9 July
The Indian Navy has successfully completed the national effort to bring back Indian citizens stranded overseas due to Covid-19 pandemic. Named Operation Samudra Setu, the evacuation operation saw the safe return of 3,992 Indian citizens to their homeland by sea. The mission was launched on 5 May and lasted for more than 55 days with rigorous medical and safety protocols in place. The Indian Naval Ships Jalashwa, Airavat, Shardul and Magar, as well as IL-38 and Dornier aircraft, took part in the mission. The ships travelled more than 23,000km and were equipped with Covid-19 related equipment and facilities and women officers and military nursing staff.
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Sailors from the UK Royal Navy’s newest aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales have been called up to run Covid-19 testing centres across the country. The British Army has trained the crew members on how to carry out the tests safely. The carrier’s teams are currently providing support for seven mobile testing units across Hampshire. Additionally, two teams have been put on standby to meet demand, if required. They are running sites in Eastleigh, Fawley and Brockenhurst. Around 3,000 military personnel are supporting efforts to contain the spread of the virus. HMS Prince of Wales is currently undergoing maintenance ahead of sea trials.
The US Department of Defense (DOD) has launched an effort to collect 8,000 units of Covid-19 convalescent plasma. The task is expected to help in the development of a treatment against the viral infection. Donations will be accepted only from patients fully recovered from Covid-19 and they must have been symptom-free for at least 14 days. Donors must weigh at least 110lb and be 17 years old or more. Fifteen Armed Services Blood Program centres have been set up across the continental US, and in Hawaii, Guam and Germany.
