Aldershot News & Mail

Sandhurst outbreak following reported rule breach

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AN OUTBREAK of coronaviru­s has been reported at RMA Sandhurst after officer cadets reportedly breached social distancing rules.

According to reports, nearly 50 positive cases have apparently been recorded among trainees at the military academy, which is based just over the Hampshire border in Berkshire.

Commanders are said to be furious after recruits from different “work bubbles” socialised together, according to the Daily Mail. A spokesman at the military academy said “decisive action” has been taken.

Cadets have reportedly been banned from using gym facilities, taking unsupervis­ed exercise, smoking breaks, visits at the academy gates and drinking alcohol.

Most of the positive cases are said to have came from the 750 recruits, but four staff also caught the virus.

The outbreak has led to the cancellati­on of military exercises and some officer cadets could fail to complete their courses.

Lieutenant Colonel James Lane told rule-breakers they faced serious punishment, according to the Mail.

He reportedly said: “Due to a failure of adherence to FHPI (forces health protection instructio­ns) and with numerous platoons affected by the current mass outbreak within the academy, the below orders are to be enacted to protect officer cadets, staff, families and contractor­s and are designed to break the current cycle of spread.

“Action will be taken against any staff or cadets who do not adhere to these measures. The standard punishment for an officer cadet who transgress­es is to be three work parades and for a member of staff three additional duties.

“Those in isolation must not enter the dining room. This must be made clear to all to ensure everyone understand­s the potential catastroph­ic consequenc­es of this irresponsi­ble action.

“The following are to be implemente­d with immediate effect: Exercise Allenby’s Advance, cancelled.”

He said colleges are “out bounds”, except for those who work in them and interactio­n between officer cadets and friends and family at the academy gates “is to cease”.

Lt Col Lane reportedly added that gyms will shut and alcohol is prohibited for officer cadets, saying “we are now dry”.

The outbreak has of reportedly affected food supplies at Sandhurst as trainees were declined when asking for takeaway pizzas to be ordered. Sandhurst, establishe­d in 1812, is renowned for its standard of military training, with former cadets including princes William and Harry. Brigadier James Carr-Smith, Commander Sandhurst Group, said: “We have taken decisive action to put in place additional measures following an increase in positive Covid19 tests and isolations at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

“By acting swiftly, we expect these measures will stop the spread of the virus and safeguard critical training.

“We take the health and wellbeing of our personnel very seriously and have lateral flow testing, robust social distancing and hygiene measures in place to protect personnel and prevent further infections.”

A Ministry of Defence spokesman declined to comment further or dispute the reports.

 ?? GRAHAME LARTER, AN180883 ?? There have reportedly been nearly 50 positive cases of coronaviru­s at RMA Sandhurst
GRAHAME LARTER, AN180883 There have reportedly been nearly 50 positive cases of coronaviru­s at RMA Sandhurst

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