WASHINGTON – Since the outbreak was first reported in early January, the Peace Corps has been closely monitoring the coronavirus with the State Department Bureaus of Medical Affairs and Diplomatic Security, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization, to safeguard volunteers and staff at Peace Corps posts around the world.

Peace Corps medical officers are communicating with volunteers on how to mitigate the risks of exposure, and an interdisciplinary working group is working closely with overseas posts to track and analyze the impact on the agency and to ensure an effective and timely response.

Each Peace Corps program has developed specific protocols for the coronavirus that have been included in their Emergency Action Plans. Volunteers are thoroughly trained in their roles and responsibilities, and posts are prepared to respond to public health emergencies like the coronavirus outbreak.

All volunteers from Peace Corps China were evacuated safely. Globally, no volunteers or staff have been infected.

Peace Corps will remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions until this epidemic subsides.