A British Airways crew member has been struck down with monkeypox – sparking a massive delay to a London-bound flight. They caught the disease in Singapore.
The BA flight back to London was delayed for six hours as a result. Staff were told to quarantine alongside the monkeypox patient for 21 days.
A source told the Sun newspaper: “BA is desperate to bring its workforce home and have them in quarantine in Britain if needs be. They have put forward the idea of chartering a plane at great expense so the crew members won’t go near any other members of the public.
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“But Singapore authorities have said ‘no’ and want everyone to stay – in case other crew members test positive for monkeypox. It is an awkward situation and the government is now trying to prevent this becoming a diplomatic incident.”
A British Airways spokesperson said: “We’re working closely with the Singapore Health Authorities and have offered assistance with any information they require.
“We’re in contact with our crew and providing the necessary support.” Tens of thousands of gay and bisexual men at higher risk of being exposed to monkeypox should be offered vaccines to help control the recent outbreak of the virus, health officials have said.
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