NT Covid update 3 January

There were 58 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the Northern Territory between 8am yesterday and 8pm last night.

The Northern Territory has moved to a new 24-hour reporting period – where 8pm on the night before the issue of the daily media release will be the cut off.

Previously 8am on the day releases were issued was the cut-off.

The change has been made due to larger case numbers and the extra work this has created for contact tracing and case validation.

Below is a breakdown of the 58 cases:

  • 20 cases are interstate or international arrivals
  • 17 cases are close contacts of previous cases
  • There are two cases of community transmission
  • 19 cases require further investigation to identify the source, but a number are already suspected of being related to community transmission.

There were no new cases reported in either Jabiru or Nhulunbuy.

There were cases recorded in in the greater Darwin area, Alice Springs, Katherine and Tennant Creek.

  • Two news cases in Alice Springs are known close contacts of interstate travellers.
  • Two new cases are in Tennant Creek. The source is being investigated.
  • Seven new cases in Katherine. Six are known close contacts of previous cases in the Warlpiri camp and Binjari community. The seventh is a Katherine Hospital healthcare worker discovered by routine work screening who likely acquired their infection from a patient at the hospital.
  • All other cases are thought to be in the greater Darwin area.

New public exposure sites in the NT have been identified and are now available on the NT COVID-19 website.

There are currently 21 people with COVID-19 in hospital, but only four are classified as acute hospital admissions. There are 13 patients in Alice Springs Hospital, four patients in Tennant Creek Hospital and four patients in Royal Darwin Hospital. No COVID-19 patients are in ICU.

2,135 COVID-19 tests were processed across the NT yesterday.

It is important all Territorians and visitors get tested for COVID-19 if showing any symptoms such as a cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches, change in taste or smell and a sore throat.

COVID-19 testing sites are open in Nhulunbuy, Katherine, Darwin, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs. Testing is also available at NT Health clinics in remote communities.

To arrange a COVID-19 test please book online or contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 490 484.

An indoor mask wearing mandate is in place in the Northern Territory. Everyone must wear a mask while inside any premises, vehicle or vessel where they cannot maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from other people. This includes pubs, clubs, restaurants, shopping centres, hairdressers, workplaces, public transport, taxi cabs, ride share and indoor boat cruises.

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.

/Public Release. View in full here.