OPERATION CHAPPLE
Location: South Australia
Status: January – February 2022
Covid logistics response
Despite the many challenges of operating in a COVID-19 environment, DRA has adapted to deploy multiple small and large scale operations across Australia. With the rapid increase in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron patients across Australia the COVID 19 pandemic has transitioned from PCR testing stations to the provision of self-testing Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) for patient self-diagnosis.
The South Australian Government has a requirement to provide RAT kits to eligible residents who have registered the need for a government-provided test self-diagnosis kit in line with SA Government regulations. The volume of tests that require distribution will be managed through temporary distribution centres.
DRA has been asked to work alongside the SA Government and other selected agencies and community organisations to assist with logistics and Incident Management Team activity on the distribution of RAT kits to eligible SA residents through a drive-thru collection point, with the first of these located in the Adelaide Parklands.
With our unique skill set in relation to being able to rapidly mobilise DRTs and our ability to manage high-demand logistics, we are one of the community organisations best placed to assist with the scale and time demands of a temporary and large-scale distribution centre such as this, plus the setup of additional sites across the state.
DRA will be assisting in the scope and setup of these locations across South Australia and will continue to provide IMT support at the RAT Distribution Super Centre on the corner of Anzac Highway and Greenhill Road (Adelaide Parklands/CBD) and will deploy two (2) command elements to assist with the establishment of approximately 10 additional RAT distribution sites.
All activities will be contactless and in accordance with strict COVID guidelines.