COVID-19 hits Britain's flagship after Cyprus port call
The Royal Navy's flagship, HMS Queen Elizabeth, is managing a COVID-19 outbreak after more than 100 crew were infected during a port call in Cyprus earlier this month, officials said Wednesday (Jul 14). The first cases were identified on or around Jul 4 when the state-of-the-art aircraft carrier was docked at Limassol port on the island's south coast.
Britain's largest warship docked in Limassol from Jun 30 until Jul 5, spearheading the largest UK peacetime deployment in a generation, Carrier Strike Group 21.
"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.
"All personnel deployed have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, and there are a number of mitigation measures onboard, 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."
According to the UK newspaper The Sun, almost half the warships in the carrier strike group have been hit by positive cases.
It said they include at least 100 crew of the HMS Queen Elizabeth after sailors "were given a run ashore in Limassol".
During her five-day call at Limassol port, HMS Queen Elizabeth welcomed on-board dignitaries including Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades.
