Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet
Lockdown will be lifted in Katherine at noon today.
No new cases have been identified out of 2338 tests in the last 24 hours. There are 87 close contacts who are all negative and of the 646 casual contacts – all results so far have been negative.
Wastewater testing in Katherine, Tindal and Greater Darwin have all returned a negative result, providing further evidence that we have locked down any COVID-19 in our community.
Since Monday 16 August 2021 when lockdown started, 6869 COVID-19 tests have been undertaken including one in 8 people in Katherine. In addition more than 8298 calls have been made to the COVID-19 Hotline.
Between 16-18 August 2021, more than 7800 COVID-19 vaccines were administered across the NT including 3196 on 18 August 2021 - the biggest day for the NT COVID-19 vaccine roll-out so far.
Thank you Territorians for doing the right thing. Your actions have worked to stop the spread of COVID-19 and as a result our lockdown in Greater Darwin and Katherine has been able to end in four days.
While lockdown has been lifted, some restrictions remain in place to reduce the risk of COVID-19 in our community. These restrictions apply to Katherine as well as the Greater Darwin area.
Eased Restrictions
From noon today there will be no restrictions on the reasons to leave home if you live in Katherine. These will be reviewed on 26 August 2021.
· Travel will be permitted across the Territory but restrictions continue to apply and follow you, if you travel outside of the former Katherine or Greater Darwin lockdown areas.
· Face masks must be worn when you are unable to physically distance – this includes at places like the supermarket, shops, the hairdresser and on public transport. Workers who come into close contact with patrons, or who work in crowded environments will need to wear a mask.
· The Territory Check-In App is mandatory for business, organisations and places. Customers and visitors must check-in every time, no matter how long they are there for.
· You can have a private gathering of up to 10 people at a time in your home.
· Restaurants, cafes and pubs will re-open for seated service only. Patrons will be required to wear a mask when at the bar. Dance floors will remain closed.
· Markets will remain closed.
· Non-contact sports are permitted. Indoor exercise including at gyms, Zumba, barre, pilates and yoga studios will remain closed.
· There are no additional requirements for major events but mask rules apply and The Territory Check-In App must be used.
· Schools and childcare centres will open for learning from Monday. Children in Middle School and Senior School will be required to wear a mask, but those students at primary school who are under 12 years are encouraged but not required to.
It's important you get tested if you have any COVID-19 symptoms. Book online or call the COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 490 484.
Check in using The Territory Check-In App everywhere you go, no matter how long you are there for. Using the check-in app allows our health teams to quickly undertake contact tracing and do the critical work they need to in the case of an outbreak.
Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is one of the best things we can do to protect ourselves, our family and our community from COVID-19 and get life back to normal sooner. Roll up your sleeve and book your COVID-19 vaccine at www.coronavirus.nt.gov.au
