The German Navy, with around 16,000 members, has so far come off lightly in the Corona crisis, despite the very cramped conditions on the ships and submarines, according to the Navy Command. There are seven proven infections of the corona virus and around 100 suspected cases, said the spokesman for the naval command, Johannes Dumrese, on Friday of the German press agency in Rostock.
–
However, about 14 days ago there was a confirmed case of infection on the “Mosel” tender in Kiel’s home port. The soldier was already on board, so the entire crew of around 35 had to go into quarantine. Because of the isolation, the “Moselle” could not have participated in a squadron exercise.
–
There are no prophylactic tests for the soldiers who board the ships, Dumrese emphasized. Every member of the navy should be made aware of possible symptoms of Covid 19. If there are, it is forbidden to go on board or to go on duty. Instead, the soldiers would have to report to the medical area.
–
There are currently eleven naval ships at sea, including the frigate “Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania” in the Aegean 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 doesn’t even come on board. So far, this has worked well – with the exception of the” Moselle “- but it had no major impact.”
–
At the same time, the crews are no longer allowed to go ashore after entering ports abroad. “We don’t take any chances.” An infected person on board would question the entire operational capability of the ship. The sea captain added: “Once we’re out, we’re safe.”
–
However, if the ships are in their home ports, the crews could sometimes work in the home office. “After a period of time, there is a swap so that the two layers do not come into contact,” said Dumrese. This principle also applies to staff in the Rostock Naval Command, for example.
– .
