ZCZC
BFF-51
HEALTH-VIRUS-FRANCE NEWSERIES
France to isolate 1,900 sailors after virus-hit naval ship docks
TOULON, France, April 12, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – France on Sunday began an
unprecedented operation to isolate 1,900 sailors after 50 naval
personnel tested positive for COVID-19 aboard its nuclear-powered
aircraft carrier Charles-de-Gaulle.
The flagship of the French navy docked in the southern port of
Toulon, after cutting short its current mission in the Mediterranean
and the Atlantic by 10 days because of the outbreak.
Local authorities said a painstaking operation was now underway by
land and sea to evacuate 1,900 sailors to ensure there was no risk of
any further infection.
Three sailors had already been evacuated to hospital Toulon as a
“precaution” before the ship docked.
All the personnel will be tested and they will then be put into
isolation for two weeks, with no physical contact allowed with their
families, said the spokeswoman for the regional authorities, Christine
Ribbe.
“Our aim is to protect all our sailors and also their families with
an unprecedented deployment,” she added. Only once the isolation
period is over will the sailors be allowed home.
From Tuesday, the ship itself will also be the subject of a major
disinfection operation.
BSS/AFP/MRU/2205hrs