PORT OF MALAKAL, Republic of Palau -- Task Force Koa Moana 20 (TF KM20), composed of U.S. Marines and Sailors with I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF) from Camp Pendleton, California, was tested for a second time by the Palau Ministry of Health (MOH) on August 5, 2020. All task force personnel, as well as the crew of the USNS City of Bismarck, tested negative for COVID-19 for the second time since arriving in Palau.

The task force arrived in the Republic of Palau July 22 and were initially tested by the MOH with 100 percent negative results. The task force then started their 14-day quarantine.

During quarantine, the Marines have performed unilateral projects on Peleliu away from the local populace. With this second and final negative COVID test, Marines and Sailors will be allowed to conduct activities throughout Koror, such as subject matter expert exchanges and key leader engagements, as well as stimulating the Palauan economy by working with local vendors to fulfill TF KM20 contracting requirements.

Task Force Koa Moana 20 will reinforce their commitment to the health and safety of the Palauan community through the same COVID-19 mitigation measures that Palauan citizens take. TF KM20 extends their gratitude to the Ministry of Health for their professionalism and cooperation in upholding the health and safety of Palauan citizens and U.S. service members. Marines and Sailors will maintain social distance, sanitize all frequently-touched surfaces and regularly wash their hands.

Additionally, TF KM20 will continuously monitor the health of all assigned service members throughout the deployment.