As the COVID-19 death toll in Italy remains on track to surpass China, a Halifax-class frigate has no plans to back down from its mission in the Mediterranean.
The HMCS Fredericton spent four days in an Italian port between March 6 and 9, but the Department of National Defence has confirmed none of its 244 personnel have tested positive for the virus.
None are in self-isolation either and the vessel will continue sailing the Mediterranean and Black seas in the upcoming weeks. “The Canadian Armed Forces is taking unprecedented measures to protect the health and well-being of our members, prevent the spread of this disease and preserve our ability to conduct mission-essential military operations,” department spokesperson Jessica Lamirande