Foreign troops in Darwin test positive for COVID-19 – lots of detail provided

The below press release was issued by Defence today, divulging significant detail about the detection and management of COVID-19 infections among a foreign military contingent in Darwin.

This statement contrasts sharply with the dearth of information usually provided by Defence in respect of its own personnel. Compare the press release below with today’s latest ADF COVID-19 ‘news’ here.

 

International military training – positive test results for COVID-19 returned on arrival to Australia

As part of Defence’s robust screening processes for foreign military arrivals, a positive COVID-19 result has been returned for a foreign military official and the partner of another official who recently arrived in Darwin while in mandatory quarantine.

FILE PHOTO: US Marines arrive in Darwin for a Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) several years ago. US Marine Corps Photo by Lance Corporal Osvaldo L. Ortega III
PLEASE NOTE – the above photo is generic and was chosen for its vagueness. ADF was very careful not to indicate the home country of the people in this story. CONTACT is not making any inference.

The two individuals were part of the second tranche of arrivals of foreign military officials and their dependants that arrived in Darwin on 11 January and are quarantining at a Defence-managed quarantine hotel in the Darwin CBD. These officials and their dependants were required to undergo testing within 72 hours and provide evidence of a negative result prior to departure from their country of origin.  All individuals complied with this requirement.

In line with established processes with NT authorities and the COVID-19 Risk Management Plan for this contingent, the affected individuals have been taken to the Royal Darwin Hospital by Northern Territory Health patient transport for further care.

The individuals have had no contact with the general Northern Territory community.

In cooperation with the Northern Territory Government, all known close contacts of the two individuals will move to the Howard Springs quarantine facility as a precaution.

All foreign military officials who have arrived in Darwin are undergoing mandatory two-week quarantine, as part of a plan agreed with the Northern Territory Chief Health Officer. All personnel will be regularly monitored by Australian medical professionals, including COVID-19 testing during their quarantine, and daily temperature screening and welfare checks.

The affected individuals will now undergo further testing and clinical care. Defence and the individuals’ home countries will continue to support them.

Defence will work with the Northern Territory Government to ensure management of such cases continues to be in accordance with all relevant health guidelines.

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