39 Engineer Regiment assisted with the Covid-19 whole town testing programme in Liverpool to limit the spread of Covid-19
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Armed forces personnel in Kinloss are preparing for more coronavirus-related tasks following an operation in England.
39 Engineer Regiment were part of a 2000-strong detachment deployed in Liverpool from early November last year for six weeks, assisting with the Covid-19 'whole town testing' programme.
This was aimed at limiting the spread of the virus by identifying as many infected people as possible to break chains of transmission.
Test sites were set up across the city, allowing people to book online, turn up in person, or wait for an invitation from the local authority.
A 39 Engineer spokesman confirmed military personnel helped plan the logistics and deliver the tests.
He said: "We helped to achieve 200,000 tests at 50 centres with around a third of the population getting tested.
"We are extremely proud of the work that the regiment has done in response to the pandemic and also very appreciative of the continuous support of the families and local community during these difficult times."
Kinloss personnel were permitted to travel and visit family during the Christmas break but had to comply with Covid-19 protection measures and protocols.
The spokesman added: "Since returning from the programme the personnel were on a break and/or working from home.
"The regiment support the Department of Health and Social Care, the NHS and government but also have personnel deployed overseas and remain on high readiness to support the country’s Covid-19 effort."
In total, Kinloss Barracks have recorded 34 positive cases of Covid-19 since March 2020.
The spokesman said: "Of these, the vast majority have not occurred in Moray. The unit adheres to the protection guidelines and we have strict infection prevention measures in place."
