More troops patrol streets

Royal Australian Air Force members Aircraftman Nicolas Zvekic and Corporal Peter Wilson supporting Victorian Government Department of Health Authorised Officer Kevin Xu to conduct household visits as a part of Operation COVID-19 Assist. (ADF) 240611_01

Goya Dmytryshchak

Up to 160 extra Australian Defence Force members have been deployed to monitor COVID-19 quarantine, bringing the total number to 412.

Members are drawn from across the state, including a contingent from RAAF Base Williams at Laverton.

The move is part of Operation COVID-19 Assist to support the Department of Health with the Household Engagement Program.

ADF members will visit close contacts and returned travellers to ensure they are aware of their status, and to provide information and support services while in isolation.

Before deployment, members were mobilised rapidly from across the state and concentrated at Simpson Barracks in Melbourne where they were trained, equipped and prepared for their tasks.

The members are drawn from Victorian elements of all three services, including 108 members from army’s 4th Brigade.

Most are army reservists.

There are a further 252 ADF members already deployed in Victoria on Operation COVID-19 Assist, supporting the COVID Quarantine Victoria program.