Katherine's Chamber of Commerce Regional Manager Colin Abbott said the news that Katherine will likely be in either a lockdown or lockout until at least December 4 was a blow to local business.

"It's [the lockdown] having an impact on businesses simply from losing foot traffic," Mr Abbott said.

"When you have shorter periods of time it gives businesses a chance to take a deep breath and catch up and get things done.

"But when it gets pushed beyond a certain point, with customers not coming through the doors, it's going to have a major impact on some businesses.

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"The longer the lockdown goes, the harder it is going to be."

Mr Abbott said businesses will be appreciative when Katherine is able to move into a lockout, as opposed to a lockdown, and then on to no restrictions.

During a lockout, fully vaccinated people are able to move through the community and businesses are allowed to open given they check the vaccination status of their customers.

People in Katherine understand the need for the current shutdown but are keen to move on as soon as possible.

"If it's an option between a lockdown and a lockout, they will obviously choose lockout," he said.

Despite the blow to businesses, Mr Abbott commended the efforts of the frontline health workers and the community during the lockdown.

"We went out for a test because we are in East Side. We had a booking and had to queue up for two and a half hours," he said.

"But, that's nothing more than an indication that people are really trying to comply.

"I would like to compliment the health staff out there doing a blinder of a job. It's really gratifying that there are people out there working so hard trying to support the community."

Chief Minister Michael Gunner announced last week that businesses impacted by the lockdowns are able to apply for a one-off $1000 support payment funded by the federal government.

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