![More Defence personnel will be helping with the coronavirus pandemic. More Defence personnel will be helping with the coronavirus pandemic.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-feed-data/2ca802a0-e607-48df-9ac3-b862f26492db.jpg/r0_0_800_600_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
The Australian Defence Force is expanding its support to the national coronavirus response.
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Defence Minister Linda Reynolds says Operation COVID-19 ASSIST will comprise seven state-and-territory-based task groups which will coordinate support across the nation.
"The ADF is contributing to a national response to protect Australians and support state and territory capacity in a time of crisis," Senator Reynolds said in a statement on Wednesday.
"Under Operation COVID-19 ASSIST, Defence will provide customised support to state and territory authorities, to reinforce and expand their capacity to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic."
Around 570 ADF members are currently providing support, including contact tracing, planning assistance, and assisting police with mandatory quarantine arrangements for international air arrivals.
Australian Associated Press