2021 Marine Rotational Force - Darwin - positive results for COVID-19

On 22 May, a US Marine who arrived in Australia as part of the 2021 Marine Rotational Force - Darwin (MRF-D) on 9 May returned a positive result for COVID-19 upon routine exit testing at the conclusion of their mandatory 14-day quarantine period.

Due to the strict procedures put in place before the arrival of this year’s MRF-D rotation, the Marine had no direct contact with the general community, did not leave quarantine prior to or after the positive result, and has been transferred to the care of the NT Health team at the NT Centre for National Resilience at Howard Springs.

All US Marines are subject to strict screening and quarantine requirements prior to departure, and on arrival into Australia, including:

•             Present a negative COVID-19 PCR test 72 hours before departure for Australia;

•             Mandatory 14-day quarantine in secure facilities at RAAF Base Darwin and Bladin Village Northern Territory;

•             COVID-19 testing on arrival, and before exiting their mandatory 14-day quarantine period, and;

•             Daily health checks that include screening for COVID-19 symptoms.

Defence is liaising closely with the Northern Territory Government on this matter following the extensive planning that occurred to enable a safe 2021 MRF-D rotation. Defence and NT Health have agreed to strict measures for managing MRF-D’s arrival, quarantine and possible or positive cases of COVID-19. The 2021 MRF-D will continue to adhere to all current Northern Territory restrictions for mitigating COVID-19 risks. This year’s rotation includes a comprehensive range of training activities, including humanitarian assistance, security operations and high-end live-fire exercises.

Link to NT Health Statement: 2021-05-22 Positive COVID-19 Case Update | Coronavirus (COVID-19) (nt.gov.au)

Links to: Arrival of the 2021 Marine Rotational Force-Darwin