US Marine returns a positive test for COVID-19 on arrival to Australia

A United States Marine has returned a positive result for COVID-19 at an initial screening on arrival in Darwin.

The individual was part of the third group of Marines who arrived on Wednesday, 8th July, to take part in this year’s Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) visit.

In line with established processes and the agreed plans for MRF-D, the Marine will be taken to the Royal Darwin Hospital by Northern Territory Health patient transport for assessment. The Marine is currently asymptomatic.

Due to the strict procedures put in place before the arrival of the Marines, the Marine has had no direct contact with the general community.

All US personnel who arrived with the US Marine and may have interacted with the individual will continue to be monitored during their mandatory 14 day quarantine.

As per the established protocols, all US personnel will be tested again prior to leaving quarantine.

The Northern Territory government has been an integral part of the planning and response to this situation.

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