The story run by Channel 9 last night, Tuesday 14 April 2020, is misleading and incorrect.

HMAS Watson has not been placed in lockdown for COVID-19, nor any other reason. 

Members living on base are not confined, however they are following the direction of the Federal and NSW Governments, to stay in their local area and refrain from all non-essential travel. This is in line with broader community actions and expectations, and applies equally to all Defence establishments.

There has not been an outbreak of COVID-19, nor any positive cases of COVID-19, at HMAS Watson.

Defence continues to follow the advice issued by the Department of Health and state authorities to implement the necessary COVID-19 preventative measures across all establishments.