Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet
The NT Chief Health Officer has declared the Greater Metropolitan Sydney area of New South Wales as a COVID-19 Hotspot for the purposes of travel to the Northern Territory from 00:01am on 1 January 2021.
Anyone travelling to the Northern Territory who has been in a currently declared hotspot must undertake 14 days of mandatory, supervised quarantine at the Alice Springs or Howard Springs quarantine facilities at a cost of $2,500 per person.
Greater Metropolitan Melbourne is also being closely monitored. If you are intending to travel to the Northern Territory from a COVID-19 hotspot or an area being closely monitored, you are advised to rethink your plans.
If you are a Territorian intending to travel to a hotspot you are advised to rethink your plans.
The Chief Health Officer will continue to review and assess the COVID-19 situation in NSW, and will continue to closely monitor other jurisdictions, particularly Victoria, taking into account COVID-19 monitoring and data collection, the extent of community transmission and risks to the NT community.
The risk of COVID-19 in our communities cannot be eliminated which is why it is important for everyone to follow all health directions.
• If you have COVID-19 symptoms, do not travel. Make sure you get tested and stay at home.
• Maintain a physical distance of 1.5 metres at all times.
• Wash your hands with soap and water and use hand sanitiser regularly.
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue. Put your tissue in the bin straight away.
• Do not go to work if you feel sick.
• If you have symptoms, stay away from others and call a doctor or the NT COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 008 002.
To stay up to date with the latest information visit www.coronavirus.nt.gov.au
Quotes attributable to NT Chief Health Officer Dr Hugh Heggie
“This is about protecting the health and safety of Territorians. The decisions we make in the coming days will be critical.
“These are not easy decisions to make, but from the learnings we have had we know we need to declare hotspots early, and we will continue to do so as required.
“This cluster of cases in NSW is a reminder to us all not to become complacent about this virus. We all know what to do. Please continue to follow my advice on how to protect yourselves and others, and please get tested if you have any symptoms.”
“We have a proven track record of doing the right thing in the Territory. I ask everyone to follow COVID-safe practices as they attend New Year celebrations tonight.”
