Media Release

Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet

NT COVID-19 update

10 January 2022

There were 403 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the Northern Territory up until 8pm on 9 January 2022.

Data includes positive cases from a Rapid Antigen Test that have been reported to NT Health.

Of the 403 COVID-19 cases reported:

· 28 cases are community transmission

· 113 cases are close contacts of known cases

· 30 cases are interstate arrivals

· 0 cases are from overseas arrivals

· 232 cases are under investigation to determine the source of origin. Data is reconciled daily.

There are 15 cases from Yuendumu. These include three cases that travelled from Alice Springs and close household contacts that have so far tested positive in Yuendamu. All cases and identified close contacts are in isolation. Further contact tracing is underway. NT Health teams are working to undertake testing across the community and provide the COVID-19 vaccination.

There are currently 26 patients in hospital, with 11 classified as acute hospital admissions including two in ICU. One ICU case is on a ventilator but the other’s admission to ICU is not related to COVID-19.

More than 2530 COVID-19 tests were processed across the NT yesterday.

Public Health Measures

Lockout restrictions

The Territory-wide lockout ended at noon today.

A lockout will continue in Yuendumu and Yuelamu for at least five days due to a number of positive COVID-19 cases and the low vaccination rate in both communities.

In a lockout, those people who are fully vaccinated are able to live normally and access all services with proof of their vaccination status.

Those who are unvaccinated, including people who have received only their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, must stay at home for the lockout period and are only permitted to leave for the following reasons:

Medical treatment, including COVID testing or vaccinationFor essential goods and services, like groceries, power tokens and medicationsFor one hour of outdoor exercise a day within 5 km of your home with one other person or people from your houseTo provide care and support to a family member or person who cannot support themselves. In case of an emergency.

Those people who are fully vaccinated are able to travel between Yuendumu and Yuelamu.

Mask Mandate

A Territory-wide indoor mask mandate remains in place.

Vaccine Pass

The Territory Vaccine Pass came into effect at noon today and requires all people in the Northern Territory to show proof of their vaccination status to attend a range of businesses, venues, places and events.

Under the Vaccine Pass, customers are required to show proof they are fully vaccinated, having had at least two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, to enter the following premises:

Pubs and clubsCasinosRestaurantsCinemasTicketed events for over 500 people in urban centres and over 100 in non-urban centres.

The Vaccine Pass applies to all people aged 16 years and over in the Northern Territory.

Businesses, venues, activities and services should take reasonable steps to make sure customers show proof of their vaccination status before they enter the premises.

Proof of vaccination status

Proof of the COVID-19 vaccination status includes:

The Territory Check-In App linked to the COVID-19 digital certificateA COVID-19 digital certificate, stored on a mobile phone or printedA immunisation history statement, either stored on a mobile phone or printedAn international COVID-19 vaccination certificate [https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/international-covid-19-vaccination-certificate-proof-your-covid-19-vaccinations?context=60091] for overseas travel.

The easiest way to show proof of your vaccination status when checking in is by connecting your COVID-19 digital certificate to the Territory Check In app [https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/stay-safe/check-in-app].

Close contacts

A person is considered a close contact if:

They reside in the same household /premises as a COVID-19 positive personHave spent 4 hours or more indoors with a COVID-19 positive person while they were infectious over a 24-hour period.

Essential workers, who are close contacts undertaking isolation, may leave isolation to undertake their essential work if they:

· Have no COVID-19 symptoms

· Are fully vaccinated, having had at least two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine

· Have a negative Rapid Antigen Test each day before attending work

· Monitor for symptoms

Essential workers are not required to go to work if they are close contacts in isolation, but can choose to. A list of essential workers is available at [https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/]

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 regularly Unsubscribe https://ntgovernmentagencies.createsend1.com/t/t-u-cujjtn-l-j/