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The town's lockdown has been extended until 6pm on Monday after nine new cases were announced on Tuesday and a Territory wide mask mandate will be in place until the same time.
Do you have a news tip? Are you open or closed? Has your event been cancelled or postponed? Send us the details at editor.kathtimes@austcommunitymedia.com.au
COVID-19 read more:
Exposure sites
Wurli-Wurlinjang Health Service's main clinic, the Katherine Pub and Captain Jack's Fish'n'chips have been listed as close contact sites in the wake of the town going back into lockdown for 72 hours.
Katherine Hospital and MacFarlane Primary School have also been added, with details pending.
Contact tracing has started for;
- The main clinic at Wurli-Wurlinjang at 25 Third Street between 10am and 11.45am on November 15
- Captain Jack's Fish'n'Chips between noon and 12.35pm on November 15
- Kirby's Pub at the Katherine Hotel between noon-4.30pm on November 12 as well as 10am and 6pm on November 10.
Anyone who was in these places at this time must register as a close contact and get tested for COVID-19. Both of these things can be done via the NT's COVID-19 website.
For the latest details on Katherine exposure sites check here
Lockdown extended to seven days
The lockdown has been extended for the Municipality of Katherine (including Tindal) until 6:00pm on Monday, 22 November.
The Robinson River lockdown has not been extended and is set to end on Thursday, 18 November.
This is in response to the rapidly evolving outbreak and to help contain the spread of COVID-19 across the community.
Mask mandate for the NT
From midday on Tuesday, a mask mandate will be in place across the NT until 6:00pm on Monday, 22 November.
This mandate aligns with current lockdown restrictions and is a preventative measure due to there being a gap in time between the positive cases of the two clusters.
Mask requirements include:
- Face masks must be worn outside of the home when you are unable to maintain a physical distance of 1.5 metres - this includes at places like the supermarket, shops, the hairdresser and on public transport.
- Workers who come into close contact with patrons, or who work in crowded environments will need to wear a mask.
- Patrons at restaurants, cafes and pubs must wear a mask unless eating or drinking.
You do not have to wear a mask during vigorous exercise.
COVID-19 testing
More than 1,200 COVID-19 tests were completed across the NT yesterday.
It is critical that anyone in the Territory who has symptoms gets tested for COVID-19 immediately to help identify any COVID-19 and contain any spread.
Symptoms include a cough, headache, fever, shortness of breath, diarrhoea, muscle aches, fatigue, change in taste or smell or a sore throat.
To arrange a COVID test please book online or contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 490 484, which will remain open until 10:00pm tonight.
The Katherine Drive-Through Testing Site is open until 6:30pm today and tomorrow. Bookings are preferred.
A walk-in COVID-19 testing site is now open at the Kathrine Community Centre on Second Street.
COVID-19 vaccination
It is critical all Territorians get the COVID-19 vaccine. You can book online or call the COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 490 484.
Capacity has been increased at the Katherine COVID-19 Vaccination Centre to manage any surge in demand. It is located at 19 Second Street at the Training Centre (old school site).
Mobile vaccination and testing will also be available in Katherine, inclusive of a door-to-door campaign, provided in partnership with local Aboriginal health organisations.
For more information visit coronavirus.nt.gov.au.
To reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading in our communities, it is important for everyone to follow all health directions and vaccinations for all those eligible.
- Book your COVID-19 vaccine
- Check in using The Territory Check In App every time, everywhere
- If you have symptoms, stay away from others and get tested for COVID-19
- Wash your hands with soap and water and use hand sanitiser regularly
- Do not go to work if you feel sick
- Maintain a physical distance of 1.5 metres where possible.
Wurli-Wurlinjang closed
The Wurli-Wurlinjang Aboriginal Health Service has closed all of its programs and services after it was named as a COVID-19 exposure site.
"Wurli is now closed for all programs and services including transport. All urgent health care must go to the Katherine Hospital. If you become unwell please go to the Hospital and get tested for COVID-19," the organisation said in a Facebook post.
"We will keep you updated on our services as more information becomes available. Please wear masks at all times as per the mask mandate."
Katherine Town Council closures
UPDATED: 10:30AM: A number of Katherine Town Council facilities are closed during the lockdown.
- Katherine Civic Centre
- Katherine Public Library
- Katherine Visitor Information Centre (KVIC)
- Katherine Waste Management Facility - closed to public.
- Katherine Aquatic Centre
- Katherine Sportsgrounds
- Katherine Showground
- Katherine Hot Springs
- Adventure Play Park
The Civic Centre will continue customer service via telephone (08 8972 5500) and email (records@ktc.nt.gov.au).
All events run by Katherine Town Council during the lockdown have been cancelled.
The KVIC can provide customer service via email (visitor@ktc.nt.gov.au). The council has asked to please only contact if your booking is during the lockdown period.
The council is running on reduced staffing based on essential officers only and have asked for patience.
Kerbside collection will continue as normal.
Closures will remain until the lockdown has been lifted.
Schools and childcare centres update
UPDATE: 9.54AM: An NT Government spokesperson has confirmed with the Katherine Times that schools and childcare centres in Katherine are open for the children of essential workers.
The spokesperson said Year 12 students are all welcome to attend school during the lockdown.
Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment - Northern Territory
Support is available if you can't earn an income because you have to isolate or quarantine, or are caring for someone with COVID-19.
Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment is a lump sum payment to help you during the 14 days you need to self-isolate, quarantine or care for someone. If you need longer term help, check to see what other payments you may be eligible using this payment guide.
You must be directed to self-isolate or quarantine by either:
- NT Health
- a person employed by a state or regional department of health.
Read more about who can get it.
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