Washington (CNN) US military leadership has already taken a number of decisive actions in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak -- canceling military exercises with allies, self-quarantining ships and screening new recruits for the virus.

But as it continues to spread in the US, the challenge of keeping the Pentagon, which serves as the military's nerve center, functioning if the virus hits the work force is coming into focus.

While preparations are being made for teleworking and some staff could move off-site if the situation becomes severe, a small number of critical staff could be "locked down" to perform crucial functions in the Pentagon's command center.

In a clear sign Defense Secretary Mark Esper is working to mitigate the risk posed by the outbreak, an unusual high-level staff meeting was held on Monday morning.

Instead of cramming senior staffers into one meeting room, officials were spread out over three rooms and spoke via video conference.

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