Over 100 sailors on a U.S. nuclear aircraft carrier, Theodore Roosevelt, have been stricken by coronavirus.
Capt. Brett Crozier has written the Navy for help.
The virus-hit ship is now docked near Guam, America’s Pacific Ocean island.
“The spread of the disease is ongoing and accelerating,” Crozier wrote in the letter published by San Francisco Chronicle.
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He underscored the desperation of the people aboard the aircraft carrier.“We are not at war. Sailors do not need to die. If we do not act now, we are failing to properly take care of our most trusted asset — our Sailors.”
Four thousand crew members are on board, and only a handful of ill individuals have been evacuated to Guam, the Chronicle reported.
To stop the spread of COVID-19 and prevent deaths, Crozier suggested the evacuation of all but a skeleton crew from the ship.
Evacuated sailors, he said, should be quarantined in safe, isolated places.
Acting Naval Secretary Thomas Modly said the Navy is working with Guam to find a solution.
“The problem is that Guam doesn’t have enough beds right now.
“We’re having to talk to the government there to see if we can get some hotel space, create tent-type facilities,” Modly said.
AFRICA DAILY NEWS, NEW YORK
