Special Feature Defense Chronology 1 Fight Against the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Medical officer collecting PCR samples from a crew member t ing transport suppor Ambulance provid The worldwide pandemic of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) poses a critical security threat not only to Japan, but also to the international community as a whole. The Ministry of Defense (MOD) and the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) are engaged in activities to prevent the spread of infection using all available resources. In January 2020, the MOD voluntarily dispatched SDF personnel in order to implement disaster relief operation for Japanese citizens who returned to Japan due to the spread of COVID-19 in China. In addition, SDF Reserve Personnel qualified as doctors and nurses, etc. were mobilized to provide medical support. Reserve SDF member engaged in nursing duties Transport support es by to their home countri for people returning countries tive pec res to s ight fl chartered Life support assistance for returned Japanese nationals January 2020 Since March 28, 2020, the SDF has conducted various activities, including support of quarantine at airports to reinforce border control against COVID-19, and education on prevention of infection for employees of private accommodation facilities to prevent the spread of community-acquired infection. The SDF Central Hospital admitted patients infected via community spread of the virus. SDF vehicles engaged in disaster relief operations for the cruise ship March 2020 Training on how to wear protective clothing Training for accommodation facility staff in preventing infection 1 DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2020 Transporting returnees/foreign nationals awaiting PCR test results from airports to accommodation facilities