Media Release
Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet
COVID-19 Update: Wastewater detected in Katherine and new case recorded
10 November 2021
One new case of COVID-19 has been recorded in the NT in the past 24 hours. This case is not connected to the Greater Darwin / Katherine cluster.
A 20-year-old male from Victoria has tested positive for COVID-19. The man is a member of the Australian Defence Force and went straight into quarantine at Bladin Village Quarantine Facility upon arrival into the NT. He is being transferred to Centre for National Resilience.
The man travelled on flight QF 404 from Melbourne to Sydney on 8 November, then flight QF 840 from Sydney to Darwin on 8 November. Contact tracing is underway.
Wastewater testing
Viral fragments of COVID-19 have been detected in the two wastewater sample sites in Katherine.
Positive wastewater results from the Bicentennial Road catchment returned negative results for 5-6 November but have returned a positive result for 7-8 November.
Wastewater samples from the Katherine Golf Club catchment returned positive results for the 5-6 November and negative rests for 7-8 November. The Katherine Golf Club catchment results may be linked to COVID-19 cases confirmed in the recent outbreak.
Further testing of wastewater across Katherine is underway to help monitor the situation, and wastewater testing results for 8-9 November are expected later this afternoon.
As an extra protection measure, NT Health contact tracers are working with close contacts from Katherine to re-confirm their movements. These close contacts are in quarantine and will also continue to be tested for COVID-19.
It is important all Territorians and visitors get tested for COVID-19 if showing any symptoms such as a cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches, change in taste or smell and a sore throat.
To arrange a COVID test please book online [https://covid19appointment.nt.gov.au/test] or contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 490 484 [tel:1800490484]. The Katherine Drive Through COVID-19 Testing Site is open until 4.30pm today. Bookings are preferred.
In the past 24 hours, 2,489 COVID-19 tests were completed across the NT while almost 11,000 COVID-19 tests were completed across the NT between 5 – 9 November.
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/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.
For more information visit coronavirus.nt.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Acting Chief Health Officer Dr Charles Pain:
“It is important that if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 you get tested – especially if you live in Katherine or Greater Darwin.
“The recent COVID-19 outbreak in the NT was detected due to a person with symptoms coming forward for testing. This ensured we were able to act quickly and implement measures to help contain the spread of COVID-19 in the NT.
“Positive wastewater detection must be taken seriously, which is why the extra precaution is being taken to work with known close contacts from Katherine identified in the current cluster to confirm their movements and make sure all information has been captured.
“Vaccination remains our best defence against COVID-19 and I urge all Territorians to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves and their family.”
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