Media Release
Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet
NT COVID-19 update
9 January 2022
There were 481 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the Northern Territory up until 8pm on 8 January 2022.
Data includes positive cases from a Rapid Antigen Test that have been reported to NT Health.
Of the 481 COVID-19 cases reported:
· 44 cases are community transmission
· 93 cases are close contacts of known cases
· 52 cases are interstate arrivals
· 0 cases are from overseas arrivals
· 292 cases are under investigation to determine the source of origin. Data is reconciled daily.
There are cases from Yarralin, Gunbulunya and Yirrkala. All cases and identified close contacts are in isolation. Further contact tracing is underway. A single case is being investigated in Numbulwar but is yet to be confirmed a true positive.
There are currently 24 patients in hospital, with 8 classified as acute hospital admissions including one in ICU.
More than 2515 COVID-19 tests were processed across the NT yesterday.
Positive cases and contact tracing
As we transition to a living with COVID model, changes have been made to the notification and management of COVID positive cases. The model will make sure every Territorian who has COVID-19, has a clear pathway of care and support and knows how to access help if they need it.
All people who live in an urban centre who receive a COVID positive result will be notified through an automated SMS message and will be required to complete an online registration form. This applies to people living in Greater Darwin, Katherine, Nhulunbuy, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs who receive either a positive PCR test result or Rapid Antigen Test result.
COVID positive people in urban settings will be required to complete an online registration form which will be used to inform health professionals about the level of care required and if this can be undertaken safely at home with follow-up contact from health.
Those people who cannot complete the form or those people living in remote communities will still be contacted by NT Health with a phone call.
COVID positive people should notify members of their household and any close contacts that they have received a positive test result.
For more information on what to do if you are COVID positive visit [https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/stay-safe/covid-19-positive]
Public Health Measures
To slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community and reduce the rate of transmission, the following public health measures are in place across the Northern Territory:
· A Territory-wide lockout until noon on Monday, 10 January 2022
· A Territory-wide indoor mask mandate
· Only residents and essential workers may enter excluded communities in the Northern Territory, and must have a negative Rapid Antigen Test on the day of entry
COVID-19 Testing
Everyone should get tested for COVID-19 if showing symptoms such as a cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches, change in taste or smell and a sore throat.
COVID-19 testing sites are open in Nhulunbuy, Katherine, Darwin, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs. Testing is also available at NT Health clinics in remote communities.
To arrange a COVID-19 test please book online [https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/stay-safe/symptoms-testing] or contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 490 484.
The latest public exposure sites in the NT are listed on the COVID-19 website [https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/stay-safe/case-location-alerts-and-close-contacts].
It is critical all people check-in using The Territory Check In app everywhere, every time, no matter how long you are there for.
To reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading in our communities, it is important for everyone to follow all the health directions.
Book your COVID-19 vaccine [https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/stay-safe/booking-your-covid-19-vaccine]Check in using The Territory Check In App every time, everywhereIf you have symptoms, stay away from others and get tested for COVID-19Wash your hands with soap and water and use hand sanitiser regularlyDo not go to work if you feel sickMaintain a physical distance of 1.5 metres where possible. Unsubscribe https://ntgovernmentagencies.createsend1.com/t/t-u-cujva-l-j/