There were 550 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the Northern Territory until 8pm on 12 January 2022. Of these, 214 were positive cases from a Rapid Antigen Test.
This takes the number of active cases in the NT to approximately 3,000.
There are currently 24 patients in hospital, with 18 classified as acute hospital admissions, including one patient in ICU.
2,594 COVID-19 PCR tests were processed across the NT yesterday.
Amoonguna to enter lockout
Amoonguna will enter a lockout from midday today for at least five days to help control the spread of COVID-19. There are currently 16 cases of COVID-19 in Amoonguna.
In a lockout, those people who are fully vaccinated are able to live normally and access all services with proof of their vaccination status.
Those who are unvaccinated, including people who have received only their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, must stay at home for the lockout period and are only permitted to leave for the following reasons:
- Medical treatment, including COVID testing or vaccination
- For essential goods and services, like groceries, power tokens and medications
- For one hour of outdoor exercise a day within 5 km of your home with one other person or people from your house
- To provide care and support to a family member or person who cannot support themselves. In case of an emergency.
The lockout for Yuendumu and Yuelamu remains in place until at least midday, Saturday 15 January 2022.
Public health measures
To slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community and reduce the rate of transmission, the following public health measures are in place across the Northern Territory:
- The Territory Vaccine Pass requires all people in the Northern Territory to show proof of their vaccination status to attend a range of businesses, venues, places and events.
- A Territory-wide indoor mask mandate.
- A lockout in Yuendumu, Yuelamu and Amoonguna.
Changes to NT COVID-19 testing regime
From today, the use of Rapid Antigen Testing will be expanded to make sure testing can be undertaken quickly and results are provided as soon as possible.
The NT COVID-19 testing procedure is to use a Rapid Antigen Test to confirm a positive diagnosis of COVID-19.
PCR tests will no longer be required to validate a Rapid Antigen Test result and will only be used if clinically required or requested by an authorised officer.
It is now mandatory for people who test positive for COVID-19 with a Rapid Antigen Test to register their result online using the Rapid Antigen Test Declaration Form.
Those people who live in a remote area or need assistance with translations or online registration can call the COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 490 484.
The requirements to exit isolation for COVID positive people have also been updated. A COVID-19 test is no longer required to exit isolation.
Fully vaccinated people
- If you have no symptoms you can leave isolation at 12 noon on Day 7.
- If you have symptoms you should remain in isolation until your symptoms subside or for up to 10 days.
Unvaccinated people
If you are unvaccinated against COVID-19 and receive a positive test result, you must immediately isolate for 10 days. You can leave isolation at 12 noon on Day 10.
All close contacts are now required to take a Rapid Antigen Test within the first three days of isolation, instead of a PCR test.
COVID-19 testing
Everyone should get tested for COVID-19 if showing symptoms such as a cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches, change in taste or smell and a sore throat.
A number of NT Rapid Antigen Testing and Distribution Points have been established. Individuals can collect RATs for free from NT distribution centres located in Darwin, Katherine, Nhulunbuy, Alice Springs and Tennant Creek.
It is critical all people check-in using The Territory Check In App everywhere, every time, no matter how long you are there for.
To reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading in our communities, it is important for everyone to follow all the health directions.
- Book your COVID-19 vaccine
- Check in using The Territory Check In App every time, everywhere
- If you have symptoms, stay away from others and get tested for COVID-19
- Wash your hands with soap and water and use hand sanitiser regularly
- Do not go to work if you feel sick
- Maintain a physical distance of 1.5 metres where possible.
