The NT Chief Health Officer has confirmed that most areas in New South Wales will be revoked as a hotspot except for the northern zone of the Northern Beaches Local Government Area from 3pm on 24 December 2020.

This means that Greater Metropolitan Sydney, the Local Government Areas of Central Coast Council, City of Blue Mountains and parts of the Northern beaches Local Government Area have been revoked as hotspots.

People arriving in the Northern Territory from these areas will no longer have to undertake mandatory supervised quarantine. Anyone currently in mandatory quarantine from these areas of NSW will be able to exit.

Those people that have arrived in the Northern Territory from the areas that have now been revoked as hotspots no longer need to self-quarantine or have a COVID-19 test, unless you are feeling unwell and have COVID-19 symptoms. You should continue to follow the health advice, wash your hands regularly and practicing physical distancing.

A number of suburbs in the northern zone of the Northern Beaches Local Government Area remain as declared hotspots for the purposes of travel to the Northern Territory. This includes the hotspot areas of:

Avalon Beach 2107, Bayview 2104, Bilgola Beach 2107, Bilgola Plateau 2107, Church Point 2105, Clareville 2107, Coasters Retreat 2108, Currawong Beach 2108, Elanora Heights 2101, Elvina Bay 2105, Great Mackerel Beach 2108, Ingleside 2101, Ku-ring-gai Chase 2084, Lovett Bay 2105, McCarrs Creek 2105, Mona Vale 2103, Morning Bay 2105, Newport 2106, Newport Beach 2106, North Narrabeen 2101, Palm Beach 2108, Scotland Island 2105, Warriewood 2102, Whale Beach 2107.

Declared hotspots are listed at www.coronavirus.nt.gov.au

The Chief Health Officer has been assessing the Northern Beaches cluster in New South Wales closely, taking into account the monitoring and data collection of COVID-19, extent of community transmission and risks to the NT community. The situation in New South Wales will continue to be reviewed.

The risk of COVID-19 in our communities cannot be eliminated which is why it is important for everyone to follow all health directions.

·         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.

·         If you have symptoms, stay away from others and book a COVID-19 test on 1800 008 002

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

Quotes attributable to Chief Health Officer Dr Hugh Heggie

“I have considered the evidence and the epidemiology in conjunction with my team and the New South Wales Chief Health Officer and am confident of revoking all areas of News South Wales as a hotspot except for the northern zone of the Northern Beaches Local Government Area which is where the cluster began.

“This decision has been made because of two key factors including the massive testing regime that was undertaken and because the controls that were put in place early are working. These measures combined have controlled the spread of the virus and have reduced the risk to the community.  

“The NSW outbreak serves as a reminder that even minor breaches in behaviour can constitute a risk to us. This virus is significant and can cause substantial harm to our communities.

“I urge everyone to consider their behaviour, follow the health advice, look after each other and stay informed as the situation may change quickly. I wish you all a safe and joyful COVID Christmas.”