The Territory Labor Government is extending its Public Health Emergency for an additional 90 days under the Public and Environmental Health Act 2011.
Over the last two years, the declaration has enabled the Chief Health Officer to issue Directions to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep Territorians safe from the virus.
In this month’s Sittings, the Territory Labor Government will introduce a Bill to make amendments to the Act which will provide transitional powers to the Chief Health Officer to manage a pandemic emergency for a period of up to two years following the revocation of the emergency declaration.
This will allow the Territory to cease the public health emergency, whilst retaining the ability to respond appropriately to COVID-19 and its recurring variants, with adequate public health measures for up to two years.
This Bill recognises the hard work and cooperation of all Territorians over the last two years.
It also reassures the community that the Territory Labor Government will continue to act on the best health advice and make timely and necessary decisions to serve the public health interests of all Territorians.
In addition, the Territory Labor Government is beginning to transition out of arrangements with the Alice Springs Quarantine Facility, with operations to cease on 11 May 2022.
The decision will see the return of 100 rooms to the pool of local accommodation, which will support tourism in Central Australia.
More than 3,800 individuals have completed their quarantine at the facility, and the Government is making preparations for winding down quarantine services, including ensuring appropriate accommodation is available to people who need to isolate with COVID.
Quarantine facility staff are being briefed and supported with alternative employment opportunities.
Quotes from Minister for Health Natasha Fyles:
“In the past, public health emergencies have consisted mostly of natural disasters such as cyclones and floods and lasted five days – but due to the severity of the pandemic, the Territory Labor Government extended the Act for the declaration to last for a period of 90 days.
“The Territory’s CHO Directions have continued to keep the community safe throughout the pandemic and we thank Territorians for their cooperation over a very difficult and challenging few years.
“Now we are living with more freedom and personal responsibility, but we must still have measures in place to act quickly to protect Territorians in the event that we need to.”
