MOD deploys 250 military personnel to help Government’s response to deadly coronavirus outbreak

THE Ministry of Defence has deployed 250 military personnel to help with the government's response to the deadly coronavirus outbreak.

The personnel from the 20,000-strong Covid Support Force are already beginning duties - including being trained to drive oxygen tankers and distributing protective equipment for the NHS.

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The announcement came on Monday night after Boris Johnson made drastic new orders for Brits to stay at home in the most desperate bid yet to halt the coronavirus spread.

Last week, the Defence Secretary announced a COVID Support Force to assist public services with the response to the coronavirus outbreak.

SUPPORTING THE NHS

On Monday, the MOD issued a statement saying: "As of 23 March, there are 250 personnel deployed to assist civil authorities with the response.

"They are part of 20,000 armed forces personnel currently stood at readiness to take part."

The deployment includes 150 armed forces personnel training to drive oxygen tankers to NHS facilities and 50 personnel to distribute protective gear to NHS staff.

As of 23 March, there are 250 personnel deployed to assist civil authorities with the [Covid-19] response.

MOD

The number of personnel is likely to be increased to 250 when the programme is running at full capacity, the Ministry of Defence said.

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.

"From me downwards the entirety of the Ministry of Defence and the armed forces are dedicated to getting the nation through this global pandemic."

Yesterday, an RAF A400M transport aircraft transferred a critically-ill COVID-positive patient from hospital in the Shetland Islands to an intensive care unit in Aberdeen.

The male patient, in his 60s, was in a deteriorating condition and urgently needed to be evacuated.

In a statement on Monday, the MOD said: "As part of the military’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, forces from Joint Helicopter Command are on standby to provide aviation capability in support to civil authorities.

"This will enable access to isolated communities that may not be able to obtain urgent medical care during the coronavirus crisis."

On Wednesday March 18, the Defence Secretary announced new measures to enable armed forces personnel to support public services in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

NATIONAL EMERGENCY

Boris Johnson ordered the whole country to stay at home from Monday as he declared the fight “a national emergency”.

The PM threatened the nation with fines if they did not obey the new rules.

The new measures include:

• All gatherings of more than two people in public were forbidden – meaning a ban on all social events, including weddings and baptisms
• Tens of thousands of non-essential shops were ordered to close
• Communal play and exercise areas inside parks will also be shut down, but not parks themselves
• Places of worship such as churches and mosques must also shut, except to host for funerals
• Travel on roads, trains and buses are also banned, unless it’s essential to get to work.

All Brits will only be allowed to leave home from now onwards for four reasons:

• Travel to work
• Shopping for basic necessities, but as infrequently as possible
• Taking one form of exercise a day, alone or with members of your household, such as walking, running or cycling
• Going to a medical appointment or providing care to a vulnerable person.

By Monday, the UK's death toll has reached 335.

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