Defence force troops in quarantine after catching virus in Middle East
Five Australian Defence Force members who were infected with coronavirus in the Middle East have been flown home.
The Department of Defence said they were among ADF personnel tested after local contractors in the region had tested positive.
In total five Australians tested positive.
The five infected ADF members were serving in the Middle East when they tested positive. AAP
Four people landed in Darwin on Friday morning aboard a routine military flight and were taken to Royal Darwin Hospital for initial assessment. They are all described as asymptomatic.
The fifth ADF member, who had recently completed their deployment, had previously returned to Australia and is in mandatory quarantine in Brisbane.
NT Airports released a statement after the flight landed in Darwin saying the four military personnel didn't pass through the airport and were transported directly from the plane to transport organised by the ADF and NT Government to take them to hospital.
The Royal Darwin Hospital where four of the ADF members are undergoing check ups. AP/AAP
The Defence Department said it was taking all measures to protect its personnel in Australia and overseas.
"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," it said in a statement.
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