France reports possible COVID-19 outbreak on aircraft carrier
The French Ministry of Defence on 8 April reported a potential outbreak of COVID-19 coronavirus aboard its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.
The vessel, currently deployed in the Atlantic Ocean as part of Mission Foch, has been heading towards the Mediterranean since January 2020 with a return to its homeport of Toulon scheduled for 23 April.
At least 40 sailors have been placed under medical observation after they presented symptoms resembling COVID-19.
A medical unit with at least 20 personnel is located onboard the carrier. A containment zone has 100 spaces for the isolation and monitoring of quarantined patients, with a number of respirators available for those with breathing difficulties.
Naval helicopters are standing by to evacuate those needing urgent higher-level hospital care.
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