Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison told media on Monday that two remote communities in northeast Arnhem Land; Galiwin'ku, including all of Elcho Island, and Yirrkala would go into lockdown from 2pm today.

The lockdown for Galiwin'ku is expected to last for seven days, whereas Yirrkala's lockdown is set to last for 72 hours.

Ms Manison said the lockdown was called because of the growing number of cases in these remote communities and because of the complex health needs of the residents.

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Galiwin'ku has 19 active cases, with six people isolating in a hotel on the island.

Another 13 close contacts are also in isolation on the island.

"The vaccination rate there is slightly lower than other East Arnhem communities," Ms Manison said.

"We have many people there with complex needs."

Yirrkala has recorded two new COVID-19 cases as well as a positive wastewater result and will go into a 72-hour lockdown from 2pm today.

This means no one, regardless of their vaccination status, will be able to leave their homes except in certain circumstances, unlike a lockout.

This is the first time the NT Government has declared a lockdown since the Territory opened its borders to interstate travellers on December 20.

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