The British Bases say they have aligned with the measures introduced by the Republic of Cyprus to counter the spread of coronavirus, with the Administrator of the Bases, Major General Rob Thomson, noting that the two sides are “in step.”
According to a relevant announcement, Major General Thomson met with Republic of Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Health officials on Tuesday morning and had productive discussions relating to the Coronavirus outbreak.
“We shared our perspectives on the threat presented by coronavirus and how we are responding. We agreed that we are ‘in step’” he said.
Major General Thomson also noted that they discussed the measures that are being imposed on the bases and in the Republic of Cyprus, in order to best protect the residents.
“We are keeping all measures under constant review. We have committed to continuous dialogue, cooperation and coordination to ensure coherence of effort and consistency of approach in dealing with this situation” he concluded.
An spokesperson for the British Bases said that they are working closely with the Republic of Cyprus to combat the coronavirus outbreak and to protect the community.
“The safety of our people is our top priority. We have aligned with the measures introduced by the Republic including on social distancing and prohibiting public gatherings, the closure of shops, gyms, cinemas and restaurants; cancelling all non-operational activity and exercises, visits and sporting events” the spokesperson said.
It was also noted that all MOD schools in Cyprus will also now close at the end of the school day on Wednesday, 18th March, until Monday 20th April at the end of the Easter School holidays.
“We have also banned all but the most essential operational and family travel into RAF Akrotiri. All arrivals are medically screened on arrival and undergo a compulsory 14 day isolation period. All of our people displaying symptoms are being tested. Our aim is to look after our people, whether in uniform or not” the Spokesperson concluded.
Source:CNA