Australian Border Force And Defence Force Patrol Maritime Borders As COVID-19 Outbreak Worsens In Papua New Guinea

SAIBAI ISLAND, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 26: The HMAS Wollongong is passed by a boat with Australian Denence Force members onboard on March 26, 2021 in Saibai Island, Australia. Australian Border Force and Defence Force personnel are currently patrolling waters in the northern department of Torres Strait as part of Maritime Border Command operations to protect the Australian border as neighbouring Papua New Guinea battles a COVID-19 outbreak. Australia closed international borders in March 2020 due to the global coronavirus pandemic, including the banning of movement under a special treaty that usually allows travel between PNG and islands in the Torres Strait which are only kilometres apart. Although emergency measures were introduced last week blocking flights from PNG as the Pacific nation's COVID-19 case numbers grew, sea and air patrols across Torres Strait have also increased to ensure the virus doesn't arrive in the local community. (Photo by Brook Mitchell/Getty Images)