PM welcomes HMAS Adelaide to Fiji

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has welcomed Captain Stuart Watters and the crew of the HMAS Adelaide which is the largest Australian Navy Ship to Fiji.

More than 600 Australian Defence Forces personnel are on board the HMAS Adelaide with humanitarian relief supplies to help in the aftermath of TC Yasa.

Bainimarama says we don't get too many boatload of Aussies to Fiji these days, but Fiji has adapted its COVID-safe protocols so that Fiji’s family from the Australian Department of Defence can safely assist Fiji’s rebuild from severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

The Australian Defence Force will provide immediate assistance to thousands of Fijians, including many from remote islands, whose homes, schools and other local infrastructure were damaged or destroyed.

According to the National Disaster Management Office immediately before departure, all embarked forces and crew onboard the HMAS Adelaide tested negative for COVID-19.

The HMAS Adelaide is fully equipped with COVID-19 testing and laboratory equipment.

After six days at sea, the disembarking force will be tested again for COVID-19.

All other crew and embarked forces will remain on-board the vessel, and be tested on day 12 while in Fijian waters.

While on-site, the disembarked force will operate within a pre-defined, multi-layered “Australian Defence Force Bubble” under strict surveillance from RFMF and Ministry of Health and Medical Services personnel to prevent any community exposure.

The NDMO further says all Australia Defence Force crew and embarked forces will be restricted to this adjusted quarantine environment while their urgent work takes place.

It says the risk of transmission inside the bubble from day 6 to day 14 is extremely low as the forces will not have any public interaction and will be closely monitored inside the bubble by officials.

According to the NDMO, RFMF personnel will also operate within the Australia Defence Force Bubble, and these individuals will all undergo a full 14 days of quarantine before re-engaging with the public.