Royal Navy ship's company on HMS Northumberland to isolate over Christmas due to Covid-19 outbreak

HMS Northumberland was forced back to her base in Devonport yesterday after what the navy has described as a ‘number of suspected cases’ of Covid-19.

The Type 23 frigate had been out protecting UK waters during the festive period.

A spokesman for the Royal Navy said: ‘Following a number of suspected Covid cases onboard HMS Northumberland, the crew are now following health guidelines and protocols to isolate.

‘The Royal Navy continues to meet all operational tasks over Christmas, as it has done throughout this pandemic.’

In September, HMS Albion was put in lockdown after some of the crew tested positive for Covid-19.

An outbreak happened the following month on board HMS Raleigh, although the navy didn’t confirm the number of cases.

Last month, personnel from HMS Westminster received medical attention after also testing positive for the virus.

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