The Australian Border Force (ABF) can confirm that three detainees at a Melbourne Alternative Place of Detention have tested positive for COVID-19. As soon as the detainees presented with symptoms they were immediately placed into quarantine.
All detainees in immigration detention facilities have been offered COVID-19 vaccination. The roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccination program to consenting detainees commenced in early August 2021 and has taken place at all immigration detention facilities (IDF) across the immigration detention network.
Standard departmental protocols are being followed in relation to a positive diagnosis including contact tracing, quarantining, testing and cleaning, in conjunction with the Victorian public health unit.
The ABF and its service providers have implemented infection control measures and Outbreak Management Plans at all IDFs.
These measures are informed by the Communicable Diseases Network Australia’s National Guidelines for the Prevention, Control and Public Health Management of COVID-19 Outbreaks in Correctional and Detention Facilities in Australia, public Health advice and applicable Health orders.
All detainees continue to have ongoing access to the medical professionals located within facilities.
The health care and range of services provided to detainees in immigration detention is commensurate with health care available to the Australian community through the public health system.
