The mood is Katherine is one of caution as an increase in tourist numbers stretches resources in the town amid the growing concerns over the Northern Territory's COVID-19 outbreak.
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Events such as the NAIDOC Week Festival and sports activity have been postponed and other events cancelled while Katherine continues to deal with the fallout of the outbreak, with Alice Springs joining Darwin in going into lockdown.
The town is also dealing with an increase in tourists on top of an already busy tourist season, and this has pushed local resources such as essential grocery store items and accommodation to the brink.
Member for Katherine Jo Hersey said there was plenty of caution in the region at present as they waited for further updates.
"It's not business as usual and people are apprehensive, and there is mixed messaging in what you can and can't do," she said.
"There are some events being postponed and there are a lot of tourists in town - it is very busy and people are offering up spaces for caravans to go.
"This has certainly put a lot of pressure on shops and the supermarket is struggling to keep food on the shelves."
She said it was important that people were vigilant and were checking in at sites, and "doing all the right things".
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While the situation is calling for caution, it has also helped local businesses, who are benefitting from the increase in tourists numbers.
"Everybody is doing what they can and I haven't heard of people being rude - people are mindful that there is only a limited number of staff," Ms Hersey said.
"Staff are wearing masks and some people are wearing masks in the street, in what is already a very busy tourist time of the year with all caravan parks full and accommodation full.
"Cafes are busy and the main street is absolutely busy, which is good for everybody's business."
Chamber of Commerce NT's regional manager for the Katherine region Colin Abbott said the situation called for caution, but he hoped there would be a positive flow-on effect.
"It is very cautious and there are people in need of accommodation, while the influx of people puts pressure on the supermarket and basic food items are sometimes difficult to get hold of, but compliments to Woolworths and their staff for their work in restocking the shelves," he said.
"Just walking around it appears cafes and restaurants are doing reasonably well and it is hoped the flow-on from all this is while people are staying in town longer they would be spending at other places in town.
"The situation does prevent people from Katherine and remote communities getting to Darwin, and it is a 'wait and see' right now."
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