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As the novel coronavirus continues to spread, the Canadian military has started initial preparations for responding to a pandemic.

Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jon Vance issued a message Wednesday that he has ordered the activation of Operation Laser Phase 2, which is described as “Pandemic/Preparation.”

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“The purpose of that tasking order is to ensure that the CAF (Canadian Armed Forces) implements measures to maintain CAF operational effectiveness and and readiness, preserve essential health services for (members), and maintain responsive support to civil authorities as part of the CG (government) response,” Vance’s message noted.

“We will immediately assess CAF posture at home and abroad, refresh business continuity plans, protect defence supply chains, and take measures to limit the chance of infection of our (members).”

In addition, the Canadian Forces is reviewing whether its current stocks of health-related supplies are adequate, the Department of National Defence confirmed to this newspaper.