The National Cabinet met again today to strengthen our response to the coronavirus outbreak.
The threat of coronavirus is real, it is serious, and, as we knew would eventually happen, it is now here in the Territory.
All Territorians should know their government is working around the clock to protect them from the health and economic impacts of this crisis.
National Cabinet will meet again on Tuesday. I will continue to keep Territorians informed of its deliberations and decisions.
And I will continue to take whatever action is necessary to protect Territorians – to save lives and to save jobs.
Remote Communities
The Territory Government has been leading the nation in our work to protect vulnerable remote communities from the impacts of the coronavirus.
We have already banned non-essential travel to remote communities.
Today, the National Cabinet has given in-principle agreement for the Commonwealth Biosecurity Act to be used to restrict travel into and out of remote communities.
I have confirmed with the Federal Government that all 76 remote communities in the NT which asked to be protected should have the Act applied to them, as requested by the Land Councils and the National Aboriginal and Community Controlled Health Organisations.
Exemptions will be made for medical emergencies, and the supply and maintenance of essential goods and services.
This adds a further layer of protection for our remote Indigenous communities. We will do whatever it takes to protect Territorians.
Indoor Gatherings
To help slow the spread of the coronavirus, and based on expert health advice, further national limits on indoor gatherings will be implemented.
In a given occupied space, there should be a density of no more than one person per four square metres of floor space.
These are difficult decisions, but their purpose is clear: to stop the spread and to save lives.
