British Base Commander: “We are in full alignment with the measures of the Republic of Cyprus”

The British Base in Cyprus is fully aligned with the Republic of Cyprus in the fight against the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19, the Commander, Major General Rob Thomson stated to the Cyprus News Agency, adding that the British Bases apply exactly the same measures as those adopted by the Republic of Cyprus.

He also thanked the nearly 1000 Cypriots who work at the Bases for their “incredible” work and pointed out that staff members who will stay in their homes to watch their children or because they belong to vulnerable groups and cannot work, will be paid normally. Those concerned will be able to return to work when this crisis is over.

Mr Thomson pointed out that the measures implemented in Cyprus on Tuesday to ban unnecessary movement also apply to all military, civilian, family members and base residents. “The measures at the Bases must be in line with those of the Republic of Cyprus in order to provide the best possible protection for the people on the island. We need to do this together. This is really important,” he said.

The Lieutenant General said that the British Bases are in constant contact with the Republic of Cyprus, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health, and there is mutual information on developments related to the issue of coronavirus. “We exchange information, there is transparency in what we do,” he added.

Also read: Outbreaks of Coronavirus at the British Bases

There are currently three confirmed cases of coronavirus in the British Bases. Two relate to military members of the Royal Air Force and one member of a family. The two cases were confirmed on March 15 and one on March 19, Mr. Thomson said. He added that so far there have also been 146 negative test results, while results are pending for another 129 coronavirus tests involving individuals at the Bases. He said the tests are being carried out by the Institute of Neurology and Genetics and expressed the Bases’ gratitude to it.

He said that the three people found to be positive for coronavirus at the Bases are isolated, have mild symptoms and have been given appropriate medical instructions.

Asked about the barricades located in the base area, Lieutenant General Thomson said that the barricades in Strovilia and Pergamos were closed, in line with measures taken by the Republic of Cyprus.

As for people returning from Britain to the bases, he said they are being held in solitary confinement for 14 days. He added that the number of people coming to the bases was limited to those who were in need of business.

He stated that he had contacted, having taken all the necessary precautionary measures, the leaders of the Communities within the Bases, and informed them of the measures taken.

He also mentioned that many of the base staff work remotely. “There are some people who can’t work like that, but we have reduced the number of staff in the units to make sure we are protected,” he said.

Asked about the medical supplies available at the Bases, he said that the situation is now good with regard to supplies and that they could bring supplies from the United Kingdom if necessary.

With information from CNA