February 18, 2020

Castro Statement on Additional Evacuees at JBSA-Lackland

WASHINGTON—Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Vice Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, and member of the House Intelligence and Education and Labor Committees, today released the following statement to provide an update on the additional evacuees at JBSA-Lackland.

“Yesterday, 144 new evacuees arrived at Lackland from Japan after being quarantined on the Diamond Princess cruise ship. All the evacuees transported to Lackland from Japan are asymptomatic. Others who have either tested positive for the coronavirus or showed symptoms before arriving at Lackland were transported to other facilities around the country. The additional evacuees are being housed in separate accommodations, per strict protocol, from the other evacuees at Lackland. It’s important to note that we still only have one individual who tested positive for the coronavirus in San Antonio. That individual remains in quarantine at a local hospital. That number is testament to the commitment and competence of the medical and public health officials managing this situation on-the-ground and in collaboration with our federal and local agencies. Along with my staff, I am closely monitoring and overseeing this entire situation, as well as consistently briefed by relevant agencies so that I can provide my constituents with the regular and comprehensive updates they deserve. My top priority will always be the safety, comfort, and health of the people of San Antonio.”

# # #