The Security and Emergency Management Committee (SEMC) this afternoon made the decision under the Northern Territory (NT) pandemic plan to lockdown parts of the NT following two positive cases of COVID-19.
Effective from 6:00pm, the Municipality of Katherine including Tindal and Robinson River including the surrounding homelands will enter into lockdown for 72 hours.
A 43-year-old male who lives in Katherine East but spends time in Robinson River Community has tested positive for COVID-19. The man lives with seven other household contacts and has been potentially infectious in the community since 10 November. He is fully vaccinated.
One of the household contacts, a 30-year-old female, who also resides in Robinson River tested positive for COVID-19 today while in the community. The woman is unvaccinated and has potentially been infectious while in Robinson River since 11 November, the same day she flew into the community from Katherine.
Contact tracing is underway, including for the six remaining household contacts who are being directed to isolate and get tested.
New public exposure sites have been identified and these will continue to be updated as more information becomes available. It is important all people in the NT check the COVID-19 website to review the list of NT public exposure sites here.
Further positive wastewater results for Katherine were returned today. Wastewater testing for catchment sites in Darwin and Alice Springs continue to be negative.
Lockdown details for Katherine and Robinson River and surrounding homelands:
From 6:00pm, residents must stay at home for the lockdown period and people are only permitted to leave for the following five reasons:
· Medical treatment, including COVID testing or vaccination
· For essential goods and services, like groceries and medications. For Robinson River residents, only one household member should visit the store, once per day.
· For work that is considered essential
· For one hour of outdoor exercise a day within 5 km from your home with one other person or people from your house
· To provide care and support to a family member or person who cannot support themselves. In case of an emergency.
Masks must be worn if you leave your place of residence. Your place of residence is where you live right now. You do not have to wear a mask during vigorous exercise.
Essential workers who are fully vaccinated or have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can continue to go to work.
Schools and childcare centres will be open only for the children of essential workers. Schools and early childhood services in Robinson River and the surrounding homelands will be closed.
Territorians in the lockdown area should not travel unless it is for one of the essential reasons.
A rapid assessment team has been dispatched to Robinson River to manage the response, undertake COVID-19 testing and provide COVID-19 vaccinations. Testing and vaccination will also be undertaken in Borroloola.
It is important that anyone showing even mild symptoms of COVID-19, especially if you live in or have recently been to Katherine, get tested immediately. Symptoms include a cough, headache, fever, shortness of breath, diarrhoea, muscle aches, fatigue, change in taste or smell or a sore throat.
To arrange a COVID test please book online here or contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 490 484, which will remain open until 10:00pm tonight.
The Katherine Drive-Through Testing Site is open until 6:30pm today. Bookings are preferred. Opening hours for Tuesday and Wednesday will be 9:00am - 6:30pm.
It is critical all Territorians get the COVID-19 vaccine. You can book online here or call the COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 490 484.
