More than 9,300 veterans connected to the VA health care system are currently dealing with the virus. Traditional Veterans Day ceremonies were canceled as the coronavirus surged across the U.S. Robert Wilkie was in close contact last week with HUD Secretary Ben Carson, who tested positive on Monday. In an interview with Military Times, VA Secretary Robert Wilkie defended the department's response to coronavirus thus far as better than many had predicted. At least a dozen different temperature check devices are in use at department facilities across the country. "At this point in the investigation, there is no indication of foul play," said an Army CID official. El Paso saw a nearly 160 percent increase in COVID-19 positive rates and a 300 percent increase in hospitalizations since Oct. 1. An 18-year-old soldier from California died Thursday during training at a rifle range on Fort Jackson, South Carolina. BLS estimated that 5.5 percent of vets nationwide were looking for work last month. Nearly 6,700 department patients are dealing with the fast-spreading virus. Load More