The Australian Defence Force has sent six members to support the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) base in Egypt’s Sinai amid ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks.
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In early April, the ADF dispatched a six member team from the ADF’s Dubai operating base to provide additional support to the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) base in Egypt’s Sinai amid the nation’s ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, defence has reported.
The MFO currently houses members from 13 nations, including Australia's regional neighbours Fiji and New Zealand.
It is hoped that the ADF contingent will improve onsite COVID-19 testing and contact tracing in the MFO.
Lieutenant Colonel Steven Adamson, Senior Medical Officer Joint Task Force 633, explained that the ADF attachment will enhance the COVID-19 containment strategies within the MFO, as reported by the Department of Defence.
“The highly trained ADF medical team has tested the MFO population and identified new COVID 19 cases,” LTCOL Adamson said.
“The team will provide advice to the MFO on building an enduring strategy of how to keep the virus contained through a combination of surveillance, testing and contact tracing.
“This is a reminder of the importance of taking precautions and acting quickly to protect the mission and its people from the persistent threat of the global COVID-19 pandemic.”
The ADF’s team of six includes officers from the Army and Royal Australian Air Force, supported by two medical specialists.
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