The new cases follow on from significant COVID-19 testing undertaken in the community yesterday and repeated positive wastewater results.
The Binjari community – which is located within the Katherine lockdown area – will now enter into a hard lockdown.
The neighbouring Rockhole community of about 130 people, will also go into a hard lockdown on advice of significant mingling between the communities.
This means that residents must remain in their home and within their yard and only leave for medical reasons or in case of an emergency. This is to limit any movement and reduce the spread of COVID-19. Food and essential items will be provided to the community tonight.
Additional staff will join the Rapid Assessment Team immediately to increase our resources on the ground.
The nine new cases include:
31-year-old male who is a known close contact39-year-old female17-year-old male78-year-old female who reported to Katherine Hospital with symptoms. She is being transferred to Royal Darwin Hospital tonight. 23-year-old female 18-year-old male45-year-old male21-year-old male38-year-old female.
Significant work will be undertaken overnight and more updates on the evolving COVID-19 situation in Binjari will be provided in the morning.
It is critical that anyone in the Territory who has symptoms gets tested for COVID-19 immediately to help prevent the spread of the virus.
To arrange a COVID-19 test please book online here
