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WASHINGTON – Gen. David Thompson, the U.S. Space Force’s second in command, has tested positive for the coronavirus.

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Thompson, 57, who assumed his position on Oct. 2, was tested Wednesday after learning he had come in contact with a close family member who had tested positive for the virus, U.S. Air Force spokesperson Ann Stefanek said in a news release.

“In accordance with established COVID policies, Gen. Thompson is self-quarantining and working remotely from home,” Stefanek said.

Last week, Thompson presided over the swearing-in ceremony of Space Force recruits in Baltimore, Military.com reported.

Thompson is the third senior military leader known to have a positive COVID-19 test.

Earlier this month, Gen. Gary Thomas, the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps tested positive after experiencing mild symptoms, Military.com reported. He began self-quarantining on Oct. 6, the same week that Adm. Charles Ray, the Coast Guard’s vice commandant, tested positive.

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Space Force general tests positive

Gen. David Thompson tested positive for the coronavirus, the third senior U.S. military official to have a positive COVID-19 test.