Statement on ADF personnel arriving into Darwin from the Middle East Region
1 May 2020Defence has proactively tested personnel for COVID-19 in the Middle East Region after being notified that a number of locally engaged contractors had tested positive.
Defence can confirm five ADF personnel tested positive to COVID-19.
Four ADF personnel returned to Australia this morning at around 6:00am Darwin time on a routine Defence sustainment flight, and have been taken to the Royal Darwin Hospital for initial assessment.
The ADF members were transferred from RAAF Base Darwin to Royal Darwin Hospital in accordance with all health and safety requirements.
One ADF member, who recently completed their deployment, previously returned to Australia and is currently in mandatory quarantine in Brisbane.
The safety and health of all ADF personnel deployed to the Middle East Region remains our top priority. Defence will take all necessary measures in consultation with our Coalition partners, relevant Host Nations and Australian Federal, State and Territory Governments to ensure ADF personnel receive the treatment and care required. Due to privacy reasons, Defence cannot comment further.
Issued by Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication,
Department of Defence,
Canberra, ACT.
