Politics

UK's floating hospital ship could be used in military fight against coronavirus


A Navy hospital ship which supported operations to curb the ebola outbreak could be used to treat coronavirus patients.

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel Argus, which was based off West Africa in 2014-15 during the ebola crisis, could be used to ease pressure on packed NHS wards.

It is among measures being examined by Armed Forces’ chiefs as the military response to the Covid-19 pandemic ramps up.

Helicopters and other aircraft could be made available to help.

Some 20,000 troops will be put on standby as the disease escalates.

An 10,000 extra personnel, on top of 10,000 already at “high readiness”, will be part of a “Covid Support Force” ready to help Government departments and local resilience forums.

Gv's of Argus is due to leave the UK for Sierra Leone
The ship joined the global response to the 2014-15 ebola outbreak in west Africa

Plans include training 150 specialist tanker drivers to deliver oxygen to the NHS.

Reservists could be drafted into help as the crisis escalates.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “The men and women of our Armed Forces stand ready to protect Britain and her citizens from all threats, including Covid-19.

“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.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has placed another 10,000 troops at high readiness

“From me downwards, the entirety of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces are dedicated to getting the nation through this global pandemic.”

The military has already been involved in bringing home Britons from the Diamond Princess cruise ship and assisting with repatriation flights from China and Japan.

It is playing a key role in returning to the UK passengers affected by an outbreak on the Fred Olsen ship Braemar.

Scientists at the top-secret Defence Science and Technology Laboratory at Porton Down are working urgently on the project to tackle the spread of coronavirus.

The lab was key to identifying Novichok as the poison used by Russian agents in Salisbury, Wilts, in a botched assassination attempt on two Russian citizens in 2018.

Scientists at the MoD research lab at Porton Down are also involved in the UK response to the crisis

Some 38 members from the Royal Logistics Corps have already been sent to help local resilience forum planners respond to Covid-19.

Various military exercises have been cancelled or scaled-back.

And the Ministry of Defence has cancelled rest-and-recuperation leave for troops returning from overseas operations.

Some could be quarantined to check for symptoms of the virus, meaning they are fit and ready when needed.

Troops could be called on to “backfill” for police, prison officers and Border Force staff diverted from normal duties or off sick.

But there are no plans for the military to become involved in maintaining public order.

Troops could help the Border Force if officers fall victim to the virus

Armed Forces personnel may also help convert hotels into makeshift hospital wards.

Major General Charlie Stickland, Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff for operations and commitments, said: “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.

Covid-19 seen under a microscope

“The Covid Support Force, potentially drawing upon our highly-skilled scientists at DSTL or oxygen tanker drivers, 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.”





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