Sandhurst: 'Additional Measures' Begin After Increase In COVID Cases

Extra safety measures have been put in place at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst after an increase in coronavirus cases.

Forces News understands a number of people at the site have tested positive for COVID-19, with up to 65 recruits thought to be affected.

It is unclear how the virus first arrived at the training college, but the outbreak is said to have been contained and a testing regime underway.

Ministers have been informed.

Brigadier James Carr-Smith, Commander Sandhurst Group, said the academy, which trains all officers cadets in the British Army, has taken "decisive action to put in place additional measures following an increase in positive COVID-19 tests and isolations".

"By acting swiftly, we expect these measures will stop the spread of the virus and safeguard critical training," he added.

"We take the health and wellbeing of our personnel very seriously and have lateral flow testing, robust social distancing and hygiene measures in place to protect personnel and prevent further infections."

The latest statistics released by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) show that 76,494 UK servicemen and women have been tested for COVID-19.

As of 8 January this year, 4,303 UK military personnel had received positive tests since the outbreak began, up 1,012 since 18 December 2020 - a 30.7% increase.