NZDF staff catch Covid while outside New Zealand

Those refusing vaccine could be sacked

Fifty members of the New Zealand Defence Force have contracted Covid-19 while based offshore. The NZDF said the figure was a reflection of the high global infection rate, but refused to give details, citing “medical and privacy considerations”.

The revelation comes after 13 personnel and family stationed in Canada caught the virus this month.

They appeared to have picked up the virus from their accommodation in a building 12km from the Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt.

All have since recovered, but the NZDF has been doubling down on enforcing its vaccine programme, threatening to fire staff who refuse it.

RNZ reported last week about 180 people – 1.8 per cent of uniformed personnel – had declined the vaccination, with hesitancy about the new vaccine being the main concern.

An NZDF spokesperson confirmed a total of 50 uniformed personnel had caught Covid-19 working offshore.

“They have been well looked after, complied with all isolation requirements and are supported throughout their recovery.

“We comply with all host nation response requirements as well as supporting our people with medical advice from the NZDF health service.”

While the NZDF wouldn’t confirm which personnel were affected, they were only stationed in certain countries, including 31 in Egypt, nine in Iraq and Republic of Korea, as well other middle eastern and South Pacific countries.

The spokesperson said in a statement the NZDF took the health and safety of its personnel seriously.

“When the global Covid-19 pandemic emerged, prevention protocols were put in place by the NZDF including for personnel deployed on global missions. These have included predeployment education, wearing face masks, hand washing/sanitising, physical distancing, and managed isolation both before joining a mission and on return to New Zealand.

“Unfortunately, as has been proven around the world, this is a tricky virus to eliminate.”