This follows on from Regional Victoria going into lockdown on August 21 after a growing number of COVID-19 cases were recorded in Shepparton. This means that all of Victoria will now be in lockdown and will be a hotspot for the purpose of travel to the Northern Territory.

Airports in Victoria are not considered to be hotspots and are able to be transited through.

Strict new border controls are now in place for all people travelling to the NT from a declared hotspot or public exposure site. The border controls prohibit entry into the NT unless you are a returning resident, or have obtained prior approval to enter.

Those people with an approved exemption to travel, who have been in Regional Victoria in the past 14 days, and arrive in the Northern Territory after 2pm today, will be required to undertake 14 days of mandatory supervised quarantine at the Alice Springs or Howard Springs quarantine facilities.

It is also very important that if you have symptoms, you get tested for COVID-19. Book your COVID-19 test online at https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/ or contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 490 484.

The Chief Health Officer will continue to review and assess the COVID-19 situation across Australia, and will take into account COVID-19 monitoring and data collection, the extent of community transmission and risks to the NT community.

The Chief Health Officer has declared the City of Greater Shepparton Local Government Area a hotspot for the purposes of travel to the Northern Territory, effective from 5pm on 20 August 2021.

This follows a number of positive cases being recorded in Greater Shepparton on August 20.

At this stage, this is a mystery case and Victorian health authorities are concerned. In addition, positive wastewater samples have been returned from the area.

Those people with an approved exemption to travel, who have been in the City of Greater Shepparton Local Government Area in the past 14 days, and arrive in the Northern Territory after 5.00pm on August 20, will be required to undertake 14 days of mandatory supervised quarantine at the Alice Springs or Howard Springs quarantine facilities.

A test and isolate direction is now in place for people who have travelled to the Northern Territory from the City of Greater Shepparton or the town of Lakes Entrance since 8 August.

Anyone who has travelled from these areas to the Northern Territory will be required to get a COVID-19 test and remain in self-isolation until a negative test is returned.

To book a COVID-19 test, book online at https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/ or contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 490 484.

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

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