SOLDIERS at Bovington Army camp are self-isolating after several personnel tested positive for coronavirus.

However concerns have been raised that others at the camp are still being allowed to travel home at weekends during lockdown, despite the positive cases being confirmed.

The Army said only those who are unaffected have been allowed to return to their home address at weekends, 'in line with Government guidelines that other critical workers adhere to.'

The Echo was contacted by a member of the public who said: "Bovington Camp and Blandford Camp have, and are, continuing to send recruits home during lockdown.

"This has resulted in approximately six soldiers testing positive at Bovington with 27 in isolation. These numbers are changing week on week.

"One of them was admitted to Dorset County Hospital. Despite having three test positive after last weekend, they still allowed everyone to leave camp this weekend."

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that a 'small number' of personnel have tested positive, but refused to give a figure.

An Army spokesman said: “We can confirm that a number of service personnel at Bovington Camp are currently self-isolating following a small number of personnel testing positive for Covid-19. The health and wellbeing of our personnel remains a priority and, in line with government guidance, we are taking appropriate measures to support all individuals affected.

"Bovington and Lulworth Garrison continue to deliver armoured vehicle training, both on Defence Training Estates including Live Firing on Lulworth Ranges, and driver training at times on local roads. This is in order to maintain vital output for the Army. All activity will be conducted in line with Public Health England guidance as far as practicable.

"The MOD will not tolerate any breaches and administrative action will be taken against anyone found to have wilfully ignored them.

"Unaffected soldiers have been allowed to return to their home address at weekends. That is consistent with the Government guidelines that other Critical workers adhere to.

"In line with other UK government departments and civil authorities, the MOD will not be providing a running commentary of case numbers for our personnel."