fragging has been omitted from the military curriculum

while epidemiologists seek data on the age and rates of smoking in the military  and the death snd impairment rates from the corona virus


london bookies start tsking action on the bet the death derby in all its forms as well as the prevalence and rates of change of vices including
drinking
drugs
etc

• BUSINESS

Altria Group CEO Howard Willard Has Coronavirus, Will Take Leave 

Finance Chief Billy Gifford will take over Marlboro maker temporarily 

Altria Group, maker of Marlboro cigarettes, says it has enough cigarette inventory to continue shipping at current rates for about two months.

PHOTO: PAUL SAKUMA/ASSOCIATED PRESS

By 

Chris Wack and 

Jennifer Maloney

March 20, 2020 8:54 am ET

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Altria Group Inc. MO -7.60% Chairman and Chief Executive Howard Willard has contracted the coronavirus illness and is taking a temporary medical leave of absence, becoming one of the first CEOs of a major U.S. company to be hit by the fast-spreading outbreak.

Finance Chief Billy Gifford will assume authority and responsibilities for Mr. Willard, 56 years old, until he returns from his leave of absence, the company said.

The tobacco giant Thursday announced a two-week suspension of operations at the Richmond, Va., manufacturing center where it makes Marlboros after two employees tested positive for the virus. The company said it has enough cigarette inventory to continue shipping at current rates for about two months. 

Mr. Gifford has served as vice chairman and CFO since 2018, and has worked for the company for more than two decades. 

“We are committed to protecting the safety and well-being of our employees, contractors, their families and the communities where we operate,” Mr. Gifford said in a statement Thursday. “We take the threat of Covid-19 seriously and have been actively implementing plans to minimize business disruptions and their potential impact to our employees, consumers and customers.”

Last week London-based BT Group PLC, one of Europe’s largest telecommunications companies, said CEO Philip Jansen tested positive for coronavirus. Mr. Jansen, 53 years old, self-isolated after his positive test. He said his symptoms were mild and he would continue to lead the company, working remotely.

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Coronavirus Update: California Lockdown, $1,200 Checks, Walmart Hires

California orders the largest lockdown in the U.S., a stimulus package calls for taxpayers to receive up to $1,200, and Walmart will hire 150,000 temporary staffers in response to a surge in demand for groceries. WSJ’s Shelby Holliday has the latest on the pandemic. Photo: Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg News

Write to Jennifer Maloney at jennifer.maloney@wsj.com

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