Deployment of Liberian military personel has begun. As part of Operation White Shield, they are tasked with establishing checkpoints, offering security and protection to healthcare workers and service providers, and ensuring healthcare professionals are able to move into highly affected areas.

The operation will be conducted on an incremental level, in 30 day periods, up to 90days.

Its primary objective objective is to aid healthcare authorities in their efforts to contain the spread of ebola. The operation is concentrated in Lofa, Bong, Cape Mount and Bomi counties. It will also provide healthcare professionals the additional opportunity to identify, trace, maintain surveillance and quarantine individuals in affected areas. Military forces are moving into position at the time of writing, and are undergoing a process of sensitization with communities, including meeting with local leaders.
All affected areas, especially in Lofa, will have checkpoints that are internal as well as external to prevent further spread within affected areas. White Shield can and will be replicated across other parts of the country if necessary. People from unaffected areas will not be permitted to have access to areas that are affected. Operation White Shield, including the establishment of all checkpoints, will be in full effect by Friday morning.