Five ADF members test positive for COVID-19 in Middle East – now home

Five new cases of COVID-19 have been detected among ADF personnel in the Middle East, with the members now flown home to Australia for case management.

CAPTION: Defence has had 39 cases of COVID-19 to date – and only revealed for the first time last night that 32 have recovered.

A Defence statement this morning said the ADF had 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,” the statement said.

“Four of those who tested positive returned to Australia this morning on a routine Defence sustainment flight and were 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.

“All personnel are asymptomatic.”

The Defence statement went on to say that one other ADF member, who recently completed their deployment and previously returned to Australia was currently in quarantine in Brisbane.

Defence said the safety and health of all ADF personnel deployed to the Middle East remained their 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,” the Defence statement said.

“Due to privacy reasons, Defence cannot comment further.”

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