Prior to sailing for essential training next week, the Royal Navy will test all crew members before boarding HMS Queen Elizabeth to prevent an outbreak of Covid-19 onboard.

On top of testing all crew, the vessel will also spend the first two weeks of training in aircraft range of Portsmouth before sailing for further trials to be doubly sure that the crew is safe.

The Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace also publicly gave his backing to the ship’s commanding officer to return the vessel back to its homeport if necessary. Speaking at a Defence Select Committee hearing, Wallace said the captain would not be questioned if the choice was made to end the training early.

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