There is more advice on how the NT's borders will be restricted from Tuesday.
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NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner yesterday announced check points would be established on land, sea and air entry points from Tuesday at 4pm.
It is expected the controls will be place for six months although five people have now tested positive for coronavirus in the NT.
The Chief Health Officer has granted further directions under the Public and Environmental Health Act which allow Police to exercise their ability to control the entry of persons into the Territory to minimise the risk of spreading coronavirus and keep Territorians safe.
The NT has secured its borders by introducing a two-week quarantine period for anyone arriving in the Territory, with an exception for those providing goods and essential services during the coronavirus pandemic.
While some entry exemptions will be made available, mandatory 14 day self-isolation will be required for all visitors and returning residents.
There is no doubt the closing of the NT Borders will have a detrimental effect on the tourism economy, with many local operators impacted.
Right now, the Department of Tourism, Sport and Culture is continuing to work with the NT Department of Trade, Business and Innovation to draw together the range of business support initiatives to assist the tourism and related industries.
The NT Government has confirmed this will not affect lawful trade or commerce, essential activities will not be impacted, and the supply chain will continue. The measures are put in place to help slow the spread of the virus in the Territory.
From 4pm on Tuesday, all non-essential travellers arriving at the Territory borders will be required to go through a police control checkpoint to verify their medical status and purpose of their travel into the Territory.
They will also be required to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival, with penalties for those who do not comply. The operational details of how the check points will operate are being worked through by Police.
All arrivals including Territory residents will be screened and, if deemed a non-essential visitor, would be told to quarantine themselves. Territory Police and the Public Health Unit will ensure compliance and help people access support where needed.
This means the Territory has joined Tasmania with some of the most secure borders in the country. This includes directing people to self-isolate for 14-days once they arrive.
Exemptions:
- People involved in National and State Security and Governance.
- Active Military personnel required to be on duty in the Territory while in the Territory.
- A member of the Commonwealth Parliament who is ordinarily resident in the Territory.
- Health service providers and personnel.
- Some transport, freight and logistics.
- Specialist skills critical to maintaining key industries or businesses or infrastructure.
- Emergency services.
- Other individuals or groups will be able to apply for an exemption to the Chief Health Officer, for instance visiting a terminally ill relative or medical grounds or interstate travel for essential medical treatment.
A pandemic clinic has opened at Katherine Hospital.
People who have symptoms and have had overseas travel or close contact with confirmed cases in the past 14 days need to call the TEHS Hotline 1800 008 002 to be triaged and make an appointment for testing if assessed as needing it.
Residents are advised to call ahead for an appointment and not just show up at the Katherine hospital.
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Chris McLennan
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
