Ministry of Defence: Coronavirus

(asked on 20th April 2020) - View Source

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of officials in his Department continuing to work on (a) the transmission of covid-19 and (b) the wellbeing of those officials.


Answered by
James Heappey Portrait
James Heappey
This question was answered on 27th April 2020

The safety and welfare of our Whole Force remains paramount.

Defence must remain trained and ready to support the national effort in combating COVID-19 and to continue protecting the nation and preserve national security. In line with Government advice, staff are encouraged to work from home where they can do so. Where movement or training is necessary, such activity will be conducted in line with PHE guidance as far as practicable and individuals will have appropriate protection.

Individuals are encouraged and supported to maintain a healthy mind and body during this period, which may involve adapting their usual activities to ensure national guidance is followed. Key Defence personnel with coronavirus-like symptoms are now eligible for inclusion in the national testing programme. Any individual who experiences symptoms will self-isolate in accordance with PHE guidelines.

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