The ships of the German Navy are extremely crowded and there is no need to think about compliance with distance regulations. There is only one thing that can help: No person infected with corona is allowed on board. With one exception, this has been successful so far.
from Joachim Mangler / dpa
March 27, 2020, 12:57 p.m.
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The German Navy with its around 16,000 members has so far got away with the corona crisis despite the very cramped conditions on the ships and submarines, according to the assessment of the naval command. There are seven proven coronavirus infections and around 100 suspected cases, said the spokesman for the naval command, Johannes Dumrese, on Friday for the German press agency in Rostock.
However, there was a confirmed case of infection about 14 days ago on the “Mosel” tender in the home port of Kiel. The soldier was already on board, so that the entire crew of around 35 had to go into quarantine. Because of the isolation, the “Mosel” could not have participated in a squadron exercise.
Pay particular attention to symptoms
There are no prophylactic tests for the soldiers who go on board the ships, stressed Dumrese. Every member of the Navy has been made aware of possible Covid 19 symptoms. If there are any, going on board or going to the office is prohibited. Rather, the soldiers would have to report to the medical area.
Eleven ships of the Navy are currently at sea, including the frigate “Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania” in the Aegean Sea and the corvette “Ludwigshafen am Rhein” off Lebanon. On board the units, the distance regulations applicable on land are definitely not to be observed, said Dumrese. “Here we have to guarantee that an infected person does not even get on board. So far, this has been successful – with the exception of ‘Mose’ – but this has not had any major effects.”
Safe on the water
At the same time, the crews are no longer allowed to go ashore after entering foreign ports. “We’re not taking any chances.” An infected person on board would question the entire operational capability of the ship. The sea captain added: “Once we have sailed, we will be safe.”
However, if the ships are in their home ports, the crews could sometimes work from home. “After a while, it is swapped so that the two layers don’t come into contact,” explained Dumrese. This principle also applies in staffs, for example in the Rostock naval command.
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