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Covid outbreak on HMS Queen Elizabeth Navy flagship

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Covid outbreak on HMS Queen Elizabeth Navy flagship

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COVID-19 has been identified in around 100 vaccinated crewmembers onboard the Royal Navy’s HMS Queen Elizabeth carrier, but the epidemic is being controlled, according to a study released Wednesday.

A number of other vessels in the fleet following it are also hit.

The group of warships recently stopped for a short period of shore leave in Limassol, Cyprus.

According to the BBC, there are more infections aboard warships in the carrier group, which has approximately 3,700 people on board. The Royal Navy’s flagship has crossed the Indian Ocean and will ultimately make its way to Japan. The instances were found through regular testing, according to a spokesperson for the BBC, and “are no effects on the deployment.”

“As part of routine testing, a small number of crew from the Carrier Strike Group have tested positive for Covid-19,” a Royal Navy spokesperson said in a statement.

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“All personnel deployed in the UK CSG have received both doses of the Covid vaccine and there are a number of mitigation measures on board including masks, social distancing and a track and trace system.

“The Carrier Strike Group will continue to deliver their operational tasks and there are no effects on the deployment.”

All crew members had got two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, according to Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, and the epidemic is now under control.

“Our crew are double vaccinated so you’ll be glad to know there is no serious effects on any of the crew and we will manage it,” he said, adding that going forwards he will offer support to the captain of the ship in “whatever decision he makes”.

Despite a number of precautions implemented on board Navy vessels in response to the epidemic, the incident happened anyway. Masks, social distance, and a track-and-trace system are among them.

The 65,000-ton carrier, which can carry 36 F-35 fighter jets, has been supporting real combat operations in Iraq against the Islamic State group and is regarded as a clear projection of strength. The carrier, according to Commodore Steve Moorhouse of the Associated Press, gives the United Kingdom flexibility in how it conducts military operations overseas and “keeps those that wish to cause us harm … on their toes.”

“But there is a reality when you buy yourself a fifth-generation aircraft carrier and you take it around the world … people are interested in it,” he added.

This isn’t the first time a Covid scare has occurred aboard a Royal Navy ship.

After “a number of suspected Covid cases” on board, the crew of HMS Northumberland was compelled to return to shore and isolate during Christmas last year.

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Defence announced that an inquiry was underway after the death of a crew member of the Type 23 frigate HMS Kent, which is also part of the CSG.

The Carrier Strike Group’s leader, HMS Queen Elizabeth, is approximately a quarter of the way through a 28-week deployment.

It was anticipated to travel through the South China Sea as the biggest combined naval and aviation task force formed under British command since the Falklands War.

The frigate recently visited Greece, where it was met by senior members of the Greek navy and the crew was given a tour of a traditional Greek vessel.

The worldwide trip will span 26,000 miles and will be HMS Queen Elizabeth’s maiden operational deployment.

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