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  3. Latest updates - Operation COVID-19 Assist - Monday 22 June, 2020
Latest updates - Operation COVID-19 Assist - Monday 22 June, 2020

22 June 2020

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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
    Sergeant Graham Burr prepares for the arrival of Australian Defence Force members returning from the Middle East, at the Sydney International Airport. Photo: Able Seaman Thomas Sawtell
    Sergeant Graham Burr prepares for the arrival of Australian Defence Force members returning from the Middle East, at the Sydney International Airport. Photo: Able Seaman Thomas Sawtell
    • Defence is supporting the whole-of-government response to the COVID-19 pandemic through the COVID-19 Taskforce.
    • During Operation COVID-19 ASSIST, about 2,000 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: 55, of which 48 have recovered.
    Monday, June 22, 2020 - 08:15

    Latest snapshot of Defence support

    National - Approximately 900 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 provided health, logistics and movements support to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Border Force repatriation and care of Australian Nationals on Christmas Island and Howard Springs via RAAF bases Learmonth and Darwin.

      • 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 - 409 personnel

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

    • 72 personnel are supporting self-isolation compliance checks.

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

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

    New South Wales - 147 personnel

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

    Northern Territory - 80 personnel

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

    Western Australia - 42 personnel

    • 12 ADF personnel are providing planning support.

    Victoria - 37 personnel

    • 12 ADF personnel are providing planning support.

    South Australia - 22 personnel

    • 6 ADF personnel are providing planning support.

    Australian Capital Territory - 9 personnel

    Tasmania - 5 personnel

    Defence is currently managing 55 cases of COVID-19 in the locations illustrated.
    Monday, June 22, 2020 - 08:15

    Confirmed case in PNG

    Defence can confirm that an ADF member who is posted to Papua New Guinea as part of our Defence Cooperation Program has tested positive to COVID-19 on June 18.

    The member has been in Papua New Guinea since January 2020.

    Read more here.

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