Media Release

Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet

NT COVID-19 update

Thursday 6 January 2022

There were 256 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the Northern Territory up until 8pm on 5 January 2022.

From today, data also includes positive cases from a Rapid Antigen Test that have been reported to NT Health. Those people who return a positive Rapid Antigen Test are still required to have a confirmatory PCR COVID-19 test. The daily data will be reconciled to make sure reporting of positive cases is not duplicated.

Of the 256 COVID-19 cases reported:

· 27 cases are community transmission

· 88 cases are interstate arrivals

· 19 cases are from overseas arrivals

· 10 cases are close contacts of known cases

· 112 cases are under investigation.

There are currently 23 patients in hospital, with eight classified as acute hospital admissions including two in ICU.

More than 2540 COVID-19 tests were processed across the NT yesterday.

Public Health Measures

To slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community and reduce the rate of transmission the following public health measures will be implemented:

· A Territory-wide lockout will commence from 1pm today until noon on Monday, 10 January 2022

· A vaccine pass system will come into effect across the Territory from noon on Monday, 10 January 2022

· 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.

The indoor mask mandate remains in place across the Northern Territory.

NT-wide lockout

A Territory-wide lockout will come into effect from 1pm today until noon on Monday, 10 January 2022.

In a lockout, those people who are fully vaccinated are able to live normally and access all services with proof of their vaccination status. They are also permitted to travel across the Northern Territory as required.

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 three reasons:

1. Medical treatment, including COVID-19 testing or vaccination

2. For essential goods and services, like groceries, medications and electricity tokens

3. To provide care and support to a family member or person who cannot support themselves. In case of an emergency.

Unvaccinated people must stay within a 30km radius of their home or the nearest practical destination if they need to leave for any of the three reasons.

Unvaccinated people are not able to undertake exercise outside of the home, or attend their workplace. Unvaccinated parents are permitted to drop their child off at childcare or school holiday programs.

NT Vaccine Pass

On Monday, 10 January 2022, a Vaccine Pass system will come into effect requiring all people in the Northern Territory to show proof of their vaccination status to attend a range of businesses, venues, places and events.

The NT Vaccine Pass will require all people to show proof that they are fully vaccinated, having had at least two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, to enter the following premises:

· Pubs and clubs

· Casinos

· Restaurants

· Cinemas

· Ticketed events for over 500 people in urban centres and over 100 in non-urban centres.

Businesses, venues, activities and services must make sure all members of the public who attend are fully vaccinated.

Proof of vaccination status

Proof of your COVID-19 vaccination status includes:

· The Territory Check-In App with your linked COVID-19 digital certificate

· Your COVID-19 digital certificate, stored on your phone or printed

· Your immunisation history statement, either stored on your phone or printed

· An 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 prove your vaccination status when checking in is by connecting your COVID-19 digital certificate to the Territory Check In app. For more information on how to do this visit: [https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/stay-safe/check-in-app]

Excluded Communities

Only residents and essential workers can enter excluded communities [https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/travel/exclusion-zones] in the Northern Territory and are required to have a negative Rapid Antigen Test on the day of entry.

Rapid Antigen Tests can be collected from NT Testing and Distribution Centres. [https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/stay-safe/symptoms-testing/rat-testing]

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-cuyyhhk-l-j/