The following information will be updated daily as the situation evolves.
- As of 19 October 2021:
- 12 detainees have tested positive
- 21 detainees have tested negative
- 13 detainees are awaiting test results.
As in the community, not all COVID-19 positive patients will require hospital admission. The 12 detainees are currently being treated in their accommodation. Hospital admission will be based on clinical advice.
To date in the Immigration Detention Network (IDN), 61 percent of detainees consented to receiving COVID-19 vaccinations. Of these:
- 61 percent received their first dose; and
- 51 percent are fully vaccinated.
The ABF and contracted service providers will continue to educate detainees and offer COVID-19 vaccinations to any detainees wishing to participate.
The ABF and its service providers are working closely with Victorian health authorities to manage contact tracing, quarantining, testing, and cleaning.
General Statement on COVID-19 in the Immigration Detention Network:
All detainees in immigration detention facilities have been offered COVID-19 vaccinations. The roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccination program to consenting detainees commenced in early August 2021, and has taken place at all immigration detention facilities (IDF) across the immigration detention network.
Standard departmental protocols are followed in relation to a positive diagnosis - including contact tracing, quarantining, testing and cleaning - in conjunction with the Victorian public health unit.
The ABF and its service providers have implemented infection control measures and Outbreak Management Plans at all IDFs.
These measures are informed by the Communicable Diseases Network Australia's National Guidelines for the Prevention, Control and Public Health Management of COVID-19 Outbreaks in Correctional and Detention Facilities in Australia, public Health advice and applicable Health orders.
All detainees continue to have ongoing access to the medical professionals located within facilities.
The health care and range of services provided to detainees in immigration detention is commensurate with health care available to the Australian community through the public health system.
