French Military Launches Inquiry After 1,081 Aircraft Carrier Members Test Positive for COVID-19

With France’s coronavirus death toll reaching 18,681, according to the latest figures compiled by John Hopkins University, the country has become one of the worst-hit globally by the ongoing pandemic, and it now seems that France’s navy could be emerging as an infection hotspot.

The French foreign ministry has now stated that 1,081 members of the 2,300-strong Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier have now tested positive for COVID-19, and the boat has since returned to port.

The number could turn out to be even larger, as Maryline Gygax Genero, Director of the Armed Force’s Health Service, claims that more test results are being awaited.

The French military has now launched an investigation into the outbreak, amid reports in the national media that the situation had been mishandled, and that the vessel was allegedly still allowed to operate out of the port of Brest even after crew members had been diagnosed with COVID-19.