The French nuclear aircraft carrier Charles-de-Gaulle , on which 50 sailors have been officially tested positive for coronavirus, will arrive in Toulon on Sunday, April 12, said the Ministry of the Armed Forces, which will now organize the quarantine of personnel.
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The building, which cruised in the Atlantic, is expected "in the afternoon" on Sunday, according to a statement from the ministry. The crews of the aircraft carrier, the on-board air group (GAN) - helicopters, Hawkeye and Rafale surveillance planes - and the frigate Chevalier Paul who accompanies them will be confined for 14 days "in military enclosures before reaching their homes" . The ministry had indicated on Wednesday that the aircraft carrier had anticipated its return to France after the discovery on board of suspicious cases.
"Accommodation and food capacities will be put in place on naval and naval air bases, to ensure the best reception for sailors in the fortnight," the ministry said on Saturday. Seafarers will be tested before returning to their homes and all buildings and aircraft will be disinfected "to enable them to recover their full operational capacity as soon as possible" . "It has never been done before, it is a huge job , " said French Navy spokesman Captain Eric Lavault.
The tests were only carried out on part of the Charles de Gaulle crew, but that of the frigate will also be confined. The press release also reports "dozens of cases" on the aircraft carrier "and his escort".
