The Chief Health Officer will continue to closely monitor and consider the situation in Sydney but is confident at this time that the current COVID-19 outbreak is being managed and contained appropriately.

Decisions on declaring and revoking hotspots are made by the NT Chief Health Officer based on an assessment of risks posed to the NT community. This includes regularly analysing evidence and data on the extent of community spread and the effectiveness of public health measures in outbreak areas across Australia. 

As always Territorians are asked to stay informed, follow public health advice and continue to monitor the situation in other states or territories to which they are planning to travel, as conditions and circumstances may change quickly. 

The risk of COVID-19 in our communities cannot be eliminated which is why it is important for everyone, particularly those people travelling from interstate, to follow all health regulations and comply with health advice issued by the Chief Health Officer.

·          If you have COVID-19 symptoms, do not travel. Make sure you get tested and stay at home.

·         Maintain a physical distance of 1.5m at all times.

·         Wash your hands with soap and water and use hand sanitiser regularly.

·         Cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue. Put your tissue in the bin straight away.

·         Do not go to work if you feel sick.

·         If you have symptoms, stay away from others and call a doctor or the NT COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 008 002

For more information about hot spots and to stay up to date with the latest information visit www.coronavirus.nt.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Deputy Chief Health Officer Dr Charles Pain

“The Chief Health Officer and I have been closely monitoring the recent clusters of COVID-19 cases in Sydney and I am satisfied with the extensive public health response New South Wales is undertaking to contact trace and contain this outbreak.”

“We are constantly reviewing and monitoring conditions and meet with all of the Chief Health Officers from across Australia regularly, as part of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC).

“Territorians should be assured that the Chief Health Officer will act decisively if he considers that the risks to the community are unacceptable, as he has done in the past. The actions we have taken in the Territory have served us well to date.

“I urge Territorians to remain vigilant, stay informed and continue to play their part by maintaining high levels of hand hygiene and by practising physical distancing.”