COVID: Positive Cases At Royal Marines Training Centre

A number of personnel at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) have tested positive for COVID-19.

A Royal Navy spokesperson said personnel who had tested positive for the virus at the training centre in Lympstone, Devon, are now following "appropriate health guidelines".

"Personnel identified as having been in contact with those who have tested positive are now self-isolating in line with Public Health England guidance," the spokesperson added.

The Royal Navy said there has been no impact on any other trainees at CTCRM and that the safety and welfare of personnel remains paramount.

Any trainee who tests positive for coronavirus at the site is required to undergo a graduated return to training and can only return once certified fit by a doctor.

New figures released by the Ministry of Defence show 5,555 Armed Forces personnel have tested positive for COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. The figures are as of 22 January. 

The news of the outbreak at CTCRM comes after an investigation was launched earlier this week following a COVID-19 outbreak at Britannia Royal Navy College, Dartmouth, also in Devon.

Whilst extra safety measures have been put in place at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst after an increase in coronavirus cases at the Berkshire centre.

On Monday, Minister for Defence People and Veterans Johnny Mercer MP said Armed Forces members who test positive for coronavirus can apply to claim compensation through a Government scheme.

He said "personnel who believe they have contracted COVID-19 in the course of their duties" may apply.