ORAC
12th Dec 2020, 06:23
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/coronavirus-in-scotland-scores-laid-low-by-virus-at-faslane-nuclear-submarine-base-ddz09psfs
Coronavirus in Scotland: Scores laid low by virus at Faslane nuclear submarine base
Faslane nuclear submarine base is in the grip of an escalating coronavirus outbreak with the number of cases on site predicted to outstrip the whole of Edinburgh over Christmas.
There have been 145 cases of coronavirus detected in Argyll & Bute since the start of December, including 85 on December 2 alone. NHS Highland said the cases were almost entirely in HM Naval Base Clyde, the headquarters of the UK’s nuclear submarine fleet, which employs about 8,000 people.
The health board said that the infections were contained within the base and there was little evidence of cases spreading into the local community.
Cases have tailed off in recent days but forecasters predict the area is facing a major escalation. There is a 70 per cent probability of 200 cases next week and a further 300 cases in Christmas week, according to modelling by Imperial College London.......
A Royal Navy spokesman said: “We can confirm that a number of personnel at HMNB Clyde have tested positive for Covid-19 and are under medical supervision. Personnel identified as having been in contact with those who have tested positive are self-isolating in line with established health guidelines.”
The Ministry of Defence refused to reveal exactly how many cases had been detected on the base and denied reports that the outbreak was instigated by personnel visiting spouses and partners away from the base.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “We assessed a recent report from HM Naval Base Clyde and found the rules had indeed been observed. Personnel required to remain on base did so at all times. When there are claims that Covid rules are flouted we take it seriously. Because this matters to us we continue to assess and improve these protocols to keep ourselves and the community safe.”
The Royal Navy is understood to have put in place robust plans to ensure the delivery of key operations in the UK and overseas to maintain essential tasks until the outbreak is brought under control........
Coronavirus in Scotland: Scores laid low by virus at Faslane nuclear submarine base
Faslane nuclear submarine base is in the grip of an escalating coronavirus outbreak with the number of cases on site predicted to outstrip the whole of Edinburgh over Christmas.
There have been 145 cases of coronavirus detected in Argyll & Bute since the start of December, including 85 on December 2 alone. NHS Highland said the cases were almost entirely in HM Naval Base Clyde, the headquarters of the UK’s nuclear submarine fleet, which employs about 8,000 people.
The health board said that the infections were contained within the base and there was little evidence of cases spreading into the local community.
Cases have tailed off in recent days but forecasters predict the area is facing a major escalation. There is a 70 per cent probability of 200 cases next week and a further 300 cases in Christmas week, according to modelling by Imperial College London.......
A Royal Navy spokesman said: “We can confirm that a number of personnel at HMNB Clyde have tested positive for Covid-19 and are under medical supervision. Personnel identified as having been in contact with those who have tested positive are self-isolating in line with established health guidelines.”
The Ministry of Defence refused to reveal exactly how many cases had been detected on the base and denied reports that the outbreak was instigated by personnel visiting spouses and partners away from the base.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “We assessed a recent report from HM Naval Base Clyde and found the rules had indeed been observed. Personnel required to remain on base did so at all times. When there are claims that Covid rules are flouted we take it seriously. Because this matters to us we continue to assess and improve these protocols to keep ourselves and the community safe.”
The Royal Navy is understood to have put in place robust plans to ensure the delivery of key operations in the UK and overseas to maintain essential tasks until the outbreak is brought under control........