FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Town Concerned with Foreign Aircraft Arrival
Release Date: March 21, 2020
The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay is advising residents that it received notification late Friday afternoon from 5 Wing Goose Bay that an Italian C-130 Hercules carrying 8 crew members will arrive at the base sometime Saturday evening. The aircraft and crew will remain at 5 Wing until Monday, March 23.
Upon receiving this information, and in light of concerns around COVID-19, His Worship, Mayor Wally Andersen, immediately requested a meeting with Wing Commander, Col. Stephane Racle to gather more information and to express some of the serious concerns on behalf of the 12th Council of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
The meeting took place at 9 a.m. this morning. Col. Racle explained to Mayor Andersen and Deputy Mayor Bert Pomeroy that Canada has obligations under NATO to provide assistance and support to its Allies. He noted that all steps will be taken to ensure public safety. Below are details of planned activities:
- Italian Air Force C-130 Hercules and 8 crew to arrive Saturday evening.
- All crew members tested and confirmed negative for the presence of COVID-19 before departing Italy.
- All crew to be escorted to a secured area at 5 Wing, and isolated until the planned departure of the aircraft on Monday, March 23.
- 5 Wing and Serco Facilities staff to have minimal to no contact with crew members. Meals to be delivered to with NO personal contact.
- Recommended Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) will be utilized in any potential contact situation.
- The movement of the crew will be strictly limited (from aircraft to the secured area and return only).
- After departure on Monday, the secured area that housed the crew will be closed for four days in order to conduct recommended cleaning procedures.
“While we were reassured that all steps will be taken to minimize risks, the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay is not comfortable with the decision of the Department of National Defence to move forward with this plan,” says Mayor Andersen. “I want to assure residents that the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay will continue to advocate on their behalf, and that the health and safety of all is the first and foremost priority .”
The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay will provide updates as they arise.
Media Contact:
Waylon Williams, Manager of Public Relations
Tel: 709-896-1609
Email: pr@townhvgb.com
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