5 November 2021
One new case of COVID-19 has been recorded in the Northern Territory, as Katherine and Greater Darwin enter into the first full day of lockdown and lockout restrictions.
The person is a household contact of the man who tested positive to COVID-19 overnight. This new case is being transported today by CareFlight to the Centre of National Resilience (CNR). The four other household contacts from Katherine have all been tested, returned negative results and are being transported to CNR to undertake 14 days quarantine. Three additional household contacts in Humpty Doo have been contacted, are undertaking 14 days of quarantine and will be tested today.
A significant contact tracing effort is underway to identify those people who have visited public exposure sites in Greater Darwin and Katherine to ensure they are isolating and getting tested.
To date, NT Health contact tracers have identified 75 close contacts, of which 48 have been contacted and are currently undergoing 14 days of quarantine. They have been directed to get tested as soon as possible, as well as on day five and 12.
Of the remaining close contacts, 27 are linked to the Katherine Club. Further investigations are being undertaken to identify and contact people from other exposure sites.
Police are working with the man to confirm details about his movements prior to and during his infectious period to help identify the source of infection.
Public exposure sites will continue to be updated as more information becomes available. It is important all people in the NT continue to check the COVID-19 website to review the list of NT public exposure sites here.
If you have been to a public exposure site or if you have symptoms, you need to get tested and follow the applicable public health advice.
Book your COVID-19 test online at here.
The Katherine Drive-Through Testing Site is open until 6:30pm today. Bookings are preferred. Opening hours for the weekend are:
· Saturday: 8:30am to 6:30am
· Sunday: 8:30am to 6:30am
The Marrara Drive-Through Testing Site in Darwin is expected to open at 1:30pm today. Bookings are preferred.
When attending the drive-through testing sites, please ensure you wear a mask, stay in your car and bring photo ID and your Medicare card.
Today updates have been made to the Chief Health Officer (CHO) Directions so that vaccinated and unvaccinated essential workers can go to work in Katherine and Greater Darwin. Only vaccinated essential workers can leave the lockdown or lockout areas for work.
Territorians in the lockdown or lockout areas should not travel, including out of the NT, unless it is for one of the essential reasons. Non-Territorians are permitted to leave the NT.
Thank you to the Katherine and Greater Darwin communities for swiftly responding to the lockdown and lockout restrictions.
It is critical all Territorians get the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine appointments are available at NT Vaccination Centres, GP Clinics, Respiratory Clinics and Aboriginal Health Clinics. You can book online here or call the COVID-19 Hotline 24 hours per day, seven days a week, on 1800 490 484.
