The NT Chief Health Officer has confirmed that the Illawarra Region of New South Wales will be revoked as a hotspot from 3pm on 23 December 2020. This includes the Municipality of Kiama, City of Shellharbour, City of Shoalhaven, Wingecarribee Shire and the City of Wollongong.

People arriving in the Northern Territory from the Illawarra Region will no longer have to undertake mandatory supervised quarantine. Anyone currently in mandatory quarantine from the Illawarra Region of NSW will be able to exit.

A number of other areas across NSW remain as declared hotspots for the purposes of travel to the Northern Territory. New South Wales Local Government Areas still declared as hot spots are listed at www.coronavirus.nt.gov.au

Anyone who has arrived in the Northern Territory on, or after 11 December 2020 and has been to a declared hotspot in NSW needs to have a COVID-19 test immediately and self-quarantine whilst awaiting the results.

The Chief Health Officer has been assessing the Northern Beaches cluster in New South Wales closely, taking into account the monitoring and data collection of COVID-19, extent of community transmission and risks to the NT community. The situation in New South Wales will continue to be reviewed.

The risk of COVID-19 in our communities cannot be eliminated which is why it is important for everyone to follow all health directions.

·         If you have COVID-19 symptoms, do not travel. Make sure you get tested and stay at home.

·         Maintain a physical distance of 1.5m at all times.

·         Wash your hands with soap and water and use hand sanitiser regularly.

·         If you have symptoms, stay away from others and book a COVID-19 test on 1800 008 002

For more information about hotspots and to stay up to date with the latest information visit www.coronavirus.nt.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Chief Health Officer Dr Hugh Heggie

“I have been constantly reviewing and monitoring the COVID-19 Northern Beaches Cluster in New South Wales and am confident of revoking the Illawarra Region as a hotspot.

“Based on the evidence and from meetings with the other Chief Health Officers from across Australia, we know that there has been no positive cases identified in the Illawarra Region.

“The situation in New South Wales is looking positive, but as always I will continue to review the situation and narrow the hotspot declaration when, and if required.

“My focus is on keeping Territorians safe. It is important that everyone continues to follow the health advice and stay informed as the situation may change quickly.”