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  3. Latest updates - Operation COVID-19 Assist
Latest updates - Operation COVID-19 Assist

26 June 2020

Related Service(s)
Defence
Topic
National
Tag(s)
Coronavirus
Operation COVID-19 Assist
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Quick links

  • The Defence COVID-19 Taskforce landing page
  • Defence Community Organisation
  • Department of Health - coronavirus current situation and case numbers
  • Australian Government coronavirus website
  • Latest media from the Defence Minister
    Leading Seaman Michael Crawford waits in the lift of a Sydney hotel to assist travellers going into mandatory 14-day quarantine. Photo: Petty Officer Justin Brown
    Leading Seaman Michael Crawford waits in the lift of a Sydney hotel to assist travellers going into mandatory 14-day quarantine. Photo: Petty Officer Justin Brown
    • Defence is supporting the whole-of-government response to the COVID-19 pandemic through the COVID-19 Taskforce.
    • During Operation COVID-19 ASSIST, ADF personnel have been supporting the Government’s response to COVID-19.
    • Defence is also adjusting our operations, training, activities and business to follow the relevant government health guidelines, while maintaining operational readiness.
    • Confirmed Defence cases to date: 58, of which 54 have recovered.
    Saturday, June 27, 2020 - 12:45

    ADF arrives in Victoria

    The Australian Defence Force has increased its support to Victoria.

    Up to 200 ADF personnel will assist the Victorian Government in its COVID-19 response.

     

    #YourADF medical personnel have arrived in #Victoria to support the Department of Health and Human Services enhanced testing regime at designated community #COVID19 testing sites in Melbourne. @DeptDefence @AustralianArmy @Australian_Navy @AusAirForce pic.twitter.com/mHrt2fvxQV

    — Linda Reynolds (@lindareynoldswa) June 26, 2020

    Friday, June 26, 2020 - 08:15

    Latest snapshot of Defence support

    National - Approximately 880 personnel are deployed as part of Operation COVID-19 Assist

    • The Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC, announced Operation COVID-19 Assist on April 1, 2020.
    • Current nation-wide Defence support includes:

      • Contact tracing and planning support teams to all state and territory governments.

      • Supporting law enforcement agencies with mandatory quarantine arrangements.

      • The ADF will not be authorised as law enforcement officers as this remains the responsibility of the states and territories.

    • Additionally, the ADF:

      • Has established the three-star-led COVID-19 task force to coordinate Defence’s internal response to COVID-19 and support the whole-of-government effort.

      • Is supporting Emergency Management Australia-led (EMA) planning for the National Communicable Disease Incidence of National Significance Plan in response to COVID-19.

      • Is supporting the Department of Health with logistics and specialist staff. 

      • Has been supplying clinical and epidemiological support to the Department of Health National Incident Room since early February 2020.

    • About 100 ADF and Defence APS personnel are embedded in various Australian Government agencies, including the Department of Home Affairs and Services Australia.

    State-by-state breakdown

    *Note: Personnel in Joint Task Group headquarters, supporting roles, and those preparing for tasks are included in overall state-based figures but are not captured in the list of tasks.

    Queensland - 392 personnel

    • 126 ADF personnel are supporting state police with Queensland border controls.

    • 73 personnel are supporting self-isolation compliance checks.

    • 72 personnel are providing support to Queensland Police to protect Indigenous communities.

    • 38 personnel are supporting state police with the reception of international arrivals at airports.

    New South Wales - 134 personnel

    • 102 ADF personnel are supporting state police quarantine and self-isolation directions at Sydney Airport, local hotels and residences. 

    Northern Territory - 68 personnel

    • 35 ADF personnel are providing support to Northern Territory Police to protect Indigenous communities.

    Victoria - 29 personnel

    • 10 ADF personnel are involved in planning support. 

    Western Australia - 31 personnel

    • 11 ADF personnel are involved in planning support.

    South Australia - 21 personnel

    • 6 ADF personnel are involved in planning support. 

    Australian Capital Territory - 8 personnel

    • ADF personnel are supporting federal agencies, including Austrade, the Department of Health and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

    Tasmania - 6 personnel

    Defence is currently managing 58 confirmed cases in the locations illustrated.

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