COVID-19 has made its way aboard the frigate HMCS Winnipeg, creating an outbreak among service members who are currently at sea for readiness training, the Ottawa Citizen reported.

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"As of May 12, 2022, there are seven positive cases of COVID-19 aboard 'HMCS Winnipeg,'" Royal Canadian Navy spokesperson Lt. Wright.

Masks are made available to the crew and any sailor who experiences symptoms must take a rapid screening test, he also said.

"The onboard medical assistant is actively monitoring the ship's efforts to clean and disinfect high traffic areas," the lieutenant commander added.

All crew members are also adequately vaccinated against the virus.

Sailors will be required to comply with B.C. public health guidelines when the frigate returns to its base in Esquimalt.