterday, I held two sessions with 38 00:01:41,060 --> 00:01:43,300 the Department's senior civilian and military leaders 39 00:01:43,300 --> 00:01:45,260 and briefed Vice President Pence, 40 00:01:45,260 --> 00:01:48,100 Secretary Azar and other task force leaders 41 00:01:48,100 --> 00:01:50,170 on recommendations for how DOD can provide 42 00:01:50,170 --> 00:01:52,517 additional medical and logistical support 43 00:01:52,517 --> 00:01:55,520 during this national health emergency. 44 00:01:55,520 --> 00:01:58,070 I'd like to highlight several of those today. 45 00:01:58,070 --> 00:02:00,220 First, the Department of Defense will make available 46 00:02:00,220 --> 00:02:03,114 up to five million N95 respirator masks 47 00:02:03,114 --> 00:02:05,405 and other personal protective equipment 48 00:02:05,405 --> 00:02:07,202 from our own strategic reserves 49 00:02:07,202 --> 00:02:08,747 to the Department of Health 50 00:02:08,747 --> 00:02:11,610 and Human services for distribution. 51 00:02:11,610 --> 00:02:13,080 The first one million masks 52 00:02:13,080 --> 00:02:14,943 will be made available immediately. 53 00:02:16,180 --> 00:02:18,183 Next, we are prepared to distribute to HHS 54 00:02:18,183 --> 00:02:22,400 up to 2,000 deployable ventilators for use as needed, 55 00:02:22,400 --> 00:02:25,210 these machines are different from their civilian equivalents 56 00:02:25,210 --> 00:02:27,210 and require special training to operate 57 00:02:27,210 --> 00:02:28,350 but we are committed to supporting 58 00:02:28,350 --> 00:02:31,370 HHS' requirements in any way we can. 59 00:02:31,370 --> 00:02:32,980 Third, the Department has made our 60 00:02:32,980 --> 00:02:36,210 14 certified coronavirus testing labs available 61 00:02:36,210 --> 00:02:38,890 to test non-DOD personnel as well 62 00:02:38,890 --> 00:02:42,630 and we will soon offer two additional labs for that purpose. 63 00:02:42,630 --> 00:02:43,990 We hope this will provide excess 64 00:02:43,990 --> 00:02:46,519 capacity to the civilian population. 65 00:02:46,519 --> 00:02:48,670 Finally, we are considering activating 66 00:02:48,670 --> 00:02:50,080 National Guard and Reserve units 67 00:02:50,080 --> 00:02:52,290 to assist states with planning, logistics, 68 00:02:52,290 --> 00:02:54,380 and medical support as needed. 69 00:02:54,380 --> 00:02:55,970 In my conversations with governors 70 00:02:55,970 --> 00:02:58,227 and members of Congress about DOD's resources, 71 00:02:58,227 --> 00:03:00,346 I made it clear that we will continue to support 72 00:03:00,346 --> 00:03:02,492 the administration's comprehensive efforts 73 00:03:02,492 --> 00:03:05,130 and the country every step of the way 74 00:03:05,130 --> 00:03:06,994 while ensuring our nation's security remains 75 00:03:06,994 --> 00:03:10,310 the top priority of the Department of Defense. 76 00:03:10,310 --> 00:03:11,595 I recognize our decisions impact 77 00:03:11,595 --> 00:03:13,300 service members and their families 78 00:03:13,300 --> 00:03:16,310 and I want them to know that we're all in this together. 79 00:03:16,310 --> 00:03:17,750 If we can dramatically reduce the spread 80 00:03:17,750 --> 00:03:20,260 of the virus over the next 15 days, 81 00:03:20,260 --> 00:03:22,820 together we can help restore public health and the economy 82 00:03:22,820 --> 00:03:25,943 and hasten a return to our normal way of life. 83 00:03:26,800 --> 00:03:29,207 As circumstances evolve over the coming days and weeks, 84 00:03:29,207 --> 00:03:31,982 we will continue to take every necessary precaution 85 00:03:31,982 --> 00:03:33,940 to protect our forces, 86 00:03:33,940 --> 00:03:36,070 the safeguard of national security capabilities, 87 00:03:36,070 --> 00:03:37,680 and to support the President's 88 00:03:37,680 --> 00:03:39,893 whole of government fight against this virus. 89 00:03:39,893 --> 00:03:43,670 These are DOD's priorities and we remain focused on them. 90 00:03:43,670 --> 00:03:46,792 Thank you and I will open it up this time for questions. 91 00:03:46,792 --> 00:03:47,625 - [Staff] Bob. 92 00:03:47,625 --> 00:03:49,690 - Mr. Secretary, you mentioned you're considering, 93 00:03:49,690 --> 00:03:51,810 I believe you said, activating the National Guard. 94 00:03:51,810 --> 00:03:54,710 Are you talking about federalizing the National Guard? 95 00:03:54,710 --> 00:03:57,090 And also, could you explain in a little more detail 96 00:03:57,090 --> 00:03:59,517 what was said this morning in the White House 97 00:03:59,517 --> 00:04:03,300 about using or calling on the Army Corps of Engineers 98 00:04:03,300 --> 00:04:05,390 to help with either construction 99 00:04:05,390 --> 00:04:07,770 or renovation of facilities? 100 00:04:07,770 --> 00:04:10,640 - Yeah, first, with regard to the Guard and Reserves, 101 00:04:10,640 --> 00:04:12,980 we're looking at all of the requirements as they come in. 102 00:04:12,980 --> 00:04:15,220 We're funneling those into a central point. 103 00:04:15,220 --> 00:04:16,053 As you know right now, 104 00:04:16,053 --> 00:04:18,710 we have I think 18 states and over 1,500 Guardsmen 105 00:04:18,710 --> 00:04:21,280 activated at different parts around the country. 106 00:04:21,280 --> 00:04:22,793 And so, as we get requests in, 107 00:04:23,686 --> 00:04:24,680 we will look at activating if we need 108 00:04:24,680 --> 00:04:27,460 to at the federal level or using the Reserves, 109 00:04:27,460 --> 00:04:28,390 whatever the case may be. 110 00:04:28,390 --> 00:04:29,798 But we want to be very supportive 111 00:04:29,798 --> 00:04:32,410 with regard to our prioritization in terms 112 00:04:32,410 --> 00:04:35,340 of supporting the American people and the governors. 113 00:04:35,340 --> 00:04:37,780 With regard to your second question, 114 00:04:37,780 --> 00:04:40,993 I did not have a chance to observe the news conference, 115 00:04:43,073 --> 00:04:44,530 but my view is I'm more than willing 116 00:04:44,530 --> 00:04:45,860 to send the Army Corps of Engineers 117 00:04:45,860 --> 00:04:47,150 out to work with states 118 00:04:47,150 --> 00:04:49,250 and to see what we can provide, what we can offer. 119 00:04:49,250 --> 00:04:50,845 As you know, the Corps of Engineers 120 00:04:50,845 --> 00:04:54,400 is a contracting body that does program oversight and work, 121 00:04:54,400 --> 00:04:57,043 and if we can be useful, if we can help, 122 00:04:58,030 --> 00:05:00,560 certainly willing to provide that service. 123 00:05:00,560 --> 00:05:01,800 - [Staff] Idris. 124 00:05:01,800 --> 00:05:03,185 - [Idris] If I could just follow up, 125 00:05:03,185 --> 00:05:04,460 what are we talking about in terms of magnitude 126 00:05:04,460 --> 00:05:06,668 of active duty troops that could be used? 127 00:05:06,668 --> 00:05:09,505 Are we talking 10,000, 20,000, 30,000? 128 00:05:09,505 --> 00:05:11,970 And are the hospital Navy ships preparing 129 00:05:11,970 --> 00:05:15,720 to sort of deploy to assist with non-coronavirus cases? 130 00:05:15,720 --> 00:05:16,990 - So, right now we're really focused 131 00:05:16,990 --> 00:05:19,840 on Guard and Reserve, in that order. 132 00:05:19,840 --> 00:05:22,670 We haven't looked because there hasn't been a need yet, 133 00:05:22,670 --> 00:05:24,249 a request for active duty. 134 00:05:24,249 --> 00:05:28,070 So, we'll take all these requests in due time. 135 00:05:28,070 --> 00:05:31,130 With regard to the hospital ships, there are two. 136 00:05:31,130 --> 00:05:33,840 As you know, the Comfort is on the east coast, 137 00:05:33,840 --> 00:05:35,177 the Mercy on the west coast, 138 00:05:35,177 --> 00:05:40,170 in Norfolk and San Diego respectively. 139 00:05:40,170 --> 00:05:42,970 The Comfort is undergoing maintenance 140 00:05:42,970 --> 00:05:47,290 and the Mercy is at port. 141 00:05:47,290 --> 00:05:49,750 We've already given orders to the Navy a few days ago 142 00:05:49,750 --> 00:05:53,100 to lean forward in terms of getting them ready to deploy. 143 00:05:53,100 --> 00:05:54,680 They provide capabilities but much 144 00:05:54,680 --> 00:05:56,590 like what DOD does provide, 145 00:05:56,590 --> 00:05:59,030 our capabilities are focused on trauma. 146 00:05:59,030 --> 00:06:01,250 And so, whether it's our field hospitals, 147 00:06:01,250 --> 00:06:03,640 whether it's our hospital ships, 148 00:06:03,640 --> 00:06:05,410 they are focused on trauma. 149 00:06:05,410 --> 00:06:07,640 They don't have necessarily the space, 150 00:06:07,640 --> 00:06:09,070 the segregated spaces you need 151 00:06:09,070 --> 00:06:11,260 to deal with infectious diseases. 152 00:06:11,260 --> 00:06:12,430 And so, one of the ways by which 153 00:06:12,430 --> 00:06:15,290 you could use either field hospitals, 154 00:06:15,290 --> 00:06:17,760 the hospital ships, or things in between, 155 00:06:17,760 --> 00:06:20,887 is to take the pressure off of civilian hospitals 156 00:06:20,887 --> 00:06:23,393 when it comes to trauma cases to open up 157 00:06:23,393 --> 00:06:26,890 civilian hospital rooms for infectious diseases. 158 00:06:26,890 --> 00:06:29,669 Now, for us, the big challenge, though, isn't necessarily 159 00:06:29,669 --> 00:06:32,870 the availability of these inventories, 160 00:06:32,870 --> 00:06:34,620 it's the medical professionals. 161 00:06:34,620 --> 00:06:36,440 All those doctors and nurses either come 162 00:06:36,440 --> 00:06:38,050 from our medical treatment facilities 163 00:06:38,050 --> 00:06:41,710 or they come from the Reserves which means civilians. 164 00:06:41,710 --> 00:06:43,750 And so, what we've got to be very conscious 165 00:06:43,750 --> 00:06:46,210 of and careful of as we call up these units 166 00:06:46,210 --> 00:06:48,330 and use them to support the states, 167 00:06:48,330 --> 00:06:51,580 that we aren't robbing Peter to pay Paul so to speak. 168 00:06:51,580 --> 00:06:54,420 So, what I don't want to do is take Reservists 169 00:06:54,420 --> 00:06:56,130 from a hospital where they are needed 170 00:06:56,130 --> 00:06:57,090 just to put 'em on a ship 171 00:06:57,090 --> 00:06:58,570 to take somewhere else where they are needed. 172 00:06:58,570 --> 00:07:00,550 So, we gotta be very conscious of that. 173 00:07:00,550 --> 00:07:03,050 And as I've spoken to a couple governors today, 174 00:07:03,050 --> 00:07:04,980 we talked a little bit about that. 175 00:07:04,980 --> 00:07:06,010 And I think people are beginning 176 00:07:06,010 --> 00:07:08,283 to understand what that trade-off means. 177 00:07:09,328 --> 00:07:10,324 - [Reporter] You know at the White House today 178 00:07:10,324 --> 00:07:11,827 they said they don't want to have 179 00:07:11,827 --> 00:07:13,790 the Guard go everywhere, I guess. 180 00:07:13,790 --> 00:07:15,660 They said, let's focus on the hotspots 181 00:07:15,660 --> 00:07:18,610 and that would presumably be California, 182 00:07:18,610 --> 00:07:20,120 Washington state, New York. 183 00:07:20,120 --> 00:07:23,350 Is that kind of where you're looking at early on to provide? 184 00:07:23,350 --> 00:07:25,010 - Well, keep in mind, the Guard is already 185 00:07:25,010 --> 00:07:26,440 available to the governors, they know that, 186 00:07:26,440 --> 00:07:27,860 they have their TAGs and everybody. 187 00:07:27,860 --> 00:07:30,780 So, it's a resource available at their fingertips. 188 00:07:30,780 --> 00:07:32,570 What we want to do is make sure they understand all 189 00:07:32,570 --> 00:07:34,950 the capabilities of the Guard, how it may best be used. 190 00:07:34,950 --> 00:07:37,360 I had a chance to talk to General Lengyel, 191 00:07:37,360 --> 00:07:39,950 who's director of the National Guard Bureau. 192 00:07:39,950 --> 00:07:41,260 We've talked a few times. 193 00:07:41,260 --> 00:07:44,180 He's talking to the TAGs. 194 00:07:44,180 --> 00:07:47,810 He's having multiple phone calls each week to cross level. 195 00:07:47,810 --> 00:07:49,700 So, that is available to them. 196 00:07:49,700 --> 00:07:50,830 I think, you know, 197 00:07:50,830 --> 00:07:53,670 in some ways we want to be the last resort. 198 00:07:53,670 --> 00:07:56,357 We're the ones when everything really, 199 00:07:56,357 --> 00:07:58,950 we can come in rather than being the first, 200 00:07:58,950 --> 00:08:01,551 and really help enable through the Guard and Reserve 201 00:08:01,551 --> 00:08:03,537 to play that role initially. 202 00:08:03,537 --> 00:08:05,712 - And also I'm hearing that there's talk of maybe 203 00:08:05,712 --> 00:08:08,154 appointing a senior officer, maybe a three star, 204 00:08:08,154 --> 00:08:11,478 to coordinate among all the various federal agencies. 205 00:08:11,478 --> 00:08:14,215 Is that something you guys are considering? 206 00:08:14,215 --> 00:08:15,600 - The two principle representatives 207 00:08:15,600 --> 00:08:18,580 at the day to day meetings with the VP and task force 208 00:08:18,580 --> 00:08:21,090 are General Hyten and Deputy Secretary of Defense Norquist. 209 00:08:21,090 --> 00:08:22,930 Those are our representatives. 210 00:08:22,930 --> 00:08:25,884 General Hyten has a lot of capability he can tap into, 211 00:08:25,884 --> 00:08:28,660 all of DOD as he sees fit. 212 00:08:28,660 --> 00:08:30,759 Of course, we have NORTHCOM who supports 213 00:08:30,759 --> 00:08:33,950 in terms of the Northern Command AOR. 214 00:08:33,950 --> 00:08:35,210 But this isn't like a hurricane 215 00:08:35,210 --> 00:08:38,200 where you can pick a general, this is nationwide. 216 00:08:38,200 --> 00:08:40,220 So, I think what you're gonna see is, 217 00:08:40,220 --> 00:08:42,140 you'll see whether it's local commanders, 218 00:08:42,140 --> 00:08:43,683 or TAGs in this case, 219 00:08:44,620 --> 00:08:48,280 stepping up as their states encounter these challenges 220 00:08:48,280 --> 00:08:50,750 and them being the focal point at the state level. 221 00:08:50,750 --> 00:08:51,640 - [Staff] Courtney. 222 00:08:51,640 --> 00:08:53,019 - Can you say a little bit more 223 00:08:53,019 --> 00:08:54,520 about the 2,000 deployable ventilators? 224 00:08:54,520 --> 00:08:56,610 How many, I'm assuming that takes uniformed 225 00:08:56,610 --> 00:08:59,210 service members to operate and train and whatnot. 226 00:08:59,210 --> 00:09:02,310 How many would that take and where are they coming from 227 00:09:03,982 --> 00:09:05,670 and can you say where they're going yet 228 00:09:05,670 --> 00:09:07,462 or presumably New York but? 229 00:09:07,462 --> 00:09:09,140 - I can't say where they're going. 230 00:09:09,140 --> 00:09:10,010 We've made them available to HHS. 231 00:09:10,010 --> 00:09:13,490 HHS would have to determine the prioritization. 232 00:09:13,490 --> 00:09:15,350 They are in stocks in some cases. 233 00:09:15,350 --> 00:09:16,980 We'd have to get you more detail on where they are 234 00:09:16,980 --> 00:09:18,350 but obviously they're spread out 235 00:09:18,350 --> 00:09:20,470 to support our medical deployability. 236 00:09:20,470 --> 00:09:22,750 And, yes, these require some special training. 237 00:09:22,750 --> 00:09:24,640 What we'd have to do, and I informed, 238 00:09:24,640 --> 00:09:26,540 when we talked about this the other night 239 00:09:26,540 --> 00:09:29,010 with the Vice President and his task force, 240 00:09:29,010 --> 00:09:31,110 is we'd have to do a train the trainer, if you will. 241 00:09:31,110 --> 00:09:33,500 Maybe provide some people to make sure that the civilians 242 00:09:33,500 --> 00:09:35,840 who would use them know how to use them properly. 243 00:09:35,840 --> 00:09:37,451 They're unique in terms of deployability, 244 00:09:37,451 --> 00:09:40,550 they've got single use functions in some cases. 245 00:09:40,550 --> 00:09:42,054 They are different than what you would find on 246 00:09:42,054 --> 00:09:45,103 the civilian end because they're meant to be deployable. 247 00:09:45,103 --> 00:09:47,501 - So, would it be, presumably if it's 2,000 ventilators, 248 00:09:47,501 --> 00:09:49,540 is that 2,000 service members who 249 00:09:49,540 --> 00:09:50,420 would have to be used to train? 250 00:09:50,420 --> 00:09:52,500 - I would be speculating but I would say no. 251 00:09:52,500 --> 00:09:54,133 I would say one person can train 252 00:09:54,133 --> 00:09:57,084 a multitude of people to learn how to operate 'em 253 00:09:57,084 --> 00:09:59,530 and maybe have 'em outside as an outside, 254 00:09:59,530 --> 00:10:01,600 you know, to help with maintenance or things like that. 255 00:10:01,600 --> 00:10:02,750 But I don't think the numbers. 256 00:10:02,750 --> 00:10:03,920 We could the math and get back 257 00:10:03,920 --> 00:10:05,000 to you on that, Courtney, and see. 258 00:10:05,000 --> 00:10:06,600 - [Staff] Jennifer. 259 00:10:06,600 --> 00:10:09,450 - [Jennifer] Can you give us an update, Secretary Esper, 260 00:10:09,450 --> 00:10:12,450 about what Fort Detrick has found in terms of their vaccine, 261 00:10:12,450 --> 00:10:13,850 how far along are they? 262 00:10:13,850 --> 00:10:16,060 And since you're encouraging people to telecommute, 263 00:10:16,060 --> 00:10:18,740 why did you feel the need to be there in person 264 00:10:18,740 --> 00:10:20,870 and have meetings with people in person? 265 00:10:20,870 --> 00:10:24,530 Shouldn't that telecommuting start now? 266 00:10:24,530 --> 00:10:26,720 - Well, we're doing a lot of telecommuting every single day. 267 00:10:26,720 --> 00:10:30,050 I telecommunicated with the Deputy Secretary of Defense 268 00:10:30,050 --> 00:10:32,600 this morning from my office to his office. 269 00:10:32,600 --> 00:10:33,433 So, when I went up there, 270 00:10:33,433 --> 00:10:34,950 we had all the social distancing 271 00:10:34,950 --> 00:10:36,740 stuff worked out, the space. 272 00:10:36,740 --> 00:10:39,110 But the chance to talk to the doctors face to face, 273 00:10:39,110 --> 00:10:40,260 and I wanted to see their labs, 274 00:10:40,260 --> 00:10:41,510 I wanted to see where they're working, 275 00:10:41,510 --> 00:10:43,010 is really helpful to me to get 276 00:10:43,010 --> 00:10:44,330 an understanding of what they're doing. 277 00:10:44,330 --> 00:10:47,510 So, we put all those precautions in place. 278 00:10:47,510 --> 00:10:50,510 If anybody knows how to do it, they know how to do it. 279 00:10:50,510 --> 00:10:51,520 What I will tell you is they're 280 00:10:51,520 --> 00:10:52,920 working on a number of fronts. 281 00:10:52,920 --> 00:10:54,700 As many of you know, who've been here before, 282 00:10:54,700 --> 00:10:56,530 they've been very successful in the past 283 00:10:56,530 --> 00:10:58,560 whether it's dealing with Ebola or Zika, 284 00:10:58,560 --> 00:11:00,028 they have incredible capabilities, 285 00:11:00,028 --> 00:11:02,680 they are well-knitted, extremely well-knitted 286 00:11:02,680 --> 00:11:04,370 into the interagency efforts. 287 00:11:04,370 --> 00:11:06,050 Their relationships with either 288 00:11:06,050 --> 00:11:11,050 Dr. Birx and Dr. Fauci are remarkable. 289 00:11:13,978 --> 00:11:15,540 And in terms of their ability 290 00:11:15,540 --> 00:11:17,250 to understand the virus, what it does, 291 00:11:17,250 --> 00:11:19,351 and they're at the point to in terms of, 292 00:11:19,351 --> 00:11:21,873 the ability to soon purchase machines 293 00:11:21,873 --> 00:11:26,240 that could do the testing at incredible levels 294 00:11:26,240 --> 00:11:27,373 of capacity and throughput 295 00:11:27,373 --> 00:11:28,860 is one of the things they briefed me on 296 00:11:28,860 --> 00:11:32,470 that should be coming online in a couple months or so. 297 00:11:32,470 --> 00:11:34,430 - But how far along is the vaccine? 298 00:11:34,430 --> 00:11:36,167 - I think they gave me the same numbers 299 00:11:36,167 --> 00:11:40,121 that gave all of you, 12 to 18 months, the normal course. 300 00:11:40,121 --> 00:11:44,450 As I understand it there's some private actors out there 301 00:11:44,450 --> 00:11:46,080 who think they can do it quickly. 302 00:11:46,080 --> 00:11:47,517 But in terms of how we do it, 303 00:11:47,517 --> 00:11:49,683 it's looking at 12 to 18 months. 304 00:11:49,683 --> 00:11:52,417 And of course, where they can provide support 305 00:11:52,417 --> 00:11:55,540 is if somebody does develop a vaccine, 306 00:11:55,540 --> 00:11:57,370 we could run it through our system very quickly 307 00:11:57,370 --> 00:11:59,390 as well and support those efforts. 308 00:11:59,390 --> 00:12:00,223 - [Staff] Barbara. 309 00:12:00,223 --> 00:12:01,990 - Mr. Secretary, two questions. 310 00:12:01,990 --> 00:12:03,450 First, could you bring us up to date 311 00:12:03,450 --> 00:12:04,969 when you talk about the Corps of Engineers, 312 00:12:04,969 --> 00:12:08,280 your latest assessment of what are the next steps 313 00:12:08,280 --> 00:12:10,960 with the state of New York because Governor Cuomo 314 00:12:10,960 --> 00:12:14,330 has been so open publicly about his requests? 315 00:12:14,330 --> 00:12:15,870 But first, I wanted to ask you, 316 00:12:15,870 --> 00:12:18,976 you talked about using the U.S. military active duty, 317 00:12:18,976 --> 00:12:21,306 the Defense Department as, in your words, 318 00:12:21,306 --> 00:12:23,793 a last resort, not the first resort? 319 00:12:24,630 --> 00:12:26,860 I do want to press you a bit on that 320 00:12:26,860 --> 00:12:30,643 because the country's being told this is unprecedented, 321 00:12:31,560 --> 00:12:34,680 really dire potentials are being 322 00:12:34,680 --> 00:12:37,003 sketched out to the American public. 323 00:12:37,963 --> 00:12:42,011 In your view, is it time to think in non-traditional ways 324 00:12:42,011 --> 00:12:44,780 about using the active duty force? 325 00:12:44,780 --> 00:12:47,597 Should it be the last resort? 326 00:12:47,597 --> 00:12:48,570 - Well, when I talk about active duty force 327 00:12:48,570 --> 00:12:49,850 I don't mean about people per se 328 00:12:49,850 --> 00:12:51,470 supporting in terms of planning and logistics, 329 00:12:51,470 --> 00:12:54,290 I'm thinking about our medical capacity with regard 330 00:12:54,290 --> 00:12:56,220 to our treatment facilities, things like that. 331 00:12:56,220 --> 00:12:58,130 We have to treat our own populations. 332 00:12:58,130 --> 00:12:59,920 Our own populations will likely be, 333 00:12:59,920 --> 00:13:01,490 in terms of beneficiaries, 334 00:13:01,490 --> 00:13:04,160 susceptible at the same rates as the civilian population. 335 00:13:04,160 --> 00:13:07,450 So, we provide a little bit of flex if you compare us to VA. 336 00:13:07,450 --> 00:13:09,910 They have many, many more hospitals. 337 00:13:09,910 --> 00:13:11,740 So, that's kind of how I think about it. 338 00:13:11,740 --> 00:13:14,760 Again, the Guard is available to handle stuff. 339 00:13:14,760 --> 00:13:16,390 And the active component will stand. 340 00:13:16,390 --> 00:13:18,760 We're ready to support in any which way we can. 341 00:13:18,760 --> 00:13:19,930 I'm just suggesting, 342 00:13:19,930 --> 00:13:21,630 I think a lot of this has to begin at the state 343 00:13:21,630 --> 00:13:25,280 and local level in terms of helping enable them. 344 00:13:25,280 --> 00:13:27,643 - Do you think the military population, 345 00:13:27,643 --> 00:13:31,297 very often described in this room as young and healthy, 346 00:13:31,297 --> 00:13:34,009 is susceptible to the virus at the same rate 347 00:13:34,009 --> 00:13:36,420 as the civilian population? 348 00:13:36,420 --> 00:13:39,463 And I would like you to address New York if you could. 349 00:13:40,520 --> 00:13:42,710 - Well, don't turn me into a doctor that I'm not. 350 00:13:42,710 --> 00:13:44,330 But I will tell you what I said before 351 00:13:44,330 --> 00:13:46,845 is we have a very young and healthy 352 00:13:46,845 --> 00:13:49,990 and fit military population 353 00:13:49,990 --> 00:13:52,575 which seems to imply based on what we've seen so far 354 00:13:52,575 --> 00:13:57,575 that they are less likely to contract and show symptoms 355 00:13:58,660 --> 00:14:00,920 at the rates of people older than them. 356 00:14:00,920 --> 00:14:02,370 Now, of course, many of them, 357 00:14:03,630 --> 00:14:05,040 another part of our population 358 00:14:05,040 --> 00:14:08,290 are dependents and beneficiaries who range 359 00:14:08,290 --> 00:14:10,010 from young kids to senior citizens 360 00:14:10,010 --> 00:14:12,670 so I gotta worry about that population as well. 361 00:14:12,670 --> 00:14:16,500 That's about 3.8 million people who live within 40 miles 362 00:14:16,500 --> 00:14:18,870 or so of our 36 military treatment facilities. 363 00:14:18,870 --> 00:14:21,120 So, I'm looking at that population as well. 364 00:14:21,120 --> 00:14:22,500 With regard to the uniformed people, 365 00:14:22,500 --> 00:14:24,480 I do think they are very fit. 366 00:14:24,480 --> 00:14:27,720 I think that they will fare well throughout this. 367 00:14:27,720 --> 00:14:28,990 We watch 'em and protect 'em 368 00:14:28,990 --> 00:14:30,081 and as need be test them. 369 00:14:30,081 --> 00:14:33,110 But, again, I think, in terms of the military population, 370 00:14:33,110 --> 00:14:33,960 they'll be fine. 371 00:14:33,960 --> 00:14:35,064 With regard to New York, 372 00:14:35,064 --> 00:14:38,200 I hope to have a call with the governor here sometime soon, 373 00:14:39,290 --> 00:14:40,904 I've spoke to two governors today, 374 00:14:40,904 --> 00:14:42,860 find out what his needs are. 375 00:14:42,860 --> 00:14:44,240 As I speak to governors and others, 376 00:14:44,240 --> 00:14:45,840 I say tell us what your needs are 377 00:14:45,840 --> 00:14:48,380 and then we'll figure out the best way to meet them, 378 00:14:48,380 --> 00:14:51,960 whether it's logistics, planning, medical, whatnot. 379 00:14:51,960 --> 00:14:54,840 And then we can look at the various ways we approach it. 380 00:14:54,840 --> 00:14:56,526 Is the National Guard the first place, 381 00:14:56,526 --> 00:14:58,653 if not them then Reserves, 382 00:14:58,653 --> 00:15:01,520 active component is there as well to support. 383 00:15:01,520 --> 00:15:02,930 So, we kind of triage the problem 384 00:15:02,930 --> 00:15:05,150 to make sure that we understand what all the trade-offs are. 385 00:15:05,150 --> 00:15:07,250 Again, what I think has been explained 386 00:15:07,250 --> 00:15:11,690 to you all about field hospitals and hospital ships 387 00:15:11,690 --> 00:15:13,477 and the simple fact that many of those 388 00:15:13,477 --> 00:15:16,390 medical professionals who staff those units 389 00:15:16,390 --> 00:15:17,660 come from the private sectors 390 00:15:17,660 --> 00:15:19,920 is something that most people are not aware of. 391 00:15:19,920 --> 00:15:22,470 And we gotta be very careful that, again, 392 00:15:22,470 --> 00:15:25,520 we don't take from one part of New York 393 00:15:26,500 --> 00:15:28,170 medical professionals who are needed 394 00:15:28,170 --> 00:15:29,980 to stand up a field hospital simply 395 00:15:29,980 --> 00:15:31,490 to help another part of New York unless, 396 00:15:31,490 --> 00:15:33,187 of course, the governor recognizes that. 397 00:15:33,187 --> 00:15:36,810 And we can also state to state stuff where states share. 398 00:15:36,810 --> 00:15:39,280 And I had a conversation earlier today about that. 399 00:15:39,280 --> 00:15:41,870 So, we're looking at putting everything on the table. 400 00:15:41,870 --> 00:15:44,800 - [Staff] Alright, we're gonna try to go to the phone line. 401 00:15:44,800 --> 00:15:45,710 And we'll take our first question 402 00:15:45,710 --> 00:15:47,766 from Jeff Schogol from Task & Purpose. 403 00:15:47,766 --> 00:15:48,599 Jeff. 404 00:15:50,280 --> 00:15:51,630 - [Jeff] Thank you very much. 405 00:15:51,630 --> 00:15:53,193 It has come to our attention that despite 406 00:15:53,193 --> 00:15:56,360 the fact that the Pentagon is teleworking, 407 00:15:56,360 --> 00:15:59,320 commanders continue to have all hands formations 408 00:15:59,320 --> 00:16:02,740 and town halls to discuss a variety of topics. 409 00:16:02,740 --> 00:16:06,030 Will the Defense Department order a moratorium on all 410 00:16:06,030 --> 00:16:10,170 large gatherings like town halls and all hands formations? 411 00:16:10,170 --> 00:16:12,420 - The short answer is no, at least not at this time. 412 00:16:12,420 --> 00:16:15,759 I trust the commanders to lead their units 413 00:16:15,759 --> 00:16:17,763 and take care of them appropriately. 414 00:16:18,867 --> 00:16:19,850 And that has not been raised to me 415 00:16:19,850 --> 00:16:21,130 as a problem at this point in time. 416 00:16:21,130 --> 00:16:23,860 So, again, my view is the commanders have 417 00:16:23,860 --> 00:16:27,130 the authorities they need to take whatever precautions 418 00:16:27,130 --> 00:16:29,290 while at the same time ensuring the readiness of troops 419 00:16:29,290 --> 00:16:32,970 and the capabilities of our formations. 420 00:16:32,970 --> 00:16:35,070 - [Staff] Missy Ryan from Washington Post. 421 00:16:36,020 --> 00:16:37,590 - [Missy] Thank you. 422 00:16:37,590 --> 00:16:39,870 Secretary Esper, can you talk a little bit about 423 00:16:39,870 --> 00:16:44,870 the testing of service members that's being performed now? 424 00:16:44,990 --> 00:16:46,360 According to the recent numbers, 425 00:16:46,360 --> 00:16:48,080 the most recent numbers that we've seen, 426 00:16:48,080 --> 00:16:49,762 there have been about 500 people tested. 427 00:16:49,762 --> 00:16:52,580 Do you think that that is adequate 428 00:16:52,580 --> 00:16:56,820 in order to detect the spread of the virus within 429 00:16:56,820 --> 00:16:58,780 the military community and halt its spread? 430 00:16:58,780 --> 00:17:02,053 And what are the criteria for testing? 431 00:17:03,340 --> 00:17:06,450 - We can get to the Joint Staff surgeon back up here 432 00:17:06,450 --> 00:17:08,960 to talk about that, to give you the exact details. 433 00:17:08,960 --> 00:17:10,490 My view is if you are symptomatic, 434 00:17:10,490 --> 00:17:12,080 you should definitely be tested. 435 00:17:12,080 --> 00:17:13,265 Otherwise, there's no plans 436 00:17:13,265 --> 00:17:17,975 to test all one million or so active duty personnel. 437 00:17:17,975 --> 00:17:19,740 That is, I don't believe, 438 00:17:19,740 --> 00:17:21,680 something we need to do at this point in time. 439 00:17:21,680 --> 00:17:24,470 But, again, I'd rely on the Joint Staff surgeon 440 00:17:24,470 --> 00:17:25,770 to kind of give us, 441 00:17:25,770 --> 00:17:27,290 to fill you in with regard to how that is. 442 00:17:27,290 --> 00:17:29,481 But if you're symptomatic you definitely should be tested. 443 00:17:29,481 --> 00:17:32,360 In some cases if you've been exposed you should be tested. 444 00:17:32,360 --> 00:17:33,960 But we're not at that point yet. 445 00:17:34,971 --> 00:17:36,130 - [Staff] One more from the phone. 446 00:17:36,130 --> 00:17:37,623 Lee Hudson, Aviation Week. 447 00:17:43,410 --> 00:17:44,643 Okay, back to the room. 448 00:17:45,920 --> 00:17:48,090 - Mr. Secretary, could you give us 449 00:17:48,090 --> 00:17:51,070 some sense of timing here? 450 00:17:51,070 --> 00:17:56,070 How long does it require you to activate a reserve unit? 451 00:17:57,010 --> 00:17:59,090 If the governor of New York wants you 452 00:17:59,090 --> 00:18:02,230 to get the Army Corps of Engineers contracting 453 00:18:02,230 --> 00:18:06,100 to renovating hospitals or build new ones, 454 00:18:06,100 --> 00:18:07,795 we learned with the wall that still 455 00:18:07,795 --> 00:18:11,990 is a contracting process that takes time. 456 00:18:11,990 --> 00:18:15,590 So, how long would it be before the U.S. 457 00:18:15,590 --> 00:18:17,930 military really started having 458 00:18:17,930 --> 00:18:21,190 an impact in terms of hospital beds? 459 00:18:21,190 --> 00:18:22,360 - It's another great point 460 00:18:22,360 --> 00:18:24,880 that as I talk to people I try to share with them. 461 00:18:24,880 --> 00:18:26,670 So, let's take your second part first 462 00:18:26,670 --> 00:18:27,530 with the Corps of Engineers. 463 00:18:27,530 --> 00:18:30,678 They do great work, very good program managers. 464 00:18:30,678 --> 00:18:33,210 But they have a number of federal rules 465 00:18:33,210 --> 00:18:34,470 and regulations they follow. 466 00:18:34,470 --> 00:18:35,870 They have a very expansive 467 00:18:35,870 --> 00:18:38,390 contracting process and that takes time. 468 00:18:38,390 --> 00:18:41,390 The Corps of Engineers does not build projects, 469 00:18:41,390 --> 00:18:43,140 they contract others to do the projects. 470 00:18:43,140 --> 00:18:44,930 So, my hunch is, 471 00:18:44,930 --> 00:18:46,440 it would probably be quicker 472 00:18:46,440 --> 00:18:48,220 if it's done at the state or local level. 473 00:18:48,220 --> 00:18:49,750 But nonetheless, I don't mind offering up 474 00:18:49,750 --> 00:18:51,430 the Corps of Engineers to come 475 00:18:51,430 --> 00:18:54,150 to a state to talk to whoever 476 00:18:54,150 --> 00:18:55,860 a governor wants them to speak to 477 00:18:55,860 --> 00:18:58,120 with regard to renovating buildings 478 00:18:58,120 --> 00:19:00,650 or whatnot to see if we can do it quicker, 479 00:19:00,650 --> 00:19:03,840 we should, we're prepared to do that. 480 00:19:03,840 --> 00:19:05,708 But, I think, at this point, the key is speed. 481 00:19:05,708 --> 00:19:07,930 But again, I need to have those conversations 482 00:19:07,930 --> 00:19:09,365 with the governors and others. 483 00:19:09,365 --> 00:19:11,330 With regard to your first question, you're right. 484 00:19:11,330 --> 00:19:13,919 I spent a lot of years in both the Guard and Reserve. 485 00:19:13,919 --> 00:19:16,890 It takes time to activate people. 486 00:19:16,890 --> 00:19:19,010 Depending on the type of unit, 487 00:19:19,010 --> 00:19:20,360 you have to activate the person 488 00:19:20,360 --> 00:19:21,930 but then you have to draw equipment, 489 00:19:21,930 --> 00:19:23,870 you have to do any number of things. 490 00:19:23,870 --> 00:19:25,450 Then in all cases you have to, again, 491 00:19:25,450 --> 00:19:27,240 be very careful that you're not pulling somebody 492 00:19:27,240 --> 00:19:30,248 out of a part of the civilian sector where they're needed. 493 00:19:30,248 --> 00:19:33,370 We keep talking about medical professionals, 494 00:19:33,370 --> 00:19:36,070 but it could be law enforcement, it could be firefighters, 495 00:19:36,070 --> 00:19:37,480 whatever the case may be. 496 00:19:37,480 --> 00:19:38,930 That takes a little bit of time, too, 497 00:19:38,930 --> 00:19:40,410 to make sure we're making the right decisions 498 00:19:40,410 --> 00:19:41,930 with regard to who we call up. 499 00:19:41,930 --> 00:19:43,300 - So, you're describing a process 500 00:19:43,300 --> 00:19:45,290 that sounds like it's gonna take weeks not days? 501 00:19:45,290 --> 00:19:49,870 - It could, I don't have any hard requests. 502 00:19:49,870 --> 00:19:52,020 Well, maybe one or two right now. 503 00:19:52,020 --> 00:19:53,050 But if you're thinking about 504 00:19:53,050 --> 00:19:54,360 calling up the Guard or Reserve, 505 00:19:54,360 --> 00:19:55,910 it's not hours or days, 506 00:19:55,910 --> 00:19:58,919 it's probably days or weeks, and more like weeks. 507 00:19:58,919 --> 00:20:01,100 But it depends on the type of unit, 508 00:20:01,100 --> 00:20:02,049 where they're located, 509 00:20:02,049 --> 00:20:05,563 what they would have to bring to the mission, etc. 510 00:20:07,160 --> 00:20:08,830 Let me go to somebody else. 511 00:20:08,830 --> 00:20:10,150 - Thank you, Secretary. 512 00:20:10,150 --> 00:20:11,757 At the White House briefing today, 513 00:20:11,757 --> 00:20:13,780 the President suggested that there's 514 00:20:13,780 --> 00:20:14,960 actually been some discussions 515 00:20:14,960 --> 00:20:17,519 about potential sites for field hospitals. 516 00:20:17,519 --> 00:20:18,776 Have you been advising 517 00:20:18,776 --> 00:20:21,920 on where these sites could potentially be? 518 00:20:21,920 --> 00:20:23,590 Maybe Washington state? 519 00:20:23,590 --> 00:20:25,891 And then secondly on the ventilators, 520 00:20:25,891 --> 00:20:28,257 with the 2,000 that you're sending out, 521 00:20:28,257 --> 00:20:29,450 can you give us a sense 522 00:20:29,450 --> 00:20:31,230 of if there's greater need than that, 523 00:20:31,230 --> 00:20:32,560 if this gets worse, 524 00:20:32,560 --> 00:20:35,090 how much can DOD surge before it needs 525 00:20:35,090 --> 00:20:39,670 to reach out to maybe the private sector or other places? 526 00:20:39,670 --> 00:20:41,540 - Well, I think, again, second question first. 527 00:20:41,540 --> 00:20:44,706 We can offer up to 2,000. 528 00:20:44,706 --> 00:20:47,629 That's why I like to say the key thing right now, 529 00:20:47,629 --> 00:20:49,460 when you look at the numbers 530 00:20:49,460 --> 00:20:51,600 of people that are projected that may need ventilators, 531 00:20:51,600 --> 00:20:54,000 2,000 doesn't put much of a dent to into it. 532 00:20:54,000 --> 00:20:55,747 But we can offer what we have. 533 00:20:55,747 --> 00:20:57,950 I think they key thing is the private sector, 534 00:20:57,950 --> 00:20:59,060 the manufacturing side, 535 00:20:59,060 --> 00:21:02,492 whoever makes medical machines of this type, 536 00:21:02,492 --> 00:21:05,880 is how do you prime that pump to get the production, 537 00:21:05,880 --> 00:21:07,100 because we're simply not going to be able 538 00:21:07,100 --> 00:21:09,990 to meet the demand if the demand fits some 539 00:21:09,990 --> 00:21:12,190 of the profiles we've seen in the CDC brief. 540 00:21:12,190 --> 00:21:14,574 And then, location of field hospitals. 541 00:21:14,574 --> 00:21:17,230 Again, I think it's a case-by-case basis. 542 00:21:17,230 --> 00:21:18,860 It has to depend on the conversation 543 00:21:18,860 --> 00:21:22,010 with the governor or the state or local authority. 544 00:21:22,010 --> 00:21:23,833 My view is, the best view, 545 00:21:24,670 --> 00:21:26,481 the best use of our field hospitals, 546 00:21:26,481 --> 00:21:29,290 because they're geared toward, is trauma. 547 00:21:29,290 --> 00:21:30,540 So, ideally what you would do 548 00:21:30,540 --> 00:21:33,250 is locate it somewhere maybe next to a hospital 549 00:21:33,250 --> 00:21:34,840 where as trauma patients come in, 550 00:21:34,840 --> 00:21:36,442 instead of going into the hospital, 551 00:21:36,442 --> 00:21:38,840 they would go into the field hospital 552 00:21:38,840 --> 00:21:41,244 where we could treat the broken legs, the lacerations, 553 00:21:41,244 --> 00:21:44,690 the falling down hit your head type of stuff. 554 00:21:44,690 --> 00:21:46,500 We can handle them in our big open base. 555 00:21:46,500 --> 00:21:48,150 We have our doctors that can do that. 556 00:21:48,150 --> 00:21:50,250 And if you come in for a COVID, 557 00:21:50,250 --> 00:21:53,110 we've now freed up rooms for you to go inside the hospital 558 00:21:53,110 --> 00:21:54,525 where you have segregated rooms 559 00:21:54,525 --> 00:21:56,610 with bathrooms and all those things 560 00:21:56,610 --> 00:21:59,450 you need to treat infectious patients. 561 00:21:59,450 --> 00:22:02,240 Not a doctor, I was an infantryman, 562 00:22:02,240 --> 00:22:03,560 not a medical professional, 563 00:22:03,560 --> 00:22:05,200 but my hunch is you'd want to do 564 00:22:05,200 --> 00:22:06,690 some type of co-location next 565 00:22:06,690 --> 00:22:08,540 to where medical facilities are. 566 00:22:08,540 --> 00:22:10,559 But that all has to be worked out 567 00:22:10,559 --> 00:22:14,250 with the local, state or municipality, 568 00:22:14,250 --> 00:22:15,860 to make sure, how can we best support 569 00:22:15,860 --> 00:22:17,460 if that's the support they need. 570 00:22:19,320 --> 00:22:21,160 - [Reporter] 2,000 is the upper limit? 571 00:22:21,160 --> 00:22:23,030 - That's what we can offer right now, that's right. 572 00:22:23,030 --> 00:22:24,000 - [Staff] Last question. 573 00:22:24,000 --> 00:22:24,833 - Thank you. 574 00:22:24,833 --> 00:22:25,910 From Defense One. 575 00:22:25,910 --> 00:22:27,610 The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency 576 00:22:27,610 --> 00:22:30,050 currently has a program to develop an antigen, 577 00:22:30,050 --> 00:22:31,440 it's kind of like a vaccine, 578 00:22:31,440 --> 00:22:33,100 but a little bit more proximate, 579 00:22:33,100 --> 00:22:35,073 it can potentially shield troops 580 00:22:35,073 --> 00:22:37,760 or anybody else from contracting the disease 581 00:22:37,760 --> 00:22:40,650 for a period of time until a vaccine becomes available. 582 00:22:40,650 --> 00:22:43,100 Can you describe, based on your conversations today, 583 00:22:43,100 --> 00:22:45,870 what the readiness level is or the level of preparedness 584 00:22:45,870 --> 00:22:48,310 for any sort of COVID therapeutic 585 00:22:48,310 --> 00:22:50,320 that might be in development by the U.S. military? 586 00:22:50,320 --> 00:22:52,240 - I'm not tracking the DARPA one. 587 00:22:52,240 --> 00:22:54,000 I hope to go see them sometime here soon 588 00:22:54,000 --> 00:22:56,210 to find out where they are in terms of their work. 589 00:22:56,210 --> 00:22:58,020 They are part of all this, too. 590 00:22:58,020 --> 00:23:01,000 But with regard to USAMRIID where I was today, 591 00:23:01,000 --> 00:23:02,210 they're working on two parts, 592 00:23:02,210 --> 00:23:05,620 both the vaccine and then the treatment piece 593 00:23:05,620 --> 00:23:08,990 which is the therapeutics and that. 594 00:23:10,800 --> 00:23:12,580 So, they're moving along on both fronts. 595 00:23:12,580 --> 00:23:16,290 I didn't get too detailed of a briefing on the second part. 596 00:23:16,290 --> 00:23:18,210 I focused a lot on the vaccine side. 597 00:23:18,210 --> 00:23:20,000 But that's something we can get 598 00:23:20,000 --> 00:23:23,463 the Joint Staff surgeon to come and brief you all about. 599 00:23:25,535 --> 00:23:26,520 - [Reporter] Can we just get an update 600 00:23:26,520 --> 00:23:27,540 on the situation in Iraq? 601 00:23:27,540 --> 00:23:28,373 - We'll do that another day. 602 00:23:28,373 --> 00:23:29,690 Today is coronavirus, 603 00:23:29,690 --> 00:23:30,630 that's my focus right now. 604 00:23:30,630 --> 00:23:31,640 Thank you all.