The Northern Territory has recorded five new cases of COVID-19.
Three cases are linked to the NT outbreak, bringing the total number of cases to 126. They include:
One case who is a close contact of a previously recorded case from Barrow Creek. They are in quarantine at the Todd Facility. Contact tracing is underway.One case is from Katherine and has been in quarantine at the Centre of National Resilience throughout their infectious period.One case is from Tennant Creek and is in isolation.
The remaining cases are not connected to the NT outbreak. They include two cases who arrived on flights from Sydney and are self-isolating. Contact tracing is underway.
There are currently 10 people with COVID-19 in hospital, including two in ICU.
Lockdown extended for Tennant Creek and Ali Curung
The lockdown for Tennant Creek and Ali Curung has been extended for 24 hours until 5pm on Thursday, 23 December 2021.
Mask mandate
The mask mandate for the Barkly Local Government Area has been extended for 24 hours until 5pm on Thursday, 23 December 2021.
A 48-hour mask mandate has been introduced for the Municipality of Alice Springs and Amoonguna community, requiring masks to be worn when inside public places and venues. This includes shopping centres, public transport and in workplaces. The mandate is in place until 5pm on Friday, 24 December 2021.
COVID-19 testing
More than 2,500 COVID-19 tests were processed across the NT yesterday.
COVID-19 testing sites are open in Katherine, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs, Nhulunbuy and Darwin. Testing is also available at NT Health clinics in remote communities.
To arrange a COVID-19 test please book online here or contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 490 484.
Border entry requirements
Border entry requirements to the Northern Territory have been updated following a National Cabinet meeting today in regards to COVID-19 testing. The changes include undertaking a Rapid Antigen Test after arrival in the NT, rather than a PCR test.
Anyone who is fully vaccinated is able to enter the NT subject to the following COVID-19 testing regime:
Negative COVID-19 test before you arrive in the NT
· You must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test within the three days before you arrive in the NT and must be able to show proof of the result on arrival.
· If you arrive in the NT without having had a COVID-19 test, or do not have proof of your result, Border Entry staff will book you in to get tested within 24 hours of your arrival.
2. COVID-19 testing after you arrive in the NT
· You must have a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test within three days after arriving in the NT and another Rapid Antigen Test on Day 6 after arriving in the NT.
· As proof, you will be required to take a photo of the test results, the packaging displaying the batch number and a document identifying yourself and submit an approved online declaration form, no later than Day 8 after arriving in the NT.
People entering the NT will be provided with two Rapid Antigen Tests upon arrival at the airport, or they can be collected from designated NT testing sites for people travelling by road. Rapid Antigen Tests can also be purchased by individuals at community pharmacies.
COVID@Home
A new COVID@Home model is being introduced and trialled in Greater Darwin and Alice Springs to provide safe and supportive care for individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, who are well enough to be treated within the home.
The COVID@Home model includes:
· COVID-19 positive people self-isolating at home for 14 days
· Registering and complying with G2G Now app requirements
· Monitoring for symptoms and undertaking personal health checks
· Undertaking testing as required
· Household contacts of a COVID-19 positive person are required to self-isolate for seven days and follow a testing regime
COVID@Home will provide care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by remote monitoring and online support from qualified health staff.
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 here
