Media Release

Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet

COVID-19 Update: Nine new cases recorded in the NT

16 November 2021

The Northern Territory has recorded nine new cases of COVID-19 since 6:00pm last night. There are now 11 cases in cluster two of the NT outbreak.

All cases in cluster two are household contacts who live between two residences in Katherine. These include:

· 71-year-old male

· 65-year-old female

· 62-year-old female

· 40-year-old female

· 38-year-old female

· 22-year-old female

· 16-year-old female

· 5-year-old female

· 5-year-old female

All cases are being transported to the Centre for National Resilience (CNR) in Howard Springs, with the exception of the 65-year-old female who has been admitted to Royal Darwin Hospital.

There have been no further cases recorded overnight in Robinson River, with more testing underway today. The female who tested positive yesterday in Robinson River has been transported by CareFlight to the CNR.

Extensive contract tracing is underway and 161 close contacts have been identified to date.

Anyone considered a close contact must immediately self-quarantine and call the COVID-19 Hotline so COVID-19 testing can be arranged.

New close contact public exposure sites have been identified. It is important all people in the NT continue to check the COVID-19 website to review the list of NT public exposure sites [https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/stay-safe/case-location-alerts-and-close-contacts].

Confirmed cases have visited Katherine Hospital and MacFarlane Primary School. Public exposure period details are currently being confirmed and will be available later this afternoon.

All children who attend MacFarlane Primary School are encouraged to get tested for COVID-19. The school will be open tomorrow for the children of essential workers and they will be tested upon arrival.

Lockdown extended to seven days

The lockdown has been extended for the Municipality of Katherine (including Tindal) and Robinson River (including the surrounding homelands) until 6:00pm on Monday, 22 November.

This is in response to the rapidly evolving outbreak and to help contain the spread of COVID-19 across the community.

Mask mandate for the NT

From midday today, a mask mandate will be in place across the NT until 6:00pm on Monday, 22 November.

This mandate aligns with current lockdown restrictions and is a preventative measure due to there being a gap in time between the positive cases of the two clusters.

Mask requirements include:

· Face masks must be worn outside of the home when you are unable to maintain a physical distance of 1.5 metres – 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.

· Patrons at restaurants, cafes and pubs must wear a mask unless eating or drinking.

· You do not have to wear a mask during vigorous exercise.

COVID-19 testing

More than 1,200 COVID-19 tests were completed across the NT yesterday.

It is critical that anyone in the Territory who has symptoms gets tested for COVID-19 immediately to help identify any COVID-19 and contain any spread.

Symptoms include a cough, headache, fever, shortness of breath, diarrhoea, muscle aches, fatigue, change in taste or smell or a sore throat.

To arrange a COVID test please book online [https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/stay-safe/symptoms-testing#testing] or contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 490 484, which will remain open until 10:00pm tonight.

The Katherine Drive-Through Testing Site is open until 6:30pm today and tomorrow. Bookings are preferred.

A walk-in COVID-19 testing site is now open at the Kathrine Community Centre on Second Street.

COVID-19 vaccination

It is critical all Territorians get the COVID-19 vaccine. You can book online [https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/stay-safe/booking-your-covid-19-vaccine] or call the COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 490 484.

Capacity has been increased at the Katherine COVID-19 Vaccination Centre to manage any surge in demand. It is located at 19 Second Street at the Training Centre (old school site).

Mobile vaccination and testing will also be available in Katherine, inclusive of a door-to-door campaign, provided in partnership with local Aboriginal health organisations.

For more information visit coronavirus.nt.gov.au.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading in our communities, it is important for everyone to follow all health directions and vaccinations for all those eligible.

Book your COVID-19 vaccine [https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/stay-safe/COVID-19-vaccinations/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-chlittt-l-j/