US Marines to get screened in Darwin, as Defence reconsiders Exercise Pitch Black
THOUSANDS of US Marines will be screened and put into self isolation for 14 days when they touch down in Darwin in a few weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic. Defence is also reconsidering holding Exercise Pitch Black this year.
Northern Territory
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THOUSANDS of US Marines will be screened and put into self isolation for 14 days when they touch down in Darwin in a few weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The majority of the 2500 personnel in this year’s US Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) are expected to arrive in early April, with the rest to arrive in early July.
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A spokeswoman from MRF-D said before arriving in Australia all the US service members will be screened by medical personnel for symptoms and other risk factors associated with COVID-19. Any symptomatic personnel will not deploy.
“All personnel arriving to Australia will follow the 14-day self-isolation in line with the policy imposed by the Australian government,” she said.
“Once we have ensured those in isolation are free of the virus, operations will proceed as scheduled.
“MRF-D takes the responsibility of protecting our personnel and the communities we work and live in seriously and we are taking all reasonable precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.”
An Australian Defence spokesman said they are reconsidering holding upcoming events, including Exercise Pitch Black 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The war games where due to take place during July 24 to August 14, hosting up to 35000 personnel and up to 120 aircraft from around the globe including participants from South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and the US.
“In line with the advice of the Chief Medical Officer and Australian Government, Defence is currently reconsidering the status of its upcoming events to ensure the safety of personnel involved,” the spokesman said.
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“Defence is adjusting a range of plans and commitments as it works to contribute to the whole-of-government response to COVID-19.”
He said at this stage no international participants have withdrawn from Exercise Pitch Black 2020.
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