Defence position on COVID-19 virus

Two members of the Australian Defence Force were confirmed to have contracted the COVID-19 virus as of Sunday past, with a third reported today.

Having tested positive to COVID-19, the members have been isolated.

Efforts to trace any contacts the members have had are focussed on the first two officers travelling to a meeting at Defence Headquarters, Russell, ACT on 28 February 2020.

Defence is cooperating with NSW and ACT Health authorities to contact, isolate, test and support persons involved.

Chief of Defence Force General Angus Campbell and Secretary of the Department of Defence Greg Moriarty said in a joint statement that, as a necessary precautionary measure to address the increasing risk of COVID-19 infection within Defence and the general community, any Defence personnel and those working in Defence establishments who present with cold/flu-like symptoms have been ordered to remove themselves from the workplace and arrange with their local health centre or GP for testing for COVID-19.

“Furthermore, all ADF, Defence APS and contractors contacted by State or Federal Health authorities as part of COVID-19 case tracking, will provide all assistance possible,” General Campbell said.

“This is consistent with the Federal government’s commitment to active, early and continuing support to public health efforts to contain COVID-19, and to work in partnership with the States and territories.”

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