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The Australian Government, with the cooperation of the West Australian Government and the private Joondalup Health Campus, have concluded a humanitarian agreement to provide care for the 29 passengers from the Artania Cruise ship who have tested positive for COVID-19.

Federal Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said, “This humanitarian hospital care will be provided in one of the state’s premier facilities, which is fully prepared for and is already treating COVID-19 patients.”

“We thank the outstanding staff and team at Joondalup Health Campus and the state government for their assistance in this humanitarian operation.”

Joondalup Health Campus CEO, Kempton Cowan said, “It was important that the private sector could assist these patients at this critical time.”

“Our 145 bed private hospital facility co-located on Joondalup Health campus is well prepared and standing ready for these patients,” Mr Cowan said.

“Our teams are ready with the appropriate training and strict infection controls and safety protocols in place.”

“I am very pleased that Joondalup can assist on the front line in the fight against COVID-19.”

“I also want to thank the Australian Medical Association (AMA) who have committed their doctors, both in the public and private system, to being part of an integrated safe response to the treatment of patients with COVID-19. I particularly thank AMA President Dr Andrew Miller for his cooperation.”

Dr Andrew Miller, President of the West Australian AMA welcomed and supported the immediate transfer of the Cruise Ship passengers under federal responsibility to Joondalup Health Campus.

“Joondalup Health Campus which we know is an appropriate facility, staffed by properly prepared personnel, who can safely handle these patients,” Dr Miller said.

“We welcome the solution which recognises that the safety and welfare, of both patients and front line healthcare workers, is paramount.”

“We will work with all levels of government, to help Australia respond as effectively, and as safely as possible, to this terrible virus.”

Australian Nursing Federation of WA State Secretary, Mark Olson said, “It’s a collective fight against the coronavirus.”

“Everybody in the health industry, private and public, needs to work together and that’s exactly what’s happened here,” Mr Olson said.

“It’s not always easy but it’s evident that everyone is working towards the common goal of stopping the spread of this virus and the devastation that it causes.”

-ENDS-