‘Mass outbreak’ of coronavirus hits Sandhurst Military Academy as crackdown enforced
CORONAVIRUS has struck the Sandhurst Military Academy, leaving nearly 50 trainees with positive cases, according to reports.
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The training academy is known for producing prominent UK armed forces talent. At the moment, trainees are expected to work in different ‘bubbles’ in order to prevent virus spread.
However, it is understood an outbreak has occurred which could potentially prevent officer cadets from finishing their training and joining regiments.
The Daily Mail claims commanders at the site are ‘furious’ at the current situation.
The outlet claims to have obtained orders handed down by Lieutenant Colonel James Lane, who said there had been a “failure of adherence to forces health protection instructions”.
The commander allegedly said: “All interaction between officer cadets and friends and family at the academy gates is to cease. Gyms are to shut.
“Alcohol is not to be consumed by officer cadets, irrespective of isolation or quarantine status. We are now dry.”
They described the cases as a “mass outbreak” and added that anyone found to be breaking the rules will be given “three work parades” as standard.
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The outbreak is also reported to have led to the cancellation of the Exercise Allenby’s Advance.
Due to have taken place in Wales for a week, the training activity would have given cadets the chance to learn skills including night raids.
According to the Mail, the Ministry of Defence expects the new measures that have been put in place at Sandhurst to “stop the spread of the virus and safeguard critical training”.
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Sandhurst has produced some famous names including Prince Harry and Prince William.
In other news, an outbreak of coronavirus was also reported at Police Scotland’s headquarters in Glasgow earlier this month.
No figures on exactly how many officers were affected have been released.
A spokesman for Police Scotland told news outlets: “Police Scotland is following Scottish Government and health guidance and where cases of coronavirus are identified, we work with the local health board and adhere to Test and Protect procedures.”
They also claimed Police Scotland had “sufficient capacity” despite the outbreak.