The NT Government will implement new border restrictions and arrival requirements in response to the increasing threat of the coronavirus.
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From 4pm on Tuesday, the Territory will implement strict border controls for all access points - by road, rail, air and sea, Chief Minister Michael Gunner has announced today.
The NT had its fourth and fifth confirmed case of COVID-19 today.
From 4pm on Tuesday, people who arrive in the Territory from interstate will be required to quarantine for 14 days.
This will be enacted through a formal declaration by the Chief Health Officer under the Public and Environmental Health Act.
Mr Gunner said there would be exemptions to the quarantine period requirement: including health and emergency services, defence and policing, flight crews and freight - with strict guidelines in place to monitor and manage this.
Arrivals will have to show they meet the essential arrival criteria to be granted an exemption.
There will also be exemptions granted on compassionate grounds.
"We will be consulting with essential resources industries to make sure their workforce requirements can be met while guaranteeing community safety for this period.
More reading: Mayor calls for border closures on Tuesday.
"More information will be provided in the coming days about exemptions, the process for applying, as well the processes that will be implemented at our borders.
"The Government is announcing these new measures today to give Territorians as much confidence as possible that we are taking every step possible to keep you safe.
"This is an unprecedented action for the Northern Territory. But these are unprecedented times," Mr Gunner said
He said the restrictions would not impact the delivery of essential goods and services. Food and freight will continue. Our supermarkets and stores will be stocked.
"These are trying times for Territorians.
"The measures we are implementing are tough, but their purpose is clear: to save lives, and keep Territorians safe."
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