COVID: British Army Camp In Kenya Put Into 'Enhanced Isolation' After Outbreak

A British Army camp in Kenya has been placed into "enhanced isolation" after a coronavirus outbreak.

11 soldiers have tested positive for COVID-19 at the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK), near Nanyuki.

To prevent further infections, the Commander of BATUK has put 320 personnel under the "enhanced isolation" restrictions.

The measures include soldiers being fed rations while the kitchens are deep-cleaned and Locally Employed Civilians (LECs), who work in ‘high-transit areas’, sent home to prevent spread to local communities.

To increase social distancing, soldiers have been spread around the camp, with some sleeping in tents in a bid to limit contact.

An Army spokesperson said: "The BATUK camp has been placed into enhanced isolation after a very small number of soldiers tested positive for COVID-19.

"All soldiers deploying on exercise had to conduct a period of isolation and test negative prior to travelling to Kenya. 

"The British Army takes the health and wellbeing of personnel and the local community in Kenya very seriously.

"The Ministry of Defence’s Force Health Protection measures are being applied to prevent further infections."

All personnel had isolated and tested negative before travelling to Kenya.

Upon arrival, the soldiers were bussed directly to barracks and remained in their 'flight households' (so only being with those they flew in with), for a six-day isolation period, with their temperature taken three times a day. 

There is no confirmation of which service or regiment the positive soldiers are from. 

Presently, 2nd Battalion the Merican Regiment are deployed to Kenya for Exercise Askari Storm. 

The Ministry of Defence said the Commander of BATUK has said no one will deploy to the site until there is certainty there are no further positive cases on the camp.

In the meantime, one final flight of 150 soldiers from the battle group will shortly arrive at BATUK.

They will be segregated from the remainder of the battle group.

They will also conduct six full days of isolation at the end of which they will undergo medical checks prior to their reintegration.

Last month, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace travelled to Kenya to open the new Nyati Barracks.