Britain’s armed forces have placed up to 20,000 troops on standby as part of a “covid support force” which could set up makeshift hospitals in vacant hotels and help police officers in their duties as the coronavirus escalates.
The new force — made up of 10,000 military personnel who are regularly deployed to civilian activities, plus an extra 10,000 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic — has been placed at “high readiness”.
Its future role is likely to focus on transport, logistics and engineering support during the crisis, although this could expand into more specialised functions.
A group of 150 military personnel are due to start training next week in how to drive oxygen tankers in order to support the National Health Service’s treatment of coronavirus patients requiring ventilation and critical care.
“Putting more personnel at a higher state of readiness and having our reserves on standby gives us greater flexibility to support public services as and when they require our assistance,” said Major-General Charlie Stickland, assistant chief of the defence staff for operations and commitments, commenting on the covid support force.
“[This will] form part of a whole force effort to support the country during its time of need. Our servicemen and women are committed to maintain our operational output and delivering any support the government requires.”
While the military has previously helped in national crises such as flooding and the foot-and-mouth outbreak in 2001, it is highly unusual for troops to be drafted into civilian support at this scale.
The covid support force is expected to play a role in enabling police to secure the streets in the event of a lockdown, which could be triggered in London — where the number of coronavirus cases is highest — as early as this week.
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The military personnel would perform standard police duties, freeing up officers to concentrate on street patrols.
More than 700 new coronavirus cases have been reported across Britain in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 2,626.
US president Donald Trump announced on Wednesday he had deployed a hospital ship to New York harbour to help deal with the surge in American cases, but UK military officials played down the idea of Royal Navy vessels being used to treat the sick.
“Why would you put patients on a draughty, remote ship when there are hotel rooms lying empty?” said one British official. “It would be better to book up the Holiday Inn next to the hospital.” The military could help provide logistics in setting up hospitals in hotels, added the official.
The covid support force has not yet been deployed and will only mobilise in response to formal requests from government departments.
Ben Wallace, defence secretary, is due to put out a call on Thursday for reservists with specialist skills to help the outbreak support effort. “The men and women of our armed forces stand ready to protect Britain and her citizens from all threats, including Covid-19,” said Mr Wallace, ahead of the reservists request.
“The unique flexibility and dedication of the services means that we are able to provide assistance across the whole of society in this time of need.”
The Ministry of Defence has already seconded scientists at the military laboratory in Porton Down, Wiltshire, to help public health efforts in mapping and testing for coronavirus.
The lab, which was instrumental in identifying the novichok nerve agent used against former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury two years ago, has deployed a small team to work on managing the virus.
It will be working on “hazard assessment, microbiological testing and operational analysis support to government”, said the defence ministry.
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