<b>BY MINDY LUCAS</b>

Two Marines based at Parris Island are in self-quarantine after traveling overseas, according to officials at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.

The individuals – a chief warrant officer and a master gunnery sergeant – are “asymptomatic” in that they are not showing or presenting any symptoms of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, said Captain Bryan McDonnell, director of communication strategy and operations at the Depot.

The officers work at the base and were on leave when they elected to self-quarantine, McDonnell said.

Currently, there are no cases of COVID-19 at the base, he said.

In addition, the Marine Corps announced on Monday, March 16, that it has temporarily suspended the standard 10-day leave period granted to new Marines following their graduation from recruit training.

The move was made “in accordance with the latest Department of Defense guidance regarding COVID-19” and was designed to preserve the readiness of the force, the statement said.

The statement went on to say, “While we understand this is challenging for new Marines and their families, this policy protects Marines, their families, Civilian Marines, and the community at-large from additional exposure.”

The Depot has plans to live stream all graduations during this period, which will be available on the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island’s official Facebook page.

After graduation, all new Marines will report to the corps’ School of Infantry, where the next phase of their entry-level training will begin. From there, they will continue on to their assigned unit or additional formal training as required, the statement said.

The leave policy is effective through May 11 and will be reviewed based on conditions at the time.