Northern Territory Police are reminding people that they will be refused entry to the NT if they have not been given approval to stay, under new Chief Health Officer directions that came into effect today.
People must complete an exemption form and receive approval if they have been in a current declared COVID-19 hotspot or public exposure site in the 14-days prior to arrival in the Northern Territory
Enforcement of the new border controls saw fifteen people refused entry at Darwin Airport today.
Eight people departed within two hours, while the other seven are booked on flights tomorrow and are being accommodated overnight at the Centre for National Resilience.
Police, Health, airport and other border entry staff worked closely to ensure travellers who arrived today were the given the opportunity to leave the NT without receiving an infringement notice.
Incident Controller Acting Commander James A. O'Brien said police understand that some travellers may have been caught out by the new CHO direction, however moving forward police will take a zero tolerance stance to ensure the safety of Territorians.
"I remind travellers wanting to come to the NT from hotspots or exposure sites, do not board the plane, or boat, or drive to the NT unless you have all of the required approvals. I cannot be more clear, those people who wish to test the system will be turned around. We will have no hesitation in issuing an infringement of $5056 to travellers who breach the CHO direction.
"Travellers must maintain awareness on the requirements of travelling to the Northern Territory. Our primary concern is the safety and wellbeing of Territorians and the most recent CHO direction was made to further strengthen that commitment."
The penalty for failing to abide by the Chief Health Officer Directions issued under section 56 of the Public and Environment Health Act 2011 is $5056 for an individual and $25,280 for a business.
For more information on COVID-19, visit www.coronavirus.nt.gov.au
