Army deployed to Isle of Wight in fight against coronavirus

Part of the British Army has been deployed to the Isle of Wight to provide support for the NHS in its ongoing battle against coronavirus.

Troops from the Scots Guards arrived on the island over the weekend and have already been put to work reconfiguring St Mary's Hospital to provide an additional 200 beds for COVID-19 patients.

There had been some consternation on social media after the army was seen on patrol, but a statement has now been released to reassure residents about the Scots Guards' role.

Chief executive of the Isle of Wight NHS Trust Maggie Oldham said: "Having these brave men and women working alongside us will give us the extra support we need to get this huge amount of work done as quickly as possible."

The army will also be involved with distributing personal protective equipment and carrying out other logistical activities on the island, which has not been immune from invasion by coronavirus.

Meanwhile, military planners are looking into locations for more Nightingale field hospitals after success in London, with one potentially set to be built in Portsmouth.