'Don't jibber jabber" on getting the COVID-19 jab: Chief Minister

The message came as a stark warning was issued that there were fears the NT would record the first death from COVID before the end of the year.

As of Wednesday there were 19 cases of COVID-19 in the Territory in a cluster at Katherine and Robinson River.

"If you waited because you didn't think COVID would get here, it's here," Mr Gunner said,

"If you waited because you didn't think COVID was a serious virus, well you're wrong.

"This virus has killed 5.1 million people in the world. I fear it will take lives in the Territory before the year is out.

OTHER NEWS

"Please, please, don't let it be your life. The vaccine is your best defence."

Vaccination rates in some remote communities remains low despite concerted efforts to increase uptake with the roll-out hampered by social media

Mr Gunner said there was ample supply of vaccine in Territory for anybody wanting to get vaccinated.

"To borrow from Mr T. To show my age. Don't jibber jabber, get the jab," he said.

There had been an uptick in vaccinations in Katherine, with 95 done in the 24 hours to lunchtime on Wednesday.

"Thank you to everyone in Katherine who got the jab," he said.

"Welcome to team vaxxed. It may save your life. Thank you to everyone in Katherine - you are showing to the rest of Australia the best of us."

Katherine had been doing the heavy lifting for a long time and was a Territory powerhouse, Mr Gunner said.

"Tourism, defence, cattle, service delivery to big rivers, fishing, agribusiness - Katherine is a place that buzzes," he said

"People want to be in Katherine. We will get through this. We will not stop the Katherine buzz."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:

DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY?: Send letters to the editor or story tips to editor.kathtimes@austcommunitymedia.com.au