18 November 2021
The Territory Labor Government has unveiled Rapid Antigen Testing and Distribution points as travel restrictions come into effect for remote communities with vaccination rates below 70%.
Top End testing and distribution points will be located at the Royal Darwin Hospital Pandemic Clinic (open 8.30am to 4pm).
In Alice Springs, the Pandemic Coordination Centre will be located at 44 Bath Street (open 8am-4pm Monday to Friday).
Negative Rapid Antigen test results are required 72 hours or less for anyone who intends to travel to a remote community with a first dose vaccination rate below 70%.
Rapid Antigen Tests approved for use include the Abbott Panbio COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test Device and the Roche SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test.
Following completion of a Rapid Antigen Test at a testing and distribution point, a copy of the result will be sent via SMS or a printed copy can be collected if required. This can be used as proof of a negative test.
Rapid Antigen Tests can also be completed at home or at work. People are required to take a photo of their test result once complete.
If a positive test is recorded, the testing officer will contact NT Health to arrange further testing to verify the result.
Testing officers will be on site to provide support for people to complete rapid antigen tests and interpret results.
Katherine is presently in lockdown and residents are not permitted to leave unless they are an essential worker. Anyone who needs to leave Katherine to enter a low-vaccination community will be required to complete a PCR test and receive a negative result before travelling.
Workers who are required to frequently travel to remote communities can book-in to receive a weekly PCR test.
Businesses will be able to collect Rapid Antigen Tests from NT distribution centres for immediate use only.
Quotes from Health Minister Natasha Fyles:
“The Territory Labor Government has taken action to protect our most vulnerable communities from COVID-19 with appropriate public health measures.
“We know there are currently 30 remote communities in the Territory with a first dose rate below 70% and we are doing everything we can to lift these rates.
“Today we have seen four remote communities including Watarrka, Wallace Rockhole, Nyrripi and Ikuntji boost their first dose vaccination rates above 70% and we look forward to seeing more communities follow.
“This outbreak shows we can’t afford to be complacent when it comes to protecting our most vulnerable communities.”
