The Chief Health Officer requires anyone who comes to the NT that has left quarantine in another state or Territory, to get a COVID-19 test on Day 17 after their quarantine period started.
This is one of the measures included in the updated CHO Directions for Territory Border Restrictions, which came into effect on 5 June 2021 at 12:01AM.
As part of these extra protections, a person must now also declare on their NT Border Entry Form if they have been in quarantine in another jurisdiction in the 28 days prior to entering the Territory.
In addition to this, anyone entering the Northern Territory (whether or not they are required to quarantine) must get a COVID-19 test if required to, at any time during the 28 days after entry. Refusal to test will result in quarantine for 10 days, or for those people already in quarantine a 10-day extension of their quarantine period.
These new health directions are being introduced to protect Territorians against COVID-19. Breaches of quarantine interstate have led to a number of outbreaks across Australia, some caused by new highly infectious variants of concern.
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 any symptoms, get tested for COVID-19. This is a key tool towards early detection and prevention of any community spread.
You can book a COVID-19 test online at https://covid19appointment.nt.gov.au/test or call the COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 490 484.
Getting the COVID-19 vaccine will protect you, your family and your community, and get life back to normal sooner. Book your COVID-19 vaccine at https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/
Quotes attributable to Chief Health Officer, Dr Charles Pain
“I am introducing a number of new health directions to further protect the health and safety of all Territorians.
“We continue to see breaches of quarantine occur interstate, and the impacts subsequent COVID-19 outbreaks have on the community; mentally, socially, physically and economically.
“To date, we have had no community transmission of COVID-19 in the NT and we want to keep it that way. Now more than ever, as we experience an increase in domestic travel and an increase in the return of Australians from overseas, it is critical that we take these extra measures.
“I would like to thank Territorians for all of the hard work that you have done so far. Keep up the great work, because it requires all of us to do the right thing to keep our community safe from COVID-19.’’