Story By: Alex Cope, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Newsflash

Two members of the UK Armed Forces have tested positive for COVID-19 after flying to an RAF base in Cyprus.

The pair, who have not been named in reports but are a man and a woman, had reportedly flown from the UK to Paphos International Airport, a joint civil-military public airport located southeast of the city of Paphos in Cyprus, before heading to RAF Akrotiri where they are permanently based.

They had developed symptoms of the virus and self-isolated before testing positive for COVID-19.

Reports state they remain in self-isolation at the base and have mild symptoms. British Forces Cyprus (BFC) said they have activated its plant to trace those who had contact with the pair.

They said that everyone arriving at RAF Akrotiri was undergoing a screening process, adding: “We want to reassure everyone that we have a robust plan to protect our people. Every UK national arriving from the UK into the Bases will self-isolate at home for 14 days from arrival”.

The island of Cyprus has seen 39 confirmed cases, six of which have occurred in the Turkish-held northern part of the island.

Almost 6,000 British military personnel and their dependants are reportedly based in Cyprus.

RAF Akrotiri is one of two areas which comprise Akrotiri and Dhekelia, a British Overseas Territory, administered as a Sovereign Base Area.

Reports state that all non-essential travel, military exercises and large gatherings have been halted in the Sovereign Base Areas.

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