French aircraft carrier reports 940 confirmed COVID-19 cases

At least 40 percent of the 2,300 officers on board the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle have tested positive for the coronavirus, AFP news agency reported on Friday, citing an official of the country's army health service (SSA).

According to the central director of the SSA all the crew members were tested, with 940 positive and 645 negative so far. The results of the others are not yet known.

"We are and will be transparent," said the director in a commission statement. "The contamination of the aircraft carrier is an absolutely major event ...There will undoubtedly be consequences to be drawn at the end of this crisis, be it the medical specialties of the SSA, or the equipment."

Last week, the aircraft carrier was brought home 10 days early from its Atlantic deployment after some sailors showed symptoms.

(CGTN)