Defence Redefined

Published on 17/03/2020 at 16:06

The results of a preventive diagnostic examination, submitted by Defence Minister Savvas Angelidis for the novel coronavirus COVID-19 were negative. Mr Angelidis was reportedly examined after an officer from the General Staff of the National Guard (GSNG) was found positive to the Covid-19 coronavirus on Monday 16/3, according to the Ministry of Defence spokesman, Mr Christos Pieris.

Called to answer questions from the CNA, Mr Pieris said that after the confirmation of infection of an officer (serving in GSNG), who had returned from Greece before the country was included in Category 2, the Minister of Defence had asked for a diagnostic examination. The Minister asked about the examination even though he had no direct contact with the officer in question and was subject to self-restraint. 

The contacts of the officer from the General Staff of the National Guard are already being tracked.

Regarding a second confirmed case at a camp, Mr. Pieris said it was a military officer at a camp in Stavrovouni, adding that they wait for the laboratory results of a suspected case of a soldier at a camp in Klirou. The results are expected on Tuesday 17/3. The contacts of both are being traced.

The spokesman concluded that the two camps (Klirou and Stavrovouni) went on quarantine and they are currently being disinfected, adding that disinfection is also taking place at the GSNC and Ministry of Defence building.

With information from CNA